This significant event was implemented within the framework of the EU4Sevan program, co-organized by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. Opening remarks were delivered by:

• Aram Meimaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment,
• Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Armenia,
• Erik Tintrup, Chargé d'affaires of the Federal Republic of Germany in Armenia.

“The implementation of this program has helped us identify the potential of Lake Sevan and align the various agendas and visions surrounding it. Our priority has not only been to ensure the sequence of steps outlined in the program but also to achieve meaningful outcomes in protecting the lake’s environment and to comprehensively reform the sector.
We have already done considerable work, and much more is planned. I would particularly highlight the management of environmental data, which is crucial for understanding the lake’s ecological status and serves as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making,” noted the Deputy Minister in his speech.

The summit is set to become an essential platform for discussing the strategic challenges facing one of Armenia's most valuable natural resources—Lake Sevan.

Prior to the summit, two pre-summit meetings were held with key stakeholders and beneficiaries to draw conclusions and formulate proposals on various issues.

Participants took part in comprehensive panel discussions covering vital topics such as:

• Wastewater treatment,
• Sustainable agriculture,
• Environmental monitoring and data management,
• Cross-sectoral cooperation.

The summit’s honored guest was Dr. Karsten Rinke, Head of the Department of Lake Research at Germany’s Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). He delivered a keynote speech titled:
“The Water Tower of Armenia: The Importance, Beauty, and Fragility of Lake Sevan.”

Guests also had the opportunity to explore an exhibition featuring initiatives from the public and private sectors, NGOs, and academic institutions—each presenting ideas and proposals aimed at the preservation and restoration of Lake Sevan.

The event concluded with an award ceremony, where individuals were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their exceptional and innovative contributions to the protection of Lake Sevan.

This summit marks a crucial step in highlighting the collective efforts and commitment toward ensuring the sustainable future of the lake.

The EU4Sevan program is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as part of the ECOserve program and by the UNDP.


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