AUA Acopian Center and Sevan Municipality Sign Memorandum of Understanding

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YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) and the Sevan Municipality in Gegharkunik Province have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) as part of the Waste Policy Armenia (WPA) Program, a four-year initiative funded by Sweden and being implemented by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. This agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing waste management practices in Sevan, with a focus on introducing a source separation system to improve waste sorting and environmental sustainability.

Through this MoU, the AUA Acopian Center and Sevan Municipality commit to collaborating on the Sevan Waste Sorting project, which aims to implement a structured waste separation system in the town. Sevan Municipality, home to over 26,000 residents, is dedicated to enhancing its waste handling system, while the Acopian Center for the Environment, brings expertise in environmental research, outreach, and capacity-building programs.

Under the MoU, the Center will provide technical assistance and training to Sevan Municipality staff, develop an operational plan based on Swedish best practices, and facilitate an international study visit for municipal representatives. Acopian Center will also conduct public awareness campaigns, oversee the procurement of waste sorting equipment, and assist in establishing partnerships with waste recyclers to strengthen the waste management value chain.

Sevan Municipality, as the principal partner and beneficiary, will integrate a dedicated institutional function for source separation, assign personnel to oversee the system, and ensure the proper use and maintenance of the provided equipment for at least eight years. The municipality will also be responsible for setting up the necessary infrastructure, organizing sorting bin sites, and fostering community engagement to encourage public participation in waste sorting.

This collaboration between AUA Acopian Center and Sevan Municipality represents a crucial step in improving waste governance in Armenia. By leveraging AUA’s expertise and Sevan Municipality’s commitment, the initiative aims to create a more sustainable waste management system that serves as a model for other communities across the country.

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

The Swedish-funded Waste Policy Armenia” program is implemented by the Acopian Center for the Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment of Armenia and the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia. https://ace.aua.am/projects/waste_policy/