In any country, the development of plans for biodiversity conservation must be based on a thorough review of available information on the current status of biodiversity and its conservation. Such information is essential for the planning of strategies for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and restoration of natural resources. As well as a description of biodiversity and its most important components, it is important to assess the threats to biodiversity, and opportunities for its conservation, prior to developing plans to improve the situation for biodiversity.

Within this document, the Country Study of Biodiversity provides a thorough review of the current status of biodiversity in the Republic of Armenia, and of factors affecting its conservation. Much of the information contained here was derived from the First National Report to the CBD, where more detailed data is presented. However, the information contained within the Country Study is sufficient to provide a brief outline of biodiversity conservation in the country, and to demonstrate the context and constraints within which the BSAP has been developed. Information included within the Country Study includes reviews of: the current status of biodiversity; existing programmes to protect biodiversity; institutional base; research potential legislation and policy; financial resources for biodiversity; economic and social issues; and, an analysis of the key constraints and opportunities for biodiversity conservation in Armenia. The information from this Country Study has been vital in guiding the realistic and appropriate development of strategies and actions within the BSAP, with the goal of promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in the Republic of Armenia.

Due to the diversity of altitudes, climates and landscapes found in the country, Armenia supports a surprisingly high diversity of plants and animals, including many endemic, relict and rare species. Armenia is botanically diverse; some 3,500 species of vascular plants have been recorded, giving a density of higher plants (100 spp./km2) that is one of the highest in the world. In addition, tens of thousands of lower plants and bacteria species have been recorded from Armenia. More than 17,500 species of animals have been recorded from Armenia, including 500 vertebrate species.
Agricultural species are of particular importance in Armenia. Armenia is considered one of the most important centres for agrobiodiversity in the world, and represents a relatively large area supporting wild relatives of crops and agricultural varieties. The people of Armenia have used these natural resources for over 5000 years, and have built important relationships between human society and agrobiodiversity, both through breeding and through use of agricultural lands. Indeed, natural pastures and meadows represent a crucial natural resource for Armenia, occupying a third of the area of the country.

In general, the biological resources of Armenia are recognised as being the basis for effective economic and social development, and are seen to have a role in creating a healthy environment. Forest habitats, in particular, have important ecological roles, although they cover less than 11% of the country. As well as being an important source for industrial, agricultural and food resources, forests are responsible for regulation of climate, water balance, and heat circulation.

The mountainous nature of Armenia results in a series of highly diverse landscapes, with variations in geological substrate, terrain, climate, soils, and water resources. These landscapes support a great variety of habitats, which support distinctive flora and fauna, and different human use. Seven distinct altitude landscape zones have been described in Armenia: deserts, semi-deserts, dry steppes, steppes, woodlands, sub-alpine and alpine lands. The areas covered by the seven main landscape types are shown below (Table 2.1), along with a more detailed description of each landscape zone.

Table 2.1. The area of Armenia covered by different

landscape types, along with their altitudinal distributions

· Deserts and Semi-deserts occur in the Ararat Valley and adjacent mountain slopes at altitudes of 1200-1300m, in the Vaik lowlands, and the Meghri gorge. Sand accumulations in the Arax area result in a desert landscape, which are also found in saline lowlands. In these landscapes, the climate is dry and continental, with hot summers and moderately cold winters. The soils are generally of the semi-desert grey type, and have been managed for cultivation over the last millennia. Cultivation has required intensive irrigation, and these areas now support fruit, vegetable, flower, and wine production, but have suffered major impacts from human activities.
· Dry mountainous steppes are found at higher altitudes than semi-deserts (above 1500m) in the Ararat Valley, and some other areas, but are also found at lower altitudes (above 800m) in the lowlands to the north-east of the country, which were originally forested. The climate in the dry steppes is characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters. A range of soils are found, but in the Ararat Valley these lands are typically stony. Irrigation of dry steppes allows cultivation of crops, vegetables and fruit, and these landscapes have also suffered severe human impact.
· Mountain steppes are the dominant landscape for most of the country, particularly at altitudes above 1500m (and at altitudes up to 2000m in the north, 2400-2500m in the south). Meadow steppes occur in the highlands, while patches of forest also occur on ridge tops among steppes in the north-east and Sjunik regions. The climate is generally moderate, with warm, cool summers, and moderate or cold winters. Soils generally have a humus content of between 6-7%. Steppes are used for agriculture (including cultivation of crops, vegetables, frost-tolerant fruit trees (in lower altitudes) and fodder plants (in highland areas).
· Forests generally cover the mid-zone of mountains, occurring at altitudes between 500m and 2100m in the north (up to 2500m in the south). In central Armenia, forests occur in small areas rather than as a continuous zone, and forests can be found on steep slopes and other areas with limited human access. Soil types include red soil in the lowlands and forest grey soils in the highlands.
· Sub-alpine meadows occur at higher altitudes than steppes and forests, including highland mountain ranges. The climate is moderate with short, cool summers and long, cold winters. Much of the land here is meadow, with soils of high humus content.
· Alpine meadows occupy the highest altitudes above sub-alpine meadows (up to 3000m in the north and 3800m in the south). These meadows represent the principal pasturelands for the country, with meadow and alpine vegetation. Climatic conditions are severe, with long, cold winters, and annual temperatures average less than -40°C. Snow cover lasts up to 9 months, and permanent snows may occur in some areas.
· Azonal landscapes cover over 10% of the territory of the country, and occur independently of altitude (unlike the previously described landscapes). These include wetlands, as well as saline and alkaline lands, which cover about 25,000ha, including areas in the Ararat Valley where the underground waters are close to the earth surface, resulting in water vaporisation and salt precipitation. Upland wetlands are dominated by fresh (non-brackish) water, while lowland wetlands (particularly those around the River Arax) are usually drained in summer, resulting in high salinity.