Armenia

This country is covered by UNISDR's Asia and Pacific office.

Armenia has a National Platform

Focal Points

National Platform

National Platform for DRR of Armenia (ARNAP)

Contact: Director
Phone: +374 102 412 31 +374 914 201 39

Hyogo Framework for Action

Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES Armenia)

Website: http://www.mes.am
Contact: Deputy-Head of Rescue Service
Phone: +374 103 177 61 +374 550 104 01

Institutional Structure / National Platform Description

History

Natural and technological hazards threatening Armenia urge the need of development and strengthening of DRR system in Armenia. This process implies involvement of all the potential of the country, which can be achieved through elaboration of DRR National Platform.

December 2010 - National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction has been established. Fund was selected as a format of the platform out of all the alternatives discussed among the working group. Being a non-governmental organization, it provides opportunities for state, non-governmental, private and international institutions to participate in decision-making and consultation processes. At the same time, it provides opportunities for organizing and controlling day-to-day operational activities, implementing long-term projects; it also provides necessary flexibility to respond to new challenges. ARNAP Fund (Fund for Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform) has been suggested as a name for the fund.

DRR NP in Armenia is a structure elaborated and administered by the country with the involvement of stakeholders. It aims to promote DRR implementation at all levels, coordinate, analyze and consult in main sectors which require joined, participatory and coordinated actions.

Structure

Structure of the ARNAP Fund

Main participants of the DRR NP are government authorities of Armenia, Ministry of Emergency Situations, and international and donor organizations working in the field of DRR, UN, Armenian Red Cross, as well as scientific institutions and experts.
At different stages, other participants may be involved in the process, including representatives of various state and public agencies and organizations, private sector and religious institutions.

Advisory Committee – this committee is the main forum of the DRR NP where regular discussions are held on main issues of the DRR system, recommendations are developed which become guidelines for the activities of the platform. Decisions on quantity and quality of the Committee members are decided by the Board of Trustees. Committee sessions are advisable to hold on quarterly basis, and call for special sessions, as required.

Board of Trustees – is the managing body of the DRR NP which makes decisions on organizational, financial, structural and other important issues of the DRR NP. The Board decides on the strategy and work plan of the NP in close consultation with the Advisory Committee. Members in the Board are:

Minister of Emergency Situations- Head of the Board
Representative of the Ministry of Territorial Administration
Representative of the Ministry of Economy
Representative of the Ministry of Justice
Representative of the UN
Representative of World Bank
Representative of EU
Head of the Armenian Red Cross
Recognized expert of DRR
Recognized expert of DRR
–15. Representatives from International/Local NGO

Board sessions are held, as required, at least twice a year. The Board assigns Manager of the Fund who reports to the Board of Trustees.

Manager, administrative staff – a small staff headed by the Manager works on organizing ongoing activities of the Fund. In other countries, DRR NP usually has a secretariat the role of which is implemented by the administrative staff. Organizational and financial decisions of the administrative staff are made by the Board of Trustees. The Manager and the administrative staff assists in organization of the works of experts and working groups, and also initiates projects in accordance with the DRR NP objectives.

Working groups – main functions of the NP require thematic formation of working groups and organization of their work. This will assist in effective use of human and other resources for overcoming long-term and short-term issues of the system.

Experts – one of the objectives of the DRR NP is to involve local and international experts for strengthening the DRR system. In this sense, the DRR NP may expect active participation and assistance of international and donor organizations.

DRR NP programs – based on the DRR NP goals and objectives, special programs may be initiated and implemented to strengthen the DRR system and the DRR NP. Programs must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Aims

The goal of the DRR NP is to establish a multi-sectoral mechanism with involvement of all stakeholders.

Objectives of the DRR NP

Elaboration of DRR strategy and coordination of implementation. Improvement and development of the legislative field.
Clarification of roles and responsibilities of DRR stakeholders, harmonization of agency interests, provision of functioning and cooperation between and among DRR stakeholders, efficient use of resources.
Development of knowledge and learning, raising public awareness, strengthening of analytical skills.
Development of DRR methodology, including improvement of monitoring system.
Integration of DRR into development policies, program and planning.
Foster Partnership and environment for developing a culture of preparedness and advocacy for disaster resilient communities.

Expected outputs of DRR NP

DRR strategy and improvement of DRR sector legislative field.
Increase the effectiveness of decision-making in DRR system.
Introduction of DRR mechanisms, application of common methodology and creation of databases.
Strengthening DRR capacities and knowledge, introduction of DRR studies in education system, as well as raising awareness.
Inclusion of DRR in all development programs for empowering sustainable development of the country.
Establishment of gender-sensitive DRR system.
Expansion of integration into international cooperation, promoting implementation of HFA, implementation of MDGs and provision of transparency, and assistance in regional development in DRR cooperation.
Improvement of conditions for effective use of natural resources and protection of the environment.
Capacity Building of various stakeholders for integrating DRR into the development planning, policy and programs
Linking DRR into other sectored interventions and ensuring disaster proof development in any developmental initiatives

Activities

Thematic-working groups were formed: gender group, education group, public awareness group, climate change and DRR group, DRR national strategy development group.
DRR National strategy will be presented fir final discussion in October. A number of experts both internal and external have been involved in activities of the working groups.