NEWS

10.12.2009

On December 10, 2009, the MCA-Armenia Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Consultant, British “Mot MacDonald”, held its annual workshop through which its activities, achievements and lessons learnt in the past year were presented to the Program partners and the wider public alongside with the plans for the upcoming year.

Under the Infrastructure activity of MCAS-Armenia's Irrigated Agriculture project "Mott MacDonald" gathers and analyses data, prepares Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Environmental Management Plans, Ressetlement action plans. The Consultant is also responsible for the overall environmental and social oversight of the projects implemented by MCA-Armenia.

MCA-Armenia CEO Ara Hovsepyan and MCC Resident Country Director Alex Russin made opening speeches at the meeting.

Present at the meeting were also representatives from RA Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Territorial Administration, leaders of the beneficiary communities, officials from regional administration offices, representatives from international organizations, SC members and experts.

In the first part of the workshop the ESAOC Team Leader David A. Burack presented issues related to development, implementation and oversight of Environmental Impact Assessment reports and Environmental Management Plans for the Program activities/components and the relevant legislative framework. Mr. Burack spoke about the issues during the environmental and social impact assessment and oversight process and solutions to overcome those.

Lilit Harutyunyan covered the issues on the resettlement and the Deputy Team Leader presented ESAOC work plan and the key activities for the third Contract year.

At the second part of the workshop general thematic discussions were held, during which the participants had an opportunity to voice their concerns and present suggestions on how to improve the ES oversight and address outstanding and unexpected issues.

The major conclusions and suggestions of the meeting will be reflected in Environmental and Social Assessment and Oversight Consultant's annual report and work plans. The annual report will also be posted at MCA-Armenia's website soon.