MoU Signed between AUA and RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure

2 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia – On July 24, 2019, the American University of Armenia (AUA) and the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a database of solid household waste generated and accumulated in Armenia. The Memorandum was signed by the Deputy Minister Vache Terteryan, AUA President Dr. Karin Markides, and AUA Acopian Center’s Director Alen Amirkhanian.

This pilot project aims to map community waste generation quantities and dumpsites in all the communities of Armenia outside of Yerevan. The database will include information on dumpsite locations and document their characteristics, all of which will enable better planning, coordination and optimization of waste management. The database will also serve as a quality assurance tool for other waste management projects that MTAI may design and implement in the future. 

During the signing ceremony, the Deputy Minister Vache Terteryan attached significant importance to the role and academic potential of AUA in applying best international practices in developing projects for waste management, hoping that this MoU will lay the foundation for future cooperation between MTAI and AUA. AUA President Dr. Markides remarked that the application of international practices in waste management will contribute to reaching positive outcomes in this important initiative. 

The project is led by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, which has been actively involved in research, policy development, and mapping of projects related to waste management in Armenia. “We are engaging some of the best national and international experts in our waste-related work. The Ministry [of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure] has been a committed partner and open to tapping into our university’s capacity,” says Alen Amirkhanian, AUA Acopian Center’s Director.    

The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia, promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity and conservation, greening the built environment, clean energy, and energy efficiency, as well as information technology and the environment.

Media Coverage

[News.am] MoU Signed between AUA and RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure