Armenia

Some of the environmental issues in Armenia are soil pollution from toxic chemicals, pollution of rivers, and the restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant. Because of the high costs of fuel and a struggling economy, many look to the forests as a means to provide heat, using approximately 70 percent of cut timber for that purpose. The latest threat to the forests is the possible establishment of an open strip mine that would potentially clear-cut over 1,500 acres of forest in northern Armenia. Many non governmental organizations are involved in educating communities about the need to protect their forests.

The Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The following discusses Armenia's plans for biodiversity nationwide:

Armenia is a generally mountainous country, with an average altitude of 1,850 m and over 90% of the land lying above 1000m. This has created a series of highly diverse landscapes going from deserts to Alpine meadow, with mountains steppes and forest (NBSAP). Armenia’s biodiversity is extremely rich in economically valuable species. There are approximately 2,000 valuable species of plants, with characteristics ranging from nutritive and curative properties, to fodder or the production of oil, honey and resin. Animals are also economically valuable for their fur and meat. There are numerous species of wild crop relatives and animal genes, making Armenia one of the centers of cattle breeding and agriculture. The main threats to biodiversity are generally related to natural resource use, but include extensive agricultural development, timber production, industry and transport pollution and construction work. Urban and industrial areas have grown significantly, while forests have been logged and 20000 ha of wetland have been drained. An increase in desertification due to global warming also increases risks of extinction.

The national strategy has 13 main objectives pertaining to increased investments in research, technologies and conservation, increased conservation, regeneration and sustainable use of ecosystems, the development and improvement of mechanisms, management systems and legislation, increased outreach activities, and poverty reduction. Among the various activities related to the main objectives, in-situ conservation has high priority and an important budget is dedicated to the improvement of the protected areas system management. Moreover, the conservation and rehabilitation of wetland, forest and areas damaged by industrial activities is among the highest priorities. In the ex-situ conservation category, high priority and budget are given to the establishment of new centers for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of key threatened species, such as the Armenian mouflon and the wild boar. In the sustainable use category, regeneration of pastures and replanting of deforested areas are also given high priority. Finally, the establishment of a steering committee, a technical working group and a focal unit within the Ministry of Nature Protection are important steps in implementation.

Source: Convention on Biodiversity