Economic development officers and other senior local officials from 38 local authorities across Armenia participated in workshops organised by the Council of Europe’s Centre of Expertise for Good Governance (CEGG) in Vanadzor, Yerevan, and Tsapatagh between 12-14 September 2023.
Acknowledging the impacts of policy making on communities and the environment now and in the future, participants worked towards the development of feasibility studies for exciting new project proposals to support intermunicipal and cross-border cooperation.
Among the ideas that emerged in the workshops included a proposal to address the impacts of mining and dust pollution by planting a sustainable forest on municipal grounds that would also mitigate the effects of climate change and offer a recreational and educational resource for local people. Other participants indicated their intention to develop rural transportation projects to address the needs of remote or disadvantaged inhabitants; promote educational opportunities across neighbouring communities; or develop intermunicipal nature trails.
The workshops were organised in the context of the Democratic Development, Decentralisation and Good Governance in Armenia – Phase II (DDDGGA) project, implemented in the context of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia with funding from Austrian Development Cooperation.
Participants will now return to their communities and, involving relevant local stakeholders, will develop proposals for feasibility studies to be financed through a small grant under the DDDGGA project. Up to ten feasibility study proposals will receive funding from the Council of Europe to enable these Armenian local authorities to gather evidence and support the elaboration of a more substantive project proposal.
Good administration at local level is responsive to the needs of local people and aims to deliver high-quality public services and economic and social wellbeing. Evidence-based policymaking will enable local authorities in Armenia to understand future requirements and demonstrate progress made.
