AUA Acopian Center Holds Training Sessions on Local Waste Management Planning With Municipalities

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YEREVAN, Armenia — From September to December 2024, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment conducted three rounds of two-day training sessions on local waste management planning for 78 staff members from regional administrations and municipalities. Participants in the first round represented Shirak, Lori, Tavush, Gegharkunik, and Aragatsotn regions; the second round included participants from Kotayk, Armavir, and Ararat regions; and the third round covered Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions.

The training was organized as part of the four-year Waste Policy Armenia (WPA) program, funded by Sweden and implemented by the AUA Acopian Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia. The primary objective was to familiarize participants with the Methodological Guidelines for the Development of Local Waste Management and Sanitation Plans, approved by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure on January 25, 2024. 

The training provided step-by-step guidance on developing local waste management plans using the approved methodological guidelines. The training covered key topics, including assessing the community’s current waste management situation, identifying vision and priorities, analyzing waste quantities and composition, exploring treatment methods, evaluating public awareness levels, addressing financial aspects, budgeting, monitoring, and assessment. In addition to reviewing the guidelines’ key sections, the training emphasized the importance of participatory planning and encouraged the involvement of various stakeholders in the process. 

Participants unanimously reported that the training was highly beneficial. Regarding the challenges, they highlighted several, particularly in fee collection. Municipal leaders noted difficulties in ensuring fair and consistent payments, with high fees discouraging proper waste disposal, especially in low-income areas. Discussions focused on structuring equitable fee models, such as tiered systems based on income or waste volume. 

Another key issue was the low salaries of waste management workers and drivers, despite their essential roles. Participants emphasized the need for higher wages to attract and retain workers, given the demanding and sometimes hazardous nature of their work.

Additionally, the increasing volume of waste and the lack of public awareness about its environmental impact were major concerns. The workshop stressed the importance of educating residents and improving communication between local governments and communities to foster responsibility and participation in waste management efforts.

In conclusion, participants emphasized the need for ongoing support and engagement to strengthen local waste management planning. Key recommendations included organizing follow-up seminars to review plans, increasing training frequency to build capacity, and providing community-based support through direct consultations. Maintaining regular discussions on waste management policy was also highlighted as essential for sustaining participant engagement and ensuring the effective implementation of local plans.

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. Visit 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. Visit ace.aua.am/projects/waste_policy/