INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES IN ARMENIA IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GLOBAL CLIMATE AND WATER CRISIS

Abstract

Under the conditions of climate change, efficient use and protection of natural water resources are one of the key challenges in water resources management. Armenia is one of the countries where the climate changes in recent decades are evident. Historical records of air temperature in Armenia indicate a significant upward trend over the past decades. The results of assessment of climate change impact on water resources quantity and quality for the rivers in Armenia are presented in this paper. The projections and discussion of climate change impact on natural river flow were done using various methods and models. It was revealed, that adequate adaptation measures need to be developed and embedded into the national and regional water strategies and basin management plans to address the adverse impacts of climate change in water resources in Armenia.