Climate Change
For its size, Armenia has an incredible variety of micro-climates, leading in turn to a vast amount of biodiversity. According the Republic of Armenia’s 1999 First National Report on Biodiversity:
A great range of climatic zones have been recorded within Armenia. The country is located centrally in the sub-tropical zone, and thus is prone to arid (desert and semi-desert) conditions. However, the altitudinal variation within the country results in further variation in climatic zones, in addition to existing latitudinal clines.
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 landscape zones are described in Armenia: deserts, semideserts, dry steppes, steppes, woodlands, sub-alpine and alpine lands.
As stated, these microclimates nurture wide varieties of plants and animals. Regarding fauna, the National Report provides a breakdown of the various animal species in Armenia. It states that there are approximately 17,000 species of invertebrate, 31 varieties of fish, 8 types of amphibians, 53 different reptile varieties, 349 bird species and 83 different species of mammals. It further states:
As a result of its biogeographical position, diversity of landscapes, variations in altitude and mountainous nature, Armenia supports a wide range of animal species. Such diversity is outstanding compared to other countries of the region. Many of the species that occur exist at the edge of their range, or in separate isolated populations, and are therefore of particular interest for zoologists and conservationists.
Its small size, however, also means that these micro-climates can be easily impacted, in a detrimental fashion, if care and concern are not shown. This is, in fact, the current reality in Armenia and a great number of plant and animal species are considered endangered. The National Report states that fauna is at great risk and provides a breakdown of the various endangered animal species in Armenia. It claims that 6 invertebrate, 1 fish, 4 reptile, 7 birds and 6 mammal species are endangered in Armenia. It further states:
At present Armenian biodiversity faces serious threats, and as many as half of all plants in the country may require some conservation action. This is not reflected in the Red Data Book which represents only the most highly threatened species and lists only 387 species (12% of the flora).
This data was compiled in 1999 and it is safe to say that the environmental situation has not improved in the intervening years. In 2010 Armenia produced its Fourth National Report on Biodiversity. It states:
Many species of the flora of Armenia are assessed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. On the whole, about half of the wild species growing in Armenia needs protection. Only 387 species (about 12% of the flora) which are in a more alarming state are included in the Red Book.
The Fourth National Report provides numerous additions to the studies conducted on biodiversity risks and abundant inclusions of suggested courses of actions. Notable, however, is that the twelve year period, between reports, has produced little in terms of genuine progress in the protection of these invaluable resources. Report-producing is important, but action is past due. It is time for the Government of Armenia to abide by the suggestions of their own studies and reports.
Mirco-climate Change
Additional reports and analyses on the issue of climate change are found in the links below.
A quick overview of projected specific climate changes from the Climate Change Information Center of Armenia website.
Review of national research, data and projects on climate change, from 2009.
Ministry of Nature Protection 2009 report on climate change and water resources.
Extensive UNDP/Stockholm Environment Institute 2009 report on the socio-economic impact of climate change on Armenia.
Biodiversity
Additional reports and analyses on the issue of biodiversity are found in the links below.
USAID Biodiversity Assessment for Armenia, from 2000. Provides analysis and suggested plan of actions.
UNDP report, from 2002, on capacity building needs for biodiversity. Provides an overview of relevant ministries and their responsibilities regarding biodiversity issues as well as recommendations for establishing effective protective measuress
2009 USAID analysis on biodiversity in Armenia.
UNEP webpage on threats to biodiversity, specific to Armenia.
This website provides a gallery of wild and natural sites in Armenia.
We would like to call your attention to one organization in particular with whom AEN partners. The Foundation for the Protection of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) has been working in Armenia since 2001 and is at the forefront of both biodiversity protection and micro-climate awareness. Please visit their website.
If you know of an organization or report that should be listed here and is not, please Contact Us with a brief explanation of its relevance and an active URL for the organization or report
To view a broader list of active environmental organizations, see Our Partners page.
For reports and other publications relevant to this topic, see our Publications page.