Republican Party of Armenia

 Chaired by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the National Council on Sustainable Development held a regular meeting at the Office of Government.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandyan and Minister of Environmental Protection Aram Haroutunyan reported back the activities carried out in preparation for the Rio +20 World Summit in Rio de Janeiro. In particular, the meeting took note of the National Coordinating Committee’s statement on the status of Rio +20 national evaluation report.

Thematic working groups and exports were said to have been involved in the document drafting process. Public hearings and debates have been held involving NGOs and civil society representatives. As a result, a comprehensive national report is out covering ways and prospects for sustainable development in Armenia.

Council Secretary Karine Danielyan presented the Rio +20 national evaluation report which details the campaigns aimed at ensuring sustainable development in the last decade, government agencies, civil society and the project of Green Economics.

Reference is made of Armenia’s main achievements in this field, as well as global, regional and national challenges. A number of questions were raised in connection with the problems highlighted in the document. The Council approved the draft report and instructed to finalize it, account taken of the proposals and recommendations voiced at the meeting.

The speakers referred to the draft law on genetically modified organisms (GTSO), which lays down the basic principles of bio-safety in our country. Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan suggested holding a follow-up consultation to discuss those issues raised by the Council members.

In conclusion, the meeting discussed organizational items relating to Armenia’s participation in the Rio +20 World Summit.