Armenia: Reducing the risk of disaster

"At this age I am left without shelter"
 

For years, the people of Sipanik expanded the area of land under cultivation in an attempt to grow more food. But each time, the Hrazdan River thwarted the efforts of this small, remote community, situated in one of the most disaster-prone areas of Armenia. It swelled and flooded their crops, and the people had to start over once more.

"Over the past 72 years I witnessed hundreds of natural disasters that have not only smashed roads, houses, and crops, but also gradually diminished our hope for a better life," said Hovhannes Arakelyan, a resident of Sipanik.

"I always thought that we must be prepared for the next time, rather than act after disaster knocks at our door."

Recycling takes hold in Armenia

See more photos from Armenia's recycling initiative

YEREVAN, Armenia – 13 July, 2012 – "Finally, we can separate plastic material from garbage and sell it," says head of the Communal Services Department in the town of Hrazdan, Shota Khachatryan. "This means additional income for the municipality, and now less garbage goes to the landfill, which helps reduce air pollution from burning plastic."

From disaster relief to risk reduction

YEREVAN, Armenia, 30 November 2011 –Armenia is prone to natural disasters. Eight out of every 10 persons in the country face the probability of experiencing a natural disaster such as an earthquake, landslide or flooding. The country incurs $33 million in damage from such disasters every year. But thanks to recent efforts, Armenia has shifted from reactive relief to proactive risk reduction.

Cutting out the middle-person: social media in the education sector

YEREVAN, Armenia – 7 July, 2011 – While the Ministry of Education and Science in Armenia embarks on an ambitious programme of reforms, UNDP looks at the Government’s new approaches to engaging with stakeholders and its pursuit of sustainable development of the education sector. Exclusive interview with the Minister of Education and Science in Armenia.

ARMENIA: EU advisors support the country’s ambitious reform agenda

YEREVAN, Armenia – 26 October 2010 – EU advisors in Armenia have contributed to strengthening national capacities and building capable institutions, advancing the Government’s ambitious reform agenda. UNDP is providing operational and strategic support to the partnership of the Government of Armenia and the EU Advisory Group, which providing policy advice on its reform agenda – as part of implementing the European Neighbourhood Policy.

Migration Presents Challenges and Opportunities for Armenia New Report Says

Yerevan, Armenia, 12 May 2010 – Armenia’s migration policies should be built on a human development framework, a new report says. The 2009 National Human Development Report advocates for migration policies that contribute to the country’s long-term social and economic development. Read: 2009 NHDR Migration and Human Development: Opportunities and Challenges Read: 2009 NHDR Migration and Human Development: Opportunities and Challenges (Armenian)

Unemployment Reduced by Job Training in Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia, 28 April 2010- More than 400 people are expected to benefit from a job training initiative in Armenia, thanks to a new agreement between the Government of Armenia and UNDP Armenia. The project builds on an earlier vocational training programme, which found jobs for 75 percent of its participants.

Armenians Wait for Better Times as Global Slowdown Hits Home

Moscow, Russia, 1 August 2009-Vera Mkrtumyan is going the extra distance because of the global financial crisis, commuting six hours a day in search of better pay. Meanwhile, her family waits, hoping to return to Armenia but stuck in Russia until better times arrive. “Money is needed everywhere …to get new professions, to smart small businesses,” Mrs. Mkrtumyan said.

Armenia Hit By Economic Crisis

Yerevan, Armenia, May 2009-The Armenian economy continues to spiral due to the global economic crisis, with an estimated 63,000 people in danger of falling into poverty this year. Tax shortfalls, less money sent home from those working abroad and a stalled market for exports are all contributing to the ebbing economy. According to the United Nations Development Programme, the economic problems threaten to undo gains in poverty reduction in Armenia in the last decade. Video: UNDP and the Financial Crisis

Hitting the Right Notes in Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia, April 2009-Development work is sounding a new tune in Armenia, one played by the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia. Since 2007, the Chamber Orchestra has played concerts in six cities in several provinces to bring attention to culturally isolated and impoverished parts of Armenia. The next concert is scheduled for 5 May.

Shaken, Armenia Applies Past Earthquake Lessons to Future