Events Related to the Kyoto Protocol Entry Into Force

On the occasion of the entry in force of the Kyoto Protocol the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia with the support of the EC "Technical Assistance to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova with Respect to their Global Climate Change Commitments" Regional Programme and UNDP office in Armenia organized a round table session on February 16, 2005.

The Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia and Designated National Authority for the CDM under the Kyoto Protocol, Mr. Vardan Ayvazyan delivered the opening address to the participants of the round table. In his speech Mr. Ayvazyan stressed the importance of the Protocol as an international tool for addressing the problem of Climate Change and underlined perspectives and potential benefits for Armenia's participation in the Protocol as a Non-Annex I country.

The representatives of key ministries and agencies as well as various stakeholders participated in the event to assess their possible involvement in the CDM activities and express their willingness for cooperation in CDM projects development and realization.

The Head of Environmental Protection Department and UNFCCC Focal Point Mr. Aram Gabrielyan held a presentation on the practical aspects of the Kyoto Protocol and the application of the CDM in Armenia.

At the end of the meeting Mr. Ayvazyan signed a letter of approval for "Nubarashen Landfill Gas Capture and Power Generation Project in Yerevan" CDM project activity developed by Shimizu Corporation in cooperation with the Municipality of Yerevan City.