Armenia

Towards the Establishment of the Dilijan Biosphere Reserve in Armenia – Nomination and Enabling Framework

Armenia is situated in the Caucasus, which, according to Conservation International’s criteria, is one of the 36 ‘Global Biodiversity Hotspots’. The biodiversity of this region is characterised by a high degree of endemism, and the area encompasses representative ecosystems of the Caucasus hotspot. Dilijan National Park is renowned for its woodlands, mineral springs and natural and cultural heritage sites. Although the region boasts an exceptional diversity of species, it is under serious threat – particularly from the risks of climate change and human-induced threats such as the intensive exploitation of natural resources and environmental pollution.

Background: From potential analysis to readiness for nomination

The Michael Succow Foundation’s cooperation with Armenia began in 2019 with a nationwide potential analysis: opportunities for establishing a UNESCO biosphere reserve were investigated and assessed in eight regions of Armenia. As a result, the Dilijan region was identified as a priority site – due to its exceptional ecological diversity, active civil society and favourable conditions for sustainable regional development.

Building on this, an initial capacity-building project was launched at the end of 2023 in collaboration with the Armenian Ministry of Environment and the local partner Soluton LLC. As part of this project, comprehensive ecological, socio-economic and legal studies were carried out, and the boundaries, zones and key functions of the planned biosphere reserve were developed through a broad participatory process. A local working group with more than 30 members was established, an intersectoral steering committee set up, and a comprehensive implementation plan developed. Workshops, training sessions and a study tour to German biosphere reserves strengthened the technical and institutional capacities of local and national stakeholders. This laid a solid foundation for Armenia’s first biosphere reserve.

The new project: Nomination and institutional framework (2026–2028)

The new project will now support the next crucial phase: the formal nomination of the Dilijan Biosphere Reserve for the UNESCO MAB Programme. To this end, the project will support the drafting of the nomination document in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and local stakeholders, develop a management plan, and drive forward participatory planning processes – to ensure that the biosphere reserve is not only successfully nominated but also prepared for its role following recognition. This includes strengthening governance structures, identifying funding mechanisms, and consolidating broad stakeholder engagement, which will be essential for the long-term sustainability of the biosphere reserve.