In parallel with human development and economic expansion has come a greater reliance on products and resources originating from the world's biodiversity. However, this increase in the extent and range of use of biodiversity has generally not taken into account natural regeneration rates of biodiversity, and thus over-use has resulted in the degradation of natural systems and loss of components of biodiversity. Over the last century this process has been accelerated due to rapid industrial and agricultural development, resulting in greater use of natural ecosystems including forests and grasslands.

As in other countries of the world, the situation regarding biodiversity degradation and loss are critical in parts of Armenia. Thus, issues relating to biodiversity and sustainable use are recognised as being of crucial importance as we enter the new century.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was opened for signing in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, and more than 180 parties have since ratified the Convention. The Convention and provides a comprehensive document underlining the principles of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use at the global scale. The objective of the CBD is to ensure sustainable use and conservation of biological resources, as well as fair distribution of benefits related to biodiversity and genetic resources. The Convention also highlights the relationships between conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable human development. In ratifying the CBD, the Parties to the Convention undertake a commitment to implement the Convention at a national level in contribution to achievement of its goals and objectives at a global level.

The Republic of Armenia ratified the Convention on the 14th of March 1993, and was thus one of the first countries to join the CBD. Ratification of the Convention has resulted in a number of obligations regarding biodiversity conservation in Armenia, but has also created opportunities to effectively tackle some of the most important problems related to use of biological resources in the country.

Once countries have ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity, one of the first obligations is the production of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP). BSAPs set out the government's aims for biodiversity conservation, with clear targets and approaches. A BSAP provides a mechanism by which governments can show how they will meet their obligations under the CBD, and how their progress towards this can be assessed.

Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans are developed on the basis of the information presented in a country study. This country study is the First National Report to the CBD. The country study provides an overview of the current status of biodiversity in the country, the extent of current protection and related contextual factors (such as economic, institutional, legal, educational, scientific and informational frameworks, and the traditional experience and participation of local communities available in the country). Such reviews include analyses of species richness, and status (particularly of threatened species), and of the anthropogenic threats to biodiversity, along with their underlying causes.

On the basis of these analyses an overall aim and specific objectives for undertaking the conservation of biodiversity at a national level are developed, as part of the BSAP. Principles and approaches for biodiversity conservation are then developed, in line with those outlined within the provisions of the CBD, but with reference to the national framework which will implement the plan. Where possible, links should be made to other existing structures (such as the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy).

Within the BSAP a specific action plan is developed. This outlines the measures required to meet the overall aim and objectives of the BSAP. The action plan needs to be supported by clarification of budgets and time-scales, and should link to other projects currently being implemented or which are planned in the sphere of biodiversity conservation. This action plan provides a basis for identifying clear priorities, for undertaking specific projects which all contribute to an overall goal, and provides a mechanism by which success can be assessed, in relation to obligations under the CBD. Implementation of BSAPs is led by government agencies, but often relies on mobilisation of public support, activities of NGOs, and attraction of external funding.