Construction work has increased dramatically in Armenia over the last half century, in line with industrial development and human population growth. Around 90 000 ha, or 3% of the total land is now covered by urban or industrial construction. Such areas support few species and construction affects biodiversity directly, through the complete destruction of natural habitats. In addition, areas in the vicinity of construction work are affected by habitat degradation and by long-term damage with construction wastes that are not properly removed.

A total of 19 major power plants have been constructed in Armenia, including four hydroelectric power stations and one nuclear power station. In total the power plants cover around 250,000 ha, but hydro-electric plants are also supported by a network of channels, tunnels and reservoirs. In addition, high voltage power lines are widespread throughout the country, totaling 2980km in length, and are found in many natural landscape types (including forests, steppes, and meadows).

The impacts of the energy sector on biodiversity have become clear since the 1950s. At that time the development of hydroelectric power plants on the River Hrazdan, and increases to the depth of that river, led to increasing outflow from Lake Sevan, and consequent declines in its level by 18-19 m. The declines had substantial effects on the lake and its biodiversity, including changes in chemical balance, loss of species and eutrophication (Section 1.4.1). Hydro-electric plants also affect biodiversity locally, within the rivers on which they were built. Effects include changes in biodiversity both in feeder channels and downstream of outlets, and in artificial reservoirs designed to regulate flow. Changes in water flow have also resulted in aridization of some areas where water has been channeled off for use by the power plant.

In general, all forms of power station (hydro-electric, thermal and nuclear) affect biodiversity in some way, as does the electrical transmission network across the whole country:

· thermal pollution (including of water used as a coolant) and air pollution (particulate and gaseous);
· effects of construction of power plants on the site;
· local changes in vegetation in the vicinity of power plants;
· local habitat disruption through the erection of high voltage power lines (particularly on mountain steppes where vast areas of forest have been felled to erect such lines);
· there is some indication that the electromagnetic field from power lines may lead to changes in the vegetational and faunal composition in the direct vicinity.

The transport system in Armenia is extensive, covering 800km of rail track and 13,000km of roads (of which 12,000km is tarmac road). Transport systems affect biodiversity in a number of ways:

· destruction of natural habitats during construction;
· degradation of surrounding habitats;
· pollution (local and air pollution);
· barrier to dispersal resulting in fragmentation of populations;
· direct mortality of wildlife.

The direct degradation of habitats on the verges of roads is a major problem, since efforts have been made to mitigate impacts through habitat enhancement (tree planting, etc.). A greater issue has been the destruction caused by off-road vehicles (four-wheel drives and caterpillar trucks), particularly in alpine and sub-alpine meadows. There is increasing vehicle use and road development in these fragile environments, resulting in destruction of vegetation and soil, and increased erosion and water run-off.

The landscapes and biodiversity of Armenia have been a focus for tourism and recreation use over a number of decades, but this has intensified significantly over the last few years. By the end of the 1980s over 110 sanatoria and guest houses were operating, supporting more that 600,000 customers. In addition 200 summer camps for children existed, and 30 tourist centres, with 6000 places, were operational, along with around 10 tour routes. In the last few years recreational activities have increased dramatically, however many are improperly managed and result in damage to biodiversity and to natural sites. Up to 100,000 visitors a year have been reported at some sites. Damage includes:

· direct destruction of vegetation;
· trampling;
· littering.

There is a need to regulate tourism and ensure it develops in a controlled manner in order to minimise damage to the environment. Key to this will be effective public awareness and education programmes aimed at the population (particularly young people), and eventually at foreign visitors, to ensure increased awareness of, and responsibility towards, the environment.