Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Clubs in Armenia under the EU4Environment Action
The RECP (Green) Clubs are implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) within the European Union-funded EU4Environment Action, based on the success story of the Green Clubs developed and established during the EaP GREEN project in 2015-2017 in regions of Armenia. The RECP Clubs aim to develop and pilot a lean support model for enterprises, in particular Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). The model was created as a scale-able and replicable model which can be replicated in more marzes/regions of Armenia and made available on a continuous basis. The Green Clubs of the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) project have been established and are currently active in four regions of the Republic of Armenia: Ararat (Ararat city), Tavush (Dilijan city), Lori (Vanadzor city), and Kotayk (Hrazdan city). To ensure the continued success of the project and to promote the RECP methodology and its principles throughout Armenia, a new phase of EU4Environment activities has been initiated. This phase involves the establishment of Green Clubs in the cities of Gyumri and Vagharshapat, located in the Shirak and Armavir regions, respectively. The primary goal of these Green Clubs is to support the conservation of natural capital, enhance human well-being, and foster economic development within the regions.
On July 27, 2023, a Green Clubs launching meeting was held in the Council Hall of the Gyumri municipality, which serves as the administrative center of the Shirak region. The purpose of this meeting was to launch the creation of Green Clubs in the region.
The event was attended by 26 participants, including responsible sectoral leaders from the regional administration and the municipality, representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the region, academia representatives, members of public organizations, and the project staff of REC Caucasus, who serves as the National Implementing Partner.
At the beginning of the meeting, Hayk Sultanyan, the chief adviser to the head of the Gyumri community, and Robert Yegoryan, the assistant to the head of the community, addressed the attendees. They warmly welcomed the initiative and highlighted the ongoing programs in Gyumri, including GCAP Gyumri, Green Alliance, and Energy Secure Gyumri. The speakers expressed their hope that this newly launched program will be able to provide and complement a series of initiatives, contributing to the creation of a circular economy, improved environment, and better public health in the region.
The participants were introduced to the aims and goals of the Green Clubs, along with the meeting agenda for the first session. Additionally, Module 1: "Business Environmental Profile and Resource-efficient and Clean Production for Small and Medium Enterprises - Green Clubs-Introduction," was presented during the meeting.
