By 2030, Armenia plans to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen pollution in Lake Sevan by at least 30%, as well as clean at least 10 rivers and their riparian areas of plastic and other solid waste.
These measures are set out in Targets 8 and 9 of Decree No. 100-L of RA Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan, "On Approving Biodiversity Conservation Targets of the Republic of Armenia and Action Plan for 2026–2030."
The document includes 5 goals and 30 targets aimed at ensuring the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity by 2030.
To reduce phosphorus and nitrogen pollution in the Lake Sevan ecosystem, the Action Plan envisages introducing environmentally friendly, climate-resilient, and resource-efficient agricultural practices, as well as reducing by 30% the volume of domestic wastewater discharged into Lake Sevan from nearby settlements and enterprises.
The Plan also envisages cleaning the flood-prone coastal areas located below the 1,905-meter elevation, as well as conducting a phased inventory of illegally constructed buildings and structures within the Sevan National Park and initiating the legal process for their demolition.
The Action Plan also aims to reduce the risks of pollution of Armenia's rivers from pesticides, hazardous chemicals, and plastic. During 2026–2027, Armenia plans to assess the risks of pollution of its aquatic ecosystems from pesticides, chemical substances, and plastic waste, analyze the current situation, and develop a programme of cleanup and preventive measures.
July 30, 2026 at 14:30