An environmental programme has been launched in the catchment basins of five mountain rivers that feed Lake Sevan-Gavaraget, Masrik, Argichi, Herher, and Arpa Rivers. The programme aims to reduce pollution of rivers and riverbanks, strengthen the environmental capacities of local communities, and promote the participation of local residents.
“Clean Future for Armenia’s Mountain Rivers” programme is implemented by Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)/ For People and Nature Armenian Association (FPAN) and GRÜNE LIGA Berlin e.V., with funding from Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The issue is particularly important for Lake Sevan, Armenia’s principal strategic drinking-water reserve and one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes. The rivers within the Lake Sevan catchment carry not only water into the lake but also accumulated waste and pollutants, increasing ecological pressure on the lake during seasonal floods and snowmelt.
Among the most serious environmental problems in Lake Sevan catchment are the pollution of rivers and riverbanks with household waste, illegal dumpsites, and inadequate waste-management infrastructure in rural settlements.
As part of the programme, residents of the target communities will be engaged to encourage their participation in identifying and addressing local environmental problems. Particular attention will be given to the involvement of young people and women, with the aim of ensuring that environmental initiatives are sustainable in the long term and can be continued by the communities themselves.
About FPAN
For People and Nature Armenian Association (FPAN) implements environmental and sustainable development programmes in Armenia in cooperation with local communities, government institutions, international partners, and the private sector. FPAN builds on the experience of environmental programmes implemented in Armenia by NABU for more than 15 years.
Photo Credit: FPAN
August 19, 2026 at 11:44