PRESS RELEASE

Yerevan, Armenia – April 3, 2025 – The European Union funded EU4Environment Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Project was prominently featured at the Green Agriculture Conference Armenia 2025, held on April 2–3 at the Armenia Marriott Hotel by the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (National Implementing Partner). This conference, themed “Enabling Sustainable Development in Armenia through Green Agriculture,” convened a diverse group of stakeholders to explore sustainable agricultural practices and promote environmental stewardship, green agricultural solutions, and technologies serving for efficient use of natural resources.

The RECP project, funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of international partners—including UNIDO, OECD, UN Environment, UNECE, and the World Bank—aims to assist Armenian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production methodologies. These practices are designed to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and foster sustainable economic growth.

During the conference, the RECP project team presented key initiatives and accomplishments, including:

• RECP Demonstrations in SMEs: Conducting assessments and implementing RECP measures in 25 SMEs across sectors such as food production, construction materials, and chemical industries. These efforts have led to significant reductions in energy and water consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also achieving cost savings and improved production efficiencies.
• Capacity Building and Coaching: Providing tailored coaching programs for SME staff and RECP experts to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices. This includes developing action and monitoring plans, identifying financing opportunities, and developing business plans for the implementation of RECP measures in SMEs, as well as creating a RECP savings catalogue to analyze economic and environmental benefits.
• Promotion of Circular Economy Principles: Integrating circular economy strategies to optimize resource use and minimize waste, thereby contributing to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem in Armenia.

The REC Caucasus team also engaged with representatives from government ministries, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to discuss potential collaborations aimed at scaling up sustainable industrial practices nationwide.

The conference provided a valuable platform to showcase the tangible benefits of the RECP project and to foster partnerships that will further Armenia’s transition to a green economy. Collaborative efforts between national institutions, the private sector, and international development partners are critical to enhancing environmental performance, improving economic competitiveness, and supporting long-term sustainable development.

The conference was co-organized by the EU Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA) and the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU), with support from ADA and other partners.

For more information about the EU4Environment RECP project and its activities in Armenia, please visit www.recp.am.