On 22 May 2023, on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity, the “Responsible for Sevan” exhibition and a joint field trip to the Gegharkunik region was organised within the framework of the “Environmental Protection of Lake Sevan” (EU4Sevan) project, which is co-financed by the European Union and the German government. 

At the launch of the event the UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili emphasized the importance of development a management plan for "Sevan" National Park and the existing environmental problems at the Lake Sevan basin. “This field visit not only provides an opportunity to observe the current state and the on-ground activities of the Sevan National Park management planning, but also serves as an opportunity to discuss the existing problems and challenges on the way of Sevan National Park Management plan development and implementation”-she said.

The “Responsible for Sevan” exhibition was followed by the field visit to “Norashen” Nature Reserve where UNDP, implementing the EU4Sevan project 5th component, presented an overview of innovative solutions and scientifically backed management approaches of the Sevan National Park Management Plan development. 

The event was attended by the Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia H.E. Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, RA Minister of Environment Hakob Simidyan, Head of the Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Armenia Frank Hess, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili, GIZ Armenia Country Director Madeleine Rauschenberger, Governor of Gegharkunik Region Mr. Karen Sargsyan, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Armenia Erik Tintrup, representatives of the public and private sectors of Gegharkunik region, as well as other officials, stakeholders, and community residents.

The “Responsible Sevan IV” event and field trip gave the opportunity for the involve parties to meet, discuss new ideas, and results achieved and enhance cooperation.

The “Environmental Protection of Lake Sevan” (EU4Sevan) project is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is part of the EU Action “EU4 Energy Efficiency and Environment,” and of the BMZ-funded programme “Management of natural resources and safeguarding of ecosystem services for sustainable rural development in the South Caucasus (ECOserve).” The project is implemented by GIZ and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).