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DEPOPULATION CRISIS IN ARMENIA
The Kololian Foundation of Toronto, in cooperation with the
International Center for Human Development (Armenia, Yerevan),
announced the completion of a one year research project in Armenia
aimed at identifying the root causes of emigration from Armenia. The
research also resulted in the making of recommendations to reverse the
de-population tide. The research report was presented on October 8,
in Yerevan, at a United Nations conference.
The research was conducted by four distinct academic groups: the
Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, the Research and Business
Center of the Faculty of Economics at Yerevan State University, the
Hrayr Maroukhian Foundation and an independent group of academics
who present the case of repopulating Kashatagh and Shahumyan.
Armenia's demographic and emigration trends have reached crisis
proportions. This acutely threatens the very existence of Armenia.
Drawing on statistical data, other research sources, media reports,
focus groups and original surveys, the researchers in Yerevan
assembled various analyses to show common patterns. Together, these
sources have produced a set of policy recommendations through which
the Armenian government and other stakeholders can take action to
reverse population decline.
This appears to be a first class piece of work and addresses the
painful issues which we are all familiar with. But, the most important
thing is that the research was done by young people on the ground in
Yerevan. Three of these young people are going on a speaking tour in
the Diaspora, Europe and the Americas.
In addressing the issue of declining population, The Report examines
the following areas:
Employment and educational systems Corruption and the lack of
Rule of law Economic and judicial reforms The need for Government
accountability Business environment Lack of a cohesive parliamentary
opposition Tax and customs policies The need for civic activism and
legal consciousness.
Open Letter From the Sponsor of the Research Project, Vahan Kololian
October, 2013
Dear Compatriots:
Re: The Study on the depopulation crisis in Armenia
The shrinking population of Armenia is a very serious issue. "One day
we shall have a free and independent Armenia" had become the battle
cry of all Armenians for 70 years, following the genocide and the
Bolshevik revolution. At the time of Armenian independence in 1991,
the population of Armenia stood at 4.0 million. Today it is below 3.0
million. A free, independent Armenia was achieved, and yet today we are
witnessing the dissipation of Armenia, resulting from unprecedented
levels of emigration. This exodus is now at crisis proportions. It
represents an existential threat to the country.
Armenia's adversaries are watching. They continue their blockade,
and watch with satisfaction as Armenia empties itself.
Background of this Research Project
While it would be easy to lodge criticism at current government policy,
particularly from the diaspora, we felt that a more constructive and
researched based approach was called for. It was felt that a research
project should be launched from within Armenia on the demographic
trends and the de-population of Armenia.
In co-operation with the International Centre for Human Development
("ICHD") in Yerevan, a selection process was conducted, resulting in
four research institutions or groups being selected:
Russian-Armenian (Slavonic University) Research Team Research and
Business Center of the Faculty of Economics of Yerevan State University
Research Group of Arshak Balayan, Armen Gakavian and Avetik Mejlumyan
Researchers from Hrayr Maroukhian Foundation
The role of the Kololian Foundation has been to fund the research
and its related costs. The independence of the researchers has been
maintained throughout the project.
Objective
It was felt that an academic and disciplined approach needed to be
taken, to search for the root causes of population decline.
Limitations of the Study
The real desire of those supporting this study, and of the researchers
themselves, is for this paper to be a catalyst for a robust national
dialogue, not resulting in finger pointing, but consisting of real
self-examination of what needs to be done by all state and non-state
actors in Armenia and the Diaspora. Only when the taboos come down
and we bare our souls to one another, can we begin the process of
addressing the fundamental issues which are driving citizens out
of Armenia.
Some Positive Developments
There are some initiatives being taken by the current government
that are commendable. One such initiative is the Ministry of the
Diaspora's Syrian-Armenian resettlement project. It is early days,
but one hopes that Syrian Armenians will stay in Armenia, long after
Syria returns to a post-war calm.
There are also some positive signs where the private sector is
participating in nation building activities. Micro Lending is being
developed by certain banks as an active way to make loans to job
creating enterprises and projects. Artsakh Bank is a good example
of Micro Lending where micro loans are increasingly a part of its
commercial activities. Artsakh Bank reports good take up of its
micro lending program, in agriculture, processing and small scale
manufacturing. And most importantly it reports a very low failure rate,
where their portfolio has performed above expectations.
