PHOTO:Study Visit of the Water Committee Delegation to Japan

The Chairman of the Water Committee, Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, together with senior officials of the Water Committee, representatives of the Ministry of Environment, the Yerevan Municipality, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), paid a study visit to Japan from July 6 to 10. During the visit, the Armenian delegation participated in an experience-sharing program entitled “Armenia–Japan Partnership for Sustainable Lake Management and Sustainable Urban Development.”

The visit was organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), funded by the Government of Japan, and supported on the ground by the Japan Infrastructure Development Institute. During the visit, the Armenian delegation studied Japan’s experience in the management of water resources and water systems, the development of water infrastructure, wastewater treatment, and the sustainable conservation of lakes.

The Armenian delegation also held meetings with representatives of Japan’s relevant government agencies, local authorities, and specialized organizations.

At the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the delegation met with Vice Minister Masaru Kojima. The discussions focused on Japan’s national policies for water resources management and water infrastructure development, as well as its systems and approaches to river and watershed management.

At the Ministry of the Environment, the delegation met with Ms. Masako Ogawa, Deputy Director-General of the Global Environment Bureau. During the meeting, participants discussed Japan’s policies and programs for the conservation of lakes and aquatic ecosystems, improving water quality, preventing water pollution, and promoting sustainable environmental management.

During the visit, Chairman Aramazd Ghalamkaryan and the Armenian delegation presented Armenia’s priorities for water sector reforms, plans for the development of water infrastructure, and the current challenges and planned measures concerning Lake Sevan and Yerevan Lake.

The delegation’s next visit was to Shiga Prefecture, Japan, where they held a meeting with Vice Governor Masaru Azuma. During the meeting, the participants discussed approaches to river basin management, water quality conservation, and environmental protection.

In Shiga, the Armenian delegation learned about Japan’s experience in the conservation and management of Lake Biwa, the country’s largest freshwater lake. They were introduced to practical measures for preserving the lake’s ecosystem and water quality, as well as water sampling methods and laboratory analysis capabilities.

The Armenian interagency delegation also visited:Lake Biwa Environmental Research Institute, where they were presented with scientific research activities, environmental monitoring systems, and data-driven management approaches.

Lake Biwa River Office, where they were introduced to the Comprehensive Development Program for Lake Biwa and discussed integrated water resources management mechanisms.

Lake Biwa Museum, where the delegation learned about environmental education, public awareness initiatives, citizen science programs, and community engagement activities.

International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC), where discussions focused on integrated lake basin management approaches.

As part of the field visits, the delegation also observed practical ecosystem conservation programs at Lake Biwa, including the methodology for weekly water sampling conducted at 51 monitoring sites around the lake and the management of reed bed conservation areas, which play a vital role in preserving habitats and breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Particular attention was given to decentralized wastewater treatment facilities used in rural and suburban communities.

During the meetings, the participants also discussed opportunities to strengthen Armenia–Japan professional cooperation, expand the exchange of expertise, promote the application of innovative technologies, and enhance future collaboration in the sustainable management of water resources.

As part of the visit, the Chairman of the Water Committee also held an informal meeting with Monika Simonyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Japan. He was introduced to the activities and working conditions of the Embassy, while Ambassador Simonyan introduced him to representatives of the Armenian community in Japan.

Studying Japan’s advanced experience, effective management mechanisms, and innovative solutions is of great importance for the development of Armenia’s water sector and for promoting the efficient use and sustainable management of the country’s water resources.

the material is taken from Water Committee