To: Ms. Christiana Figueres

1.

INDC underlying principles

1)     Limit global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to such a level that the global average temperature does not exceed 20C,

2)     Ensure distribution of the GHG emissions limitation burden between countries based on the principle of equity, taking into account the rights of present and future generations to use resources, and the equal rights of humans to impact the climatic system.

3)       Apply an ecosystem-based approach to mitigation andadaptation actions, giving preference to balanced and combined actions.

4)     The Republic of Armenia stays in the status of non–Annex I developing country under UNFCCC, andis prepared to undertakecertain quantitative contribution to limit its  GHG emissions growth based on the above mentioned principle of equity, and subject to adequate financial, technological and technical support.

5)     The INDC shall be based on the principle of ‘Green economy’ and be compatible with the social and economic development goals of the Republic of Armenia.

2.

Mitigation of climate change

1)     Applied definitions

1. GHG emissions limiting volume - the total volume of GHG emissions, which ensures the limitation of an increase in the average global atmosphere temperature to below 20C, according to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report this is equal to 1.000 giga tons (Gt) carbon dioxide equivalent.
   1. GHG neutral emissions volume - the total annual volume of GHG emissions, which can be fully absorbed by the earth's ecosystems (ocean, land vegetation, soil) and be irreversibly accumulated in the ecosystems (around 11 Gt/year) carbon dioxide equivalent.
   2. The ‘GHG limitation quantitativeindicator’ is calculatedbased on the per capita emissions of the global population,
   3. For global population consider the fixed estimate as of 1990, equal to 5.3 billion people (3.35 million was the Republic of Armenia’s population in 1990),
   4. The   per   capita   emissions   limiting   volume   on   the   global level equals to 189 tons/per capita (1.000 Gt/5.3 billion people),
   5. To set the total aggregate quantitative contribution of the Republic of Armenia under INDC equal to633 million tons carbon dioxide equivalent(189 tons per capita x 3.35 millionpeople)fortheperiodof2015-2050 or an  annual average of

2)  Calculation basis

5.4 tons per capita. In 2010, Armenia’s GHG emissions comprised

2.14 tons per capita.

The Republic of Armenia strives to achieve ecosystem neutral GHG emissions in 2050 (2.07 tons/per capita annual) with the support of adequate (necessary and sufficient) international financial, technological and capacity building assistance.

In case of non-exceeding its total emissions quota (633 million tons) set for the period of 2015-2050 Armenia can credit non-utilized reduction to ‘carbon market’, or transfer it to the balance of emissions limitation envisaged for the period of 2050-2100.

3)    Timeframe

The timeframe for the INDC is 2015-2030, including:

a)         2015-2019 – the period of voluntary preparatory contributions. Accept those contributions, beyond  the  INDC start date in 2020, as «ambitious actions» in accordance with the development index of the Republic of Armenia, stated by forecast "mitigation measures" scenario of the Third National Communication to UNFCCC”. The scenario includes commitments undertaken by the city authorities of the country under the Covenant of Mayors.

b)     2020-2050  –  the  period  of  contribution  under  the  new

3.

Adaptationto climate change

Basis and approaches to adaptation:

1)   Adaptation strategy and contributions are based on the requirement of the UNFCCC Article 2 “Objective”, which stipulates to restrain climate change within timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change. Thus, the natural ecosystems adaptation approach in INDC is considered pivotal for Armenia’s adaptation strategy and actions (contributions), and a basis for the development of the national adaptation plan.

2)      The Republic of Armenia embraces the ecosystem approach for adapting to climate change. The approach is in harmony with the environmental policy of the country, can ensure synergy with other international environmental conventions and treaties, will lay the ground for inter-sectoral coordination, and will support establishment of cross-border cooperation and solidarity environment.

3)  Adaptation activities will be prioritized based on the most vulnerable sectors to climate change:

1. Natural ecosystems  (aquatic and terrestrial, including forest ecosystems, biodiversity and land cover)
   1. Human health
   2. Water resource management
   3. Agriculture, including fishery and forests
   4. Energy
   5. Human settlements and infrastructures
   6. Tourism

4.

Technologytransfer

Ensure adequate technological assistance and create a favorable environment for technology development and transfer.

Establish institutional mechanisms to overcome barriers for the introduction of innovative technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including strengthening the system of legal protection of intellectual property right.

Ensure an open and transparent system of technology introduction and transfer as a contribution to the INDC, such as through the cooperation and experience exchange with "Climate Technology Center and Network" (CTCN) and through the establishment of a similar mechanism in the country (ArmCTCN).

5.

Capacitystrengthening

Strengthen the operations of Intergovernmental Council on Climate Change, established by the Decision No 955 of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia of 02 October 2012 and its Working Group.

Establish consistent process for professional training and education on climate change-related issues, as well as enhance cooperation at the international and regional levels.

6.

Finance

Develop an appropriate legislative and institutional framework for adequate financial assistance. For this purpose a targeted financial mechanism  consisting  of  two  components  should  be  created  to