Within the framework of his working visit to the Kingdom of Norway, Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Marit Kristine Vea, Vice Mayor for Environment and Transport of the Municipality of Oslo. The meeting was followed by a sectoral tour. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment of the Kingdom of Norway, also participated in the tour.
During the meeting, the Minister highly appreciated Oslo’s leading role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as in sustainable urban development.
During the tour, the Armenian delegation reviewed nature-based solutions applied in the urban environment, in particular modern approaches to water resources management. The delegation was presented with river restoration and integration programmes for rivers flowing through the city, as well as effective water management mechanisms and biodiversity conservation initiatives, including solutions for ensuring fish passage and maintaining ecosystem balance. This experience is particularly relevant given the priorities of water resources management and climate risk reduction in Armenian cities.
The parties also discussed Oslo’s achievements in developing sustainable transport and transitioning to zero-emission mobility, which is also an important priority for Yerevan.
Opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation were explored, particularly in the areas of city-level exchange of experience, capacity building and the implementation of joint pilot projects.
Cities are at the forefront of climate and biodiversity action. Oslo demonstrates how science, effective governance systems and financial instruments can be combined to ensure tangible impact. Armenia stands ready to develop partnerships that will help translate ambitious goals into practical results.
Photo credit: Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment.