BLEJAN NGO has been selected by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Sustainable Caucasus as a partner organization to implement a pilot project in the Gavar community aimed at climate adaptation. Key criteria for this selection included Gavar’s geographic and climatic characteristics—located at nearly 2000 meters above sea level, the town has recently experienced hot summers, abrupt weather changes, and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The project is therefore expected to contribute to shaping the city’s microclimate and mitigating related public health issues.
Another important factor is that Gavar joined the Covenant of Mayors in 2017 and has since developed an Action Plan for Sustainable Energy and Climate (SECAP), outlining commitments to sustainable energy development and climate protection.
On May 23, Gavar community leader Gurgen Martirosyan hosted a meeting with representatives of the nature-based park initiative, which is to be developed in the area known as “Jacques Boulevard.”
To further inform the public about the project, awareness meetings were held at the Gavar Municipality and the Gavar City Library with the participation of local NGOs, municipal council members, representatives from the municipality, educational and cultural institutions, and subject-matter experts.
During the meetings, the implementing partners presented the vision for the park. Participants included Mariam Devizé from UNEP (Georgia), Ansgar Fellendorf from Austria, Marine Matosyan, Armenia Country Lead for the Sustainable Caucasus Programme, Ani Ghukasyan from the Climate Policy Department of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, Lianna Asoyan, President of BLEJAN NGO, and representatives of the Gavar Municipality.
According to the project, the creation of a nature-based park in the Gavar community will contribute to biodiversity conservation and the improvement of the local environment. The park will not only help strengthen the community’s climate resilience but also serve as a recreational and leisure space for residents, promoting a healthy lifestyle and community well-being.