Follow on Work Required
This paper does not pretend to address all issues or offer all
solutions. The issues not addressed in depth in the current paper,
which need to be examined are:
the need for organized and effective parliamentary opposition; a
study of citizens' purchasing power, where basic goods and services
in Armenia are 3 to 4 times more expensive than neighbouring
countries. Blockades and other trade barriers such as tariffs need
to be studied. The question must be asked, "is there a section of
Armenian society that benefits from such restricted trade by driving
and maintaining higher prices?"
the need to review Armenia's post high school education where more
emphasis could be put on trades and less on the arts and humanities;
the need for private ownership of land, in combination with expansion
of an agricultural policy, where land grants are made (similar to
"Homesteading" in North America, 1800 - 1900), to families who
show capability to farm such lands. Such a program can be supported
financially by the Diaspora.
better co-ordination of diaspora support. Since independence,
diaspora organizations such as The All Armenia Fund, The Armenian
Relief Society and AGBU have donated money to bricks and mortar
projects, schools, clinics, and hospitals. Is it time for the state
to take over funding infrastructure and the diaspora to fund programs
in health, housing, job creation, relocation, and most importantly,
enticing and integrating of immigrants?
The sponsor and the researchers of the current paper, invite others
to take up these issues and join us in bringing forward ideas for
the betterment of Armenia.
Let's be Positive
It is important that we approach the issues afflicting Armenia with
a sense of optimism. Negative tone and negative attitude produce
negative results. Let's remember the words of William Saroyan:
"Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into
the desert without bread or water. Then see if they will not laugh,
sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world,
see if they will not create a new Armenia."
The resilience and determination of Armenians is legendary. Let's
turn these attributes to addressing and conquering the social issues
of Armenia.
Respectfully,
Vahan Kololian The Kololian Foundation Toronto, Canada
[email protected] [email protected]
http://www.keghart.com/VK-Foundation-Depopulation
The Kololian Foundation of Toronto, in cooperation with the
International Center for Human Development (Armenia, Yerevan),
announced the completion of a one year research project in Armenia
aimed at identifying the root causes of emigration from Armenia. The
research also resulted in the making of recommendations to reverse the
de-population tide. The research report was presented on October 8,
in Yerevan, at a United Nations conference.
The research was conducted by four distinct academic groups: the
Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, the Research and Business
Center of the Faculty of Economics at Yerevan State University, the
Hrayr Maroukhian Foundation and an independent group of academics
who present the case of repopulating Kashatagh and Shahumyan.
Armenia's demographic and emigration trends have reached crisis
proportions. This acutely threatens the very existence of Armenia.
Drawing on statistical data, other research sources, media reports,
focus groups and original surveys, the researchers in Yerevan
assembled various analyses to show common patterns. Together, these
sources have produced a set of policy recommendations through which
the Armenian government and other stakeholders can take action to
reverse population decline.
This appears to be a first class piece of work and addresses the
painful issues which we are all familiar with. But, the most important
thing is that the research was done by young people on the ground in
Yerevan. Three of these young people are going on a speaking tour in
the Diaspora, Europe and the Americas.
In addressing the issue of declining population, The Report examines
the following areas:
Employment and educational systems Corruption and the lack of
Rule of law Economic and judicial reforms The need for Government
accountability Business environment Lack of a cohesive parliamentary
opposition Tax and customs policies The need for civic activism and
legal consciousness.
Open Letter From the Sponsor of the Research Project, Vahan Kololian
October, 2013
Dear Compatriots:
Re: The Study on the depopulation crisis in Armenia
The shrinking population of Armenia is a very serious issue. "One day
we shall have a free and independent Armenia" had become the battle
cry of all Armenians for 70 years, following the genocide and the
Bolshevik revolution. At the time of Armenian independence in 1991,
the population of Armenia stood at 4.0 million. Today it is below 3.0
million. A free, independent Armenia was achieved, and yet today we are
witnessing the dissipation of Armenia, resulting from unprecedented
levels of emigration. This exodus is now at crisis proportions. It
represents an existential threat to the country.
