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are named as one of the key risks affecting different
economic sectors of the country in different policy
documents, including the INDC (MoNRP 2015).
The impact of natural disasters, especially those
triggered by climate change, on economic sectors
and ecosystems services should be considered
and appropriate adaptation measures should be
integrated into sectoral policy documents.
Conclusions on the analysis of sectoral
policies
The analysis of the sectoral policies of the three
countries of the South Caucasus reveals that:
• More recent policy documents are more
comprehensive in their coverage of adaptation
issues. For example, the National Environmental
Action Programmes and Biodiversity Strategies
adopted before 2010 did not include climate
adaptation, while documents adopted and/or
drafted after 2010 do cover the subject.
• Economic feasibility issues are only addressed in
the short-term (for instance, renewable energy
policy papers do not cover issues that impact in
over 50 years’ time).
• Some sectors are not covered by specific sectoral
strategies but development strategies (for example,
industry).
• Lack of consistency and timely updating of sectoral
strategies. Some strategies are not replaced in a
timely manner or were not followed at all, or cover
issues in completely new manner or for new areas.
• Lack of availability of applied research and studies
on sector vulnerability to climate change (energy
strategies do not cover the potential increase of
energy demand in the summer and winter months,
as well as other aspects of sector developed against
the projected climatic changes, as no studies have
been conducted on this issue).
Human health
In contrast to the energy sector, human well-being
and health is included by National Communications
to the UNFCCC as one of the areas most vulnerable
to climate change in the short- and medium-term;
though, no specific policy documents have been
developed to tackle this issue. Moreover, none of the
countries have comprehensive strategic policy papers
in which relevant issues such as potential impacts
of climate change on populations with respiratory,
blood circulation, infectious and parasitic disease
issues are mainstreamed.
Other factors, especially in mountain regions,
which may exacerbate the effect of climate change,
are poverty and low human security and safety,
e.g. according to the Ministry of Health and Social
Security of Georgia mountain regions in western
Georgia, in comparison with other regions of the
country, are characterised by extreme poverty.
In addition to the above issues, natural disasters
triggered by climate change affect not only physical
infrastructure but also human lives and therefore
should be considered under the relevant health
protection and social security strategies.
Natural disasters
Armenia
In 2012 the Armenian Government approved the
decree on “National strategy on disaster risk reduction
of the Republic of Armenia and the Action Plan for of
the national strategy on disaster risk reduction” (No.
281-N, dated 7March 2012). All climate change related
natural disasters are considered under this umbrella
and consequently all relevant actions are planned to
respond to climate risks. The Government of Armenia
adopted a decision on formation of the ARNAP
(DRR National Platform) Foundation in line with the
strategy. Being a non-governmental organization, it
provides opportunities for state, non-governmental,
private and international institutions to participate in
decision-making and consultation processes. At the
same time, it provides opportunities for organizing
and managing day-to-day operational activities and
implementing long-term projects. It also provides
the necessary flexibility to respond to new challenges
(DRR National PlatformArmenia 2010). The National
Platform also functions as a coordination mechanism
for managing cooperation between the different
agencies and stakeholders on the issue.
Azerbaijan
The “Azerbaijan-2020: Look into the future”
Development Concept (President of Azerbaijan
2012) states that in order to effectively prevent
natural disasters, the state should prioritise both
relevant activities in emergency situations and the
establishment of rapid reaction mechanisms for the
social security of the population in such situations.
At the same time, while drafting and implementing
infrastructure projects in the regions of the country,
the high likelihood of natural disasters should be
taken into account, and relevant requirements
should be considered when designing and building
infrastructure facilities of vital importance to ensure
that they retain their functionality as required.
Georgia
The President of Georgia approved the State Operation
Plan on the Response on Natural and Technological
Disasters in 2008 (President of Georgia 2008). The
plan was developed to ensure a coordinated and
effective response by government agencies to natural
or technological disasters that may occur. However, the
plan does not include any risk reduction or mitigation
measures, nor does it ensure that there are adaptation
activities for responding to climate change risks.
In this light, it is worth noting that natural disasters