On September 2, 2021, the Government's decision "On celebrating the day of specially protected natural areas in the Republic of Armenia" was adopted at the Government session.
The purpose of the proposed legislative change is to contribute to the greater importance of specially protected areas of nature in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, to the solution of environmental problems, to the development of the public's subconscious, and to raising the level of environmental awareness.
Armenia is at the crossroads of the flora and fauna of the region, and is also a crossroads of transit routes for migratory animals and migratory birds.
Biodiversity conservation in Armenia is mainly carried out in specially protected natural areas (SPAs), where 60-70% of the species composition of flora and fauna are concentrated, including the vast majority of rare, critical, endangered and endemic species. Currently, the total area of the specially protected nature areas operating in the republic is 387,054 ha or 13.1 percent of the total area of the Republic of Armenia.
The rich biodiversity of the specially protected natural areas of the RA, various picturesque landscape types, great scientific and economic potential, natural heritage and the presence of many historical and cultural monuments provide an opportunity to carry out scientific studies, various economic and recreational forms, as well as various ecotourism destinations, combined tours and expeditions.
The specially protected natural areas of Armenia include 3 state reserves ("Khosrov Forest", "Shikahogh" and "Erebuni"), occupy an area of 35 439.6 hectares or 1.19% of the total area of Armenia, 4 national parks ("Sevan", "Dilijan"). ", "Arpi Lake" and "Arevik"), occupy an area of 236,802.1 hectares or 7.96% of the total area of Armenia, as well as 232 natural monuments and 27 state reserves, which occupy an area of 114,812.7 hectares or 3.95% of the total area of Armenia.