MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON
The Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Republic of Lebanon, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",
Deepening the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries,
Desirous to promote the environmental cooperation within the framework of sustainable development;
Taking into account the relevant provisions of the Rio Declaration and the Agenda for the 21st century, approved by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (1992) and reinforced by the Political Declaration of the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002);
Highlighting the necessity to preserve and protect the environment in order to promote the sustainable development and the quality of life in both countries;
Recognizing the importance of focusing on issues of mutual interest between the two states, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the forest sector by preserving standing forests and sequestering additional carbon through forest management practices, restoration and reforestation of degraded lands and forests,
Expressing their readiness to make the joint efforts and to improve the environmental quality and optimize the quality of life in both states,
Being convinced that the environmental cooperation is necessary for all sectors of society,
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is intended to promote broader cooperation regarding environmental issues among the Parties within their respective purview and based on principles of reciprocity, information exchange and mutual benefit.
ARTICLE 2
The Parties shall deepen their mutual efforts to improve the environmental management, scientific and technical researches and capacity in the following directions:
a) Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of deforestation and land degradation - internationaly known as "REDD" - and sequestration of additional carbon through improved forest and restoration of degraded lands and forests;
b) Other environmental issues for cooperation between the Parties are represented in the Annex 1.
ARTICLE 3
To solve the issues mentioned in the Article 2 the Parties shall use the following methods of cooperation:
a) Exchange of information;
b) Development and distribution of publications;
c) Technology transfer;
d) Exchange of scientists and experts;
e) Development of capacity building programs;
f) Implementation of joint environemental projects;
g) Joint organization of seminars, workshops, conferences, courses, visits or;
h) Other methods agreed between the Parties.
ARTICLE 4
The Parties shall finance the activities referred to in this MoU from the financial resources allocated in their respective budget lines in accordance with their national legislation. Each Party shall cover the expenses related to its own participation, unless alternative financial resourses can be used for specific activities approved by their respective appointing authority.
ARTICLE 5
1) The Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lebanon are appointed by the two Parties, as respective coordinators to implement this MoU.
2) Both coordinators shall periodically review ongoing cooperative activities in order to formulate effective future cooperative activities.
ARTICLE 6
1) The provisions of this MoU shall not affect to the obligations of the Parties arising from the other bilateral and multilateral agreements.
2) This MoU shall not affect to the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to third States or regional integration organizations.
3) The implementation of this MoU shall be carried out in accordance with the national legislation of each Party.
4) Any dispute arising from interpretation or implementation of this MoU shall be settled through discussions and negotiations between the Parties.
ARTICLE 7
1. This MoU shall enter into force on the date of the last written notification made by one of the Parties to the other through diplomatic channels about the completion of the internal procedures required for its entry into force.
2. It shall remain in force for a period of one (1) year, and shall be automatically extended for similar periods unless one of the Parties notifies the other in written form about its intention to terminate it, at least ninety (90) days before the end of its validity.
3. The termination of the MoU shall not have effect on the programs and projects agreed upon before the notification of the intention to terminate it.
Done in Yerevan on December 9, 2011, in two original copies, each in Armenian, Arabic and English languages, all texts being equally authentic.
In case of divergence of interpretation of this Agreement, the English text shall prevail.
A N N E X I
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FOR COLLABORATION
BETWEEN LEBANON AND ARMENIA
A. Green Environment
1) Watershed Environmental Management Plan
2) Water Demand Management
3) Management of Protected Areas
4) Protection and Rehabilitation of the Green Cover:
Identification and allocation of necessary resources for prevention, monitoring and assessment of the Green (vegetation) Cover undergoing the different factors that may threat its sustainability and for measures for their rehabilitation as well. These resources will include but not limited to: monitoring, assessment of ecological and socio-economic losses, research and studies, training and capacity building programmes, awareness and media campaigns, equipment, infrastructure, and implementation of best restoration techniques per affected area.
B. Brown Environment
1) Solid Waste Management
2) Hazardous Waste Management
3) Waste Water Management
4) Clean Technology & Production
C. Environmental Awareness
Dissemination of Information on Environmental Policies.
Other
The Memorandum of Understanding has entered into force on 24.05.2012.
