Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the South Caucasus Mountains

forest and pasture rehabilitation pilots with the wider stakeholder society. In December 2014, 58 target community residents of Gegharkunik Marz were trained in the sustainable management of mountain forest and pasture ecosystems under changing climate conditions. The initial methodology for carbon stock assessment and monitoring in soil and vegetation has been identified, followed by a practical survey for carbon stock assessment. Forest rehabilitation and restoration activities were launched in spring 2015 in three target communities and Sevan National Park covering 60 ha. Rotational grazing plans were developed and approved by the Community Elder Councils for five target communities. Training in rotational grazing plans were conducted in all five communities. Finally, regular monitoring missions to the project pilot sites were conducted to examine and verify in-field activities and continue collaboration with local communities and partners. Results from the project will be disseminated within and beyond the project intervention zone through existing information sharing networks and forums. The project will identify and participate in relevant scientific, policy-based, and/or any other networks, which may benefit project implementation. The project will identify, analyze, and share lessons learned that might be beneficial for the design and implementation of similar future projects. Finally, there will be a two-way flow of information between this project and other similar projects. A comprehensive analysis of policy frameworks will create the necessary information basis for further research and analysis at the regional and national levels. Selected ecosystem rehabilitation models can be easily used in other regions of Armenia. The

Mixed coniferous forest, Armenia

methodology used for calculating GHG emissions within the framework of this project will be described and included in the package of documents presented to governments as one of the basic methods for replicating the experience generated within the project. The practical results of successful implementation of pilot adaptation measures in local communities will serve as a baseline and stimulate the interest of other communities of the region in developing and implementing such activities. A full range of information dissemination campaigns will be conducted (e.g. through distribution of knowledge material and reports, national conferences, media

events, electronic networking, etc.) Updated and reliable information will be provided to national and local authorities, and recommendations for decision-makers will be provided to state entities and local self-governance authorities. The project team will also participate in relevant scientific, policy- based and other networks that can benefit project implementation via lessons learned and will share its own lessons with other similar projects.

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