In Bazum: Working Together Towards a More Climate-Resilient Community
Looking at climate change from the community's perspective
On July 17, “Shen” NGO held a workshop on the impacts of climate change and strengthening community resilience in Bazum as part of the FORACCA project.
The workshop was the first in a series aimed at introducing the Toolbox for Climate-Resilient Development of Local Communities in Armenia. During the workshop, participants not only explored climate-related information and tools but also had an opportunity to discuss how climate change is affecting their own community and what steps could help to better prepare for these impacts.
The workshop was also attended by our colleagues from Switzerland, Sebastian Bellwald and Rafael Portmann, representing Planval.
Throughout the day, participants were introduced to the FORACCA project and then explored climate change and its impacts in Armenia and the pilot community. This was followed by a presentation of the climate impact profiles, which provided a basis for the discussions that followed.
Putting community experience at the heart of the discussion
One of the key parts of the workshop was the group work. During the first group session, participants explored how local stakeholders perceive climate change and what impacts they are experiencing.
The discussions provided an opportunity to bring together different perspectives and local experience, helping build a more comprehensive picture of climate change and its effects at the community level.
The second group session focused on possible solutions. Participants discussed how the community could adapt to climate change, what adaptation actions are already underway, and what steps may be needed in the future.
Improving climate impact profiles together with communities
Participants also took a closer look at the climate impact profiles and shared their feedback. They discussed what they found useful, what could be improved, and what information or elements might still be missing.
These participatory discussions are important because they help connect climate information with local knowledge, community experience, and real needs. The FORACCA Toolbox for Climate-Resilient Development is built around this approach, fostering knowledge sharing with communities, local leadership, and inclusive planning.
Looking ahead together
The workshop concluded with a discussion of the day's outcomes, participants' feedback, and next steps.
Experts from “Shen” NGO and “Planval” highly appreciated all participants in Bazum for their active engagement, valuable observations, and open and constructive discussions. Community voices and local experience are essential for shaping solutions that can contribute to a more informed, participatory, and climate-resilient future.
This component of the project is implemented by WSL, through Planval, ARNAP and Shen NGO, in the framework of the FORACCA project.
“The Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and co-funded by the four implementing organizations under the Forest Alliance of Armenia, including Shen NGO, Armenia Tree Project NGO (ATP), My Forest Armenia NGO (MFA), and Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), and the FAO of the UN in Armenia. The project is implemented in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL), the Forest Alliance of Armenia, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