Armenia's adversaries are watching. They continue their blockade,
and watch with satisfaction as Armenia empties itself.
Background of this Research Project
While it would be easy to lodge criticism at current government policy,
particularly from the diaspora, we felt that a more constructive and
researched based approach was called for. It was felt that a research
project should be launched from within Armenia on the demographic
trends and the de-population of Armenia.
In co-operation with the International Centre for Human Development
("ICHD") in Yerevan, a selection process was conducted, resulting in
four research institutions or groups being selected:
Russian-Armenian (Slavonic University) Research Team Research and
Business Center of the Faculty of Economics of Yerevan State University
Research Group of Arshak Balayan, Armen Gakavian and Avetik Mejlumyan
Researchers from Hrayr Maroukhian Foundation
The role of the Kololian Foundation has been to fund the research
and its related costs. The independence of the researchers has been
maintained throughout the project.
Objective
It was felt that an academic and disciplined approach needed to be
taken, to search for the root causes of population decline.
Limitations of the Study
The real desire of those supporting this study, and of the researchers
themselves, is for this paper to be a catalyst for a robust national
dialogue, not resulting in finger pointing, but consisting of real
self-examination of what needs to be done by all state and non-state
actors in Armenia and the Diaspora. Only when the taboos come down
and we bare our souls to one another, can we begin the process of
addressing the fundamental issues which are driving citizens out
of Armenia.
Some Positive Developments
There are some initiatives being taken by the current government
that are commendable. One such initiative is the Ministry of the
Diaspora's Syrian-Armenian resettlement project. It is early days,
but one hopes that Syrian Armenians will stay in Armenia, long after
Syria returns to a post-war calm.
There are also some positive signs where the private sector is
participating in nation building activities. Micro Lending is being
developed by certain banks as an active way to make loans to job
creating enterprises and projects. Artsakh Bank is a good example
of Micro Lending where micro loans are increasingly a part of its
commercial activities. Artsakh Bank reports good take up of its
micro lending program, in agriculture, processing and small scale
manufacturing. And most importantly it reports a very low failure rate,
where their portfolio has performed above expectations.
Follow on Work Required
This paper does not pretend to address all issues or offer all
solutions. The issues not addressed in depth in the current paper,
which need to be examined are:
the need for organized and effective parliamentary opposition; a
study of citizens' purchasing power, where basic goods and services
in Armenia are 3 to 4 times more expensive than neighbouring
countries. Blockades and other trade barriers such as tariffs need
to be studied. The question must be asked, "is there a section of
Armenian society that benefits from such restricted trade by driving
and maintaining higher prices?"
the need to review Armenia's post high school education where more
emphasis could be put on trades and less on the arts and humanities;
the need for private ownership of land, in combination with expansion
of an agricultural policy, where land grants are made (similar to
"Homesteading" in North America, 1800 - 1900), to families who
show capability to farm such lands. Such a program can be supported
financially by the Diaspora.
better co-ordination of diaspora support. Since independence,
diaspora organizations such as The All Armenia Fund, The Armenian
Relief Society and AGBU have donated money to bricks and mortar
projects, schools, clinics, and hospitals. Is it time for the state
to take over funding infrastructure and the diaspora to fund programs
in health, housing, job creation, relocation, and most importantly,
enticing and integrating of immigrants?
The sponsor and the researchers of the current paper, invite others
to take up these issues and join us in bringing forward ideas for
the betterment of Armenia.
Let's be Positive
It is important that we approach the issues afflicting Armenia with
a sense of optimism. Negative tone and negative attitude produce
negative results. Let's remember the words of William Saroyan:
"Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into
the desert without bread or water. Then see if they will not laugh,
sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world,
see if they will not create a new Armenia."
The resilience and determination of Armenians is legendary. Let's
turn these attributes to addressing and conquering the social issues
of Armenia.
Respectfully,
Vahan Kololian The Kololian Foundation Toronto, Canada
[email protected] [email protected]
http://www.keghart.com/VK-Foundation-Depopulation