Protected areas are legally designated zones where economic activities are restricted or prohibited to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems. These areas protect unique habitats, rare and endemic species, flora, fauna, and critical natural resources, such as:
Carbon reserves for climate stability
Tropical forests for biodiversity and cultural values
Mountain regions for alpine ecosystem protection
According to IUCN standards, protected areas fall into six categories:
Strict Nature Reserve (Category Ia/Ib)
National Park (Category II)
Natural Monument (Category III)
Habitat/Species Management Area (Category IV)
Protected Landscape (Category V)
Protected Area with Sustainable Resource Use (Category VI)
Under Armenia’s Law on Specially Protected Nature Areas (1991), the following are guaranteed:
3 State Reserves: Khosrov Forest, Shikahogh, Erebuni
4 National Parks: Sevan, Dilijan, Arpi, Arevik
27 State Sanctuaries
233 Natural Monuments
The FPAN “Rural Tourism Development” Program supports the management, research, and community education of these areas to promote sustainable conservation and local development.
