Today, within the framework of UNDP Climate Promise project, a workshop “The economic, social and environmental impacts of the implementation of Long-term low-emission development strategy (LT-LEDS)" was held.

The event brought together participants from state authorities, in particular, the Ministries of Environment, Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Economy, RA Statistical Committee, non-governmental organizations and UNDP in Armenia office.

The main objective of the workshop was to present the results of the study of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the implementation of LT-LEDS, including the results obtained through designing an appropriate econometric model. The study was conducted by Avenue consulting company.

In his opening speech Artak Baghdasaryan, the Head of UNDP Climate Promise project, emphasized the importance of the study, mentioning.

"Besides the development of policies, it is also important to implement them effectively, and UNDP will try to provide an analytical basis for decision-making throughout the implementation of LT-LEDS. Therefore, until 2050, the need for such researches will be in continuous demand."

This is the first developed product to assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of the measures included in LT-LEDS. For the assessment, an econometric model was applied, which is not for one-time usage and will be used for new analyses, meanwhile becoming more enhanced, modified and improved.

Karen Martirosyan, the Director of Avenue Consulting Company, briefly presented the thematic content of the study, extending his thankfulness to UNDP in Armenia team for effective cooperation and useful discussions.

Vram Tevosyan (Head of Expert Team) and Alexander Grigoryan (Expert) presented the assessment results, particularly in the spheres of energy, transport, energy saving and energy efficiency in buildings, industrial processes, agriculture, forestry and waste management. The econometric model used for the assessment was also presented, focusing on its structure, selected variables, impact directions, as well as the main conclusions.

An active discussion was raised by the participants of the event, exchanging views on the further application of the econometric tool.

Diana Harutyunyan, the Head of UNDP Climate Change Programme, highly appreciated the results of the study and expressed hope for the effective implementation of LT-LEDS.

The “Climate Promise Armenia - From Pledge to Impact” project is set to contribute to filling the gap in transforming the updated NDC targets into tangible actions that lead to long term low emission and climate-resilient development. It will create a solid base for the development and implementation of set objectives under updated NDC 2021-2030 and will help to formulate the next enhanced NDC. The overall goal of the Project is to support the country turning its pledge into action toward climate resilient and sustainable development pathways by contributing to climate change mitigation and the development towards a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy in line with Paris Agreement in Armenia.

Assessment of economic, social and environment benefits of LT-LEDS- presentation