Even during the Soviet era a number of public organisations existed which took an active role in biodiversity conservation. Among these were the Geographical Society, the Biological Society and the Armenian Society for Nature Protection (with its local offices in all regions). The Armenian Society for Nature Protection mainly undertook education and awareness work, through schools and other institutions, as well as organising meetings and lectures, and producing a monthly publication called 'Armenian Nature'. The society also carried out extensive tree planting in different regions of the country. In 1989 a number of small regional public organisations were united to form the 'Greens Union' (previously the organisation 'Survival'). The goal of the union was to work towards protection of plant and animal species, to develop guidelines for sustainable use and to improve environmental legislation.

At present, more than 50 environmental and ecological NGOs are registered in Armenia. In general these organisations focus on environmental education and training, review of new initiatives and their environmental impacts, and participate in discussion and development of key national environmental projects (Annex 10). However, the effectiveness of the NGO movement in Armenia is currently constrined by a number of factors, including lack of co-ordination and co-operation with the Ministry of Nature Protection, lack of resources (inappropriate membership fees), and reliance on external sources of income (private sponsorship and grants from overseas organisations).

Armenia has ratified a number of international agreements and conventions relating to the protection of biodiversity.

· Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention, 1971). Armenia ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1993, however despite the international importance of Lake Sevan and Lake Arpa, little has been done to implement this convention.

· Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD, Rio de Janeiro, 1992). This convention was ratified by Armenia in 1993, and the first stage of implementation is currently being undertaken including the development of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and this first National Report (incorporating a Country Study of Biodiversity) to meet reporting requirements to the convention.

· Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention, Paris, 1972). This convention was ratified in 1993, however there is little available information on implementation.

· Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD, Paris, 1994). The UNCCD was ratified by Armenia in 1997. A project is currently being developed to meet obligations under this convention.

· Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, Rio de Janeiro, 1992). The UNFCCC was ratified by Armenia in 1993, and production of a Country Study on Climate Change is underway.

Three further international conventions relate to biodiversity conservation, and Armenia has not yet acceded to these.

· Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, Washington 1973).

· Convention on the Conservation of Migratory species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention, 1979).

· Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention, 1979).

As well as the numerous projects and programmes conducted by government agencies (including the Ministry of Nature Protection), NGOs and other organisations and individuals, several large scale internationally supported programmes currently address biodiversity conservation in Armenia, and involve the production of detailed plans for the future management of biodiversity.

· The Lake Sevan Action Plan (financed by the World Bank) involved a review of the current situation in the lake and the surrounding watershed, and the development of an action plan to improve the status of the lake and use of its water resources. The goal of the plan is to improve landscape and biodiversity conservation across the whole area, improve opportunities for sustainable use of natural and biological resources in the area, and increase the effectiveness of protection offered by Lake Sevan National Park, through a review of its management and functioning.

· The National Environmental Action Plan reviewed current issues for biodiversity conservation in Armenia and identified priority areas for action, including improved legislation, inventory and monitoring, improved management in-situ (including protected areas), improved ex-situ conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and development of educational and scientific programmes on biodiversity. These priorities have been developed into a detailed action plan.


· The Country Study on Climate Change in Armenia (financed by GEF, via UNDP) is currently being produced, with assessments of likely impacts of climate change on natural ecosystems, species, agricultural land, water resources, and human health in the country. The project will also address necessary actions to mitigate the likely effects of climate change.

· The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP, financed by GEF, via UNDP) is currently under development, as a first obligation under the Convention on Biological Diversity, and as an enabling activity for GEF, to allow further funding to be released to finance biodiversity projects in-country. The first stage of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan comprises a review of biodiversity and existing measures for protection (the Country Study on Biodiversity), which is represented by this first National Report. The BSAP has been developed involving participants from a range of sectors to identify specific activities needed to achieve priorities in biodiversity conservation, and is currently in draft.