Improving Water Reservoir Management Capabilities for Climate Risk Resilience

March 16, 2026

Five panelists sit at a conference table with nameplates and microphones. — At the opening of the workshop.

UNDP in Armenia

On 11 March, UNDP in Armenia, within the framework of the “Improving Water Reservoir Management Capabilities for Climate Risk Resilience” project, funded by the Government of Japan, convened a workshop bringing together representatives of the Embassy of Japan to Armenia, government institutions, Aparan, Ashtarak, Tashir and Masis community administrations, CSOs and academia. 
 

The project strengthened climate-resilient reservoir management for the targeted Aparan, Azat and Metsavan reservoirs, by installing modern hydrometeorological monitoring systems, introducing a country-wide numerical weather prediction capability, conducting geophysical dam safety assessments, and developing GIS-based hazard and inundation maps. It also enhanced early warning and preparedness through updated community DRM plans, installation of siren and structural monitoring systems, development of emergency preparedness plans and training curricula, implementation of the EW4ALL national assessment and roadmap, and deployment of solar power systems to ensure resilient, low-carbon operation of critical reservoir infrastructure.

In her opening remarks UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Ms. Natia Natsvlishvili praised the workshop as the right platform for presentation of results, dialogue, learning and strengthening the cooperation that allow delivered systems to function effectively in practice. She thanked the Government of Japan for the generous financial support, which has enabled tangible results through the UNDP Climate Promise and other joint initiatives over the past years.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan to Armenia Ms. Yoko Anazawa commended the work done by UNDP and the Government of Armenia towards climate change adaptation and mitigation. She was pleased to acknowledge that the Japanese professional expertise was also utilized.

The Chairman of the MTAI Water Committee Mr. Aramazd Ghalamkaryan highlighted the critical importance of the dam safety monitoring equipment and geophysical assessments delivered within the ongoing and past UNDP projects funded by Japan.

Director of the MoE “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNCO Mr. Levon Azizyan noted that in the context of aging infrastructures and arising climate risks the delivered hydrological and weather forecast systems are crucial not only for water resources management, but also for ensuring the safety of the downstream populations.

During the working sessions, participants discussed how forecasting, risk modeling, and emergency preparedness tools can be translated into practical early action and community-level disaster preparedness, strengthening Armenia’s capacity to anticipate and manage climate-related water risks.

The workshop concluded with a scenario-based simulation exercise to test coordination and the practical application of the presented systems and response mechanisms.