EU and UN launch €2.47 million air quality monitoring modernization program for Armenia

YEREVAN, August 20. /ARKA/. On August 19, the European Union and UN agencies, together with the Armenian government, officially launched the three-year EU4Clean Air in Armenia program, aimed at modernizing the national air quality monitoring system and strengthening pollution control.

According to UNDP Armenia, the program will run until February 2029. The European Union is contributing €2 million, with the total project budget being approximately €2.47 million.

The project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and the Austrian Environment Agency, in collaboration with Armenian government agencies. 

One of the key areas will be the modernization and expansion of the national air quality monitoring network.

The program envisages the purchase and installation of at least two new monitoring stations that meet EU technical requirements, as well as the establishment and equipping of a National Air Quality Reference Laboratory.

Furthermore, the program envisages the development of a data collection and analysis system, training of specialists, and improved public access to air quality information.

To this end, it is planned to introduce new digital tools, including a dedicated air quality portal and a mobile app.

The project also envisages improving the legal framework and further aligning it with European standards, including Armenia's commitments under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU.

According to the official project description, the current monitoring system in Armenia does not always provide a sufficiently comprehensive picture of atmospheric air quality, including the impact of industry, transport, construction, and mining activities.

The program aims to strengthen the capacity of government agencies to monitor, analyze, forecast, and regulate air quality.-0-

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YEREVAN, August 20. /ARKA/. On August 19, the European Union and UN agencies, in collaboration with the Armenian government, officially launched the three-year EU4Clean Air in Armenia initiative, which focuses on modernizing the national air quality monitoring system and enhancing pollution control measures.

According to UNDP Armenia, this program will continue until February 2029. The European Union is providing €2 million, contributing to a total project budget of around €2.47 million.

The implementation of the project involves the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and the Austrian Environment Agency, working alongside Armenian government bodies.

A primary focus will be on upgrading and expanding the national air quality monitoring network.

The program plans to acquire and install at least two new monitoring stations that comply with EU technical standards, as well as to establish and equip a National Air Quality Reference Laboratory.

Additionally, the initiative includes the development of a data collection and analysis system, training for specialists, and enhanced public access to air quality information.

To achieve this, new digital tools will be introduced, such as a dedicated air quality portal and a mobile application.

The project also aims to improve the legal framework and align it more closely with European standards, including Armenia's obligations under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU.

As stated in the official project description, the existing monitoring system in Armenia does not always provide a sufficiently detailed overview of atmospheric air quality, particularly regarding the effects of industry, transport, construction, and mining activities.

The program seeks to bolster the capabilities of government agencies in monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and regulating air quality.-0-