Armenia will establish its first biosphere reserve, "Dilijan" Biosphere Reserve, which will be nominated for inclusion in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
"Dilijan" Biosphere Reserve will cover 116,669 hectares across Tavush, Lori, and Gegharkunik Regions, encompassing 6 communities and 6 specially protected natural areas. The biosphere reserve will include the communities of Fioletovo, Pambak, Lermontovo, Chambarak, and Sevan, with a combined population of more than 75,000. Among the specially protected natural areas, the biosphere reserve will include Dilijan National Park and Aghavnawank Yew Grove, Gandzakar, Getik, Caucasian Rhododendron, and Margahovit State Sanctuaries.
The biosphere reserve is planned to be established within the framework of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. It was developed by Soluton LLC and Michael Zukov Foundation within the framework of "Biosphere Reserves as Model Regions for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Capacity Development for Establishment of 'Dilijan Biosphere Reserve' in Armenia" project funded through Environmental Advisory Assistance Programme for Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and other countries neighbouring the European Union of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment.
The development concept for "Dilijan" Biosphere Reserve has already been prepared. Following the nomination process, UNESCO will assess the site's compliance with the established criteria and officially certify that the region has adopted and is implementing a sustainable development model.
The establishment of the biosphere reserve has several objectives. First, it will contribute to Armenia's international commitments and the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity. It will also contribute to Armenia's achievement of Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. To achieve this target, Armenia has committed to placing 20% of the country's territory under conservation. Currently, specially protected natural areas account for only 13.1% of the territory of the Republic of Armenia.
According to the project developers, the specially protected natural areas included within the biosphere reserve will not undergo changes in their management regimes, and no special restrictions will be imposed on communities. Instead, the area will acquire international status, creating new opportunities for developing "green" initiatives.
"It is undeniable that nature conservation is the primary objective," says Areg Karapetyan, founder of Soluton LLC, explaining how the idea emerged: "The Michael Zukov Foundation and the Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies had studied Armenia's potential and identified areas that were most suitable for designation as a protected area. We selected what we considered the most appropriate area. There is a need for a biosphere reserve in Armenia. This is a unique model in which nature conservation, community development, and economic activity are combined based on sustainable development principles. We developed the concept based on international best practices. The project has been underway for two years, and we have now entered a decisive stage."
Areg Karapetyan
According to Areg Karapetyan, the traditional models of specially protected natural areas have reached their limits. A new model is needed in which decisions are made through the joint participation of all stakeholders - government agencies, communities, specially protected natural areas, businesses, and civil society.
"We are now developing financing and marketing tools so that, in the long term, the biosphere reserve can generate income. This is an alternative model that provides greater flexibility in achieving what traditional government institutions are currently unable to achieve," Areg Karapetyan said.
"The biosphere reserve is not about restrictions, but about opportunities," says Vazgen Galstyan, the project manager, explaining how the biosphere reserve differs from other protected areas.
Vazgen Galstyan
"The vision for the development of the biosphere reserve includes not only specially protected natural areas but also the surrounding communities. A new platform is being created where decisions are made by combining environmental, economic, and community development interests. In the case of specially protected natural areas, management plans are developed and serve as the basis for management, whereas in the case of a biosphere reserve, decisions are made jointly," Vazgen Galstyan noted.
Dilijan
Parz Lake
August 06, 2026 at 14:39