Armenia boasts an extremely rich variety of both biodiversity and landscapes, reflecting the variety in geology and altitudes found within the country. A number of factors have contributed to the relatively high levels of biological diversity found in this country
· Armenia, and the Armenian Plateau, is located at the junction of major biogeographic zones.
· Armenia provides an important passage and resting sites for migratory animals and birds.
· Seven main landscape types are represented across the different altitudinal zones of Armenia within a relatively small territory.
· Armenia is an important centre of endemism for wild relatives of domestic crops and has long been a centre for breeding and selection of cultivated plants and livestock.

As elsewhere in the world, biodiversity in Armenia has an important environmental role; ecosystems act to regulate thermal and water regimes, and influence climate. Biodiversity has an important role in maintaining atmospheric air quality and in ensuring a healthy ecological environment for humans. Elements of biodiversity also act to protect the soil from erosion. Humans have hunted, fished and gathered the plants and animals of Armenia since ancient times. Intensive use of natural resources continues today.

Most components of social and economic development in Armenia can be related, directly or indirectly, to biodiversity.

· In agriculture, biodiversity has provided sources of food, fodder and grazing for livestock, genetic variation for selection, etc.
· Biodiversity has provided important natural raw materials like leaves, fruits, and berries for the food industry.
· In medicine, some plants are extremely important sources of natural and commercial remedies.
· Forest resources are widely used in industry and construction.
· Landscapes have important aesthetic and recreational value and provide the basis for tourism.

Threats to biodiversity, from both natural factors and human impacts, is of concern not just locally, but at a global level. Human activities are the greatest factor currently affecting biodiversity, through the use of natural resources by industry, agriculture, hunting, and energy generation.

· As a result of extensive agricultural development over the last 50 years, many natural landscapes in Armenia have been severely degraded - to an extent even greater than in neighbouring countries. Today, around 43% of agricultural lands (0.6 million ha) are under cultivation, while a further 0.8 million ha are covered by pasture and grazing lands. The use and conversion of land for agriculture has resulted in degradation, and even loss, of certain natural habitats, as well as causing large-scale pollution.
· Declines in forest cover have been reported in Armenia since ancient times, although this process has accelerated significantly over recent years. As well as declines in total cover, the quality and composition of forests have also changed, with a replacement of valuable timber species with less valuable types of tree.
· Industry, transport and construction works have had increasing direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity. The gross industrial product of the nation increased 1000 times between 1921 and 1990; this expansion resulted in overuse of natural resources and serious ecological problems. In particular, pollution from the mineral industry, heavy industry, household waste, air emissions and noise has had a significant impact biodiversity.
· Continued emissions of greenhouse gases across the world increase the threat of global warming. Climate change specialists predict that in 50-100 years, the mean annual temperature in Armenia may increase by 2-3°C, while total rainfall may drop by 10-15%. A more arid climate would be likely to result in further desertification, with increases in the area of semi-deserts and deserts being predicted, along with significant declines in wetland areas. Such changes are likely to have important consequences for plants and animals with specific or restricted distributions, and such species may face increased risks of extinction.

Armenia is undergoing economic transition from a centralised economy to free market conditions, and at this time it is important to recognise the inter-relations between human society and the natural environment. The wealth of biodiversity in Armenia is widely used in different spheres, and provides an important contribution to the social and economic development of the country. In this context the development of a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, to meet the obligations of the country to the CBD, is of vital importance.

The Republic of Armenia signed to the Convention on Biological Diversity at the Rio Summit, in 1992, and the Convention was ratified by the National Assembly on the 14th of May 1993. In becoming a Party to the Convention, Armenia accepted its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use within the country, as well as to active co-operation in tackling the biodiversity issues of regional and global relevance, including the sharing of genetic resources and biodiversity information. In accordance with its obligations under the CBD, the Government of Armenia started to develop its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) and first National Report in 1997.

The BSAP has been developed using information collated in a comprehensive review of the existing situation for biodiversity and its conservation, and social and economic factors affecting the biodiversity in the country (see the First National Report to the CBD). All issues relating to biodiversity, including research, education, conservation, management, staff and legislation have been assessed and analysed, and an integrated plan for the improved future management of biodiversity in the country has been developed.