“Green skills for youth” workshop gathers young inhabitants of Lori region to discuss climate change challenges in Armenia and around the globe

On November 19, “Green Skills for Youth” workshop took place in Lori region. The event aimed to raise awareness of climate change among the young inhabitants of the region and their schoolteachers, introduce possible measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation, discuss the set of personal and professional skills necessary to work in the sustainable development domain and encourage engagement of young people in sustainable projects. The event was held in the frame of the UNDP-GCF Armenia՛ս National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project with the support of Lori Regional Administration and COAF SMART Center.

In his speech Rafayel Harutyunyan, Head of Department of Education, Culture and Sport of Lori Regional Administration, welcomed the event, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness on climate change risks particularly among the youth, developing their “green” skills as well as encouraging their active participation in the life of the community.

During the event, thirty-five school children and faculty members from Vanadzor, Stepanavan, Tashir, Tumanyan, Dsegh, Pambak and Debed had the opportunity to get acquainted with climate change risks and vulnerabilities, as well as energy efficiency and green technologies, discuss possible solution for adaptation, and explore new professions emerging on the labor market in the field of sustainable development.

“Raising awareness on climate change to ensure a clear understanding of the risks and challenges it presents is an essential part of climate change adaptation process. Nowadays young people are getting more engaged in the life of their communities. With the proper support and education, they can play a major role in helping understand and voice issues our communities struggle with, as well as develop solutions to solve them”, said Gohar Hovhannisyan UNDP-GCF Armenia National Adaptation Plan project manager, adding that Armenia is among the countries vulnerable to climate change and a development of a national adaptation plan is essential to ensure resilience and sustainable growth of the country.

The event was kicked off with a blitz survey, followed by practical team works, during which young participants developed solutions aimed at addressing issues in the fields of water resources management, agriculture, energy, tourism and settlements.  Winners in "Best Innovative Solution", "Best Solution for Climate Change Adaptation" and "Best Solution for Climate Change Mitigation" categories were selected by the jury based on their presentations. All participants of the event received certificates and gifts.

“During 15 years of operation COAF charitable foundation has prioritized the provision of comprehensive development opportunities to children and their families living in rural areas. Through the “SMART Citizenship” curriculum now available at COAF SMART Center we try to develop citizens with a high level of awareness of global as well as local issues, who among others will value the development of green skills”, noted Krist Marukyan Operations Manager of COAF SMART Center.