Lake Sevan is the largest freshwater lake in the region and is of vital importance both for Armenia’s biodiversity and for local communities. It is a unique natural ecosystem whose preservation requires the joint efforts of society, communities, and various partners.
Lake Sevan is also the natural habitat of the Armenian Gull (Larus armenicus), which was selected as Armenia’s Bird of the Year 2025. This gave the project a special symbolic significance by highlighting the importance of protecting the lake’s ecosystem for both nature and people.
Pollution of the lake and surrounding areas, improper waste management, and limited environmental awareness continue to remain major challenges. Therefore, it became essential to promote public participation, volunteer initiatives, and environmental responsibility at the local level.
About the Project
The “Clean Future for Lake Sevan” project was implemented in 2025 by the NABU Armenian Branch in cooperation with FPAN and ISSD, with financial support from the German Federal Foreign Office.
The project aimed to contribute to the protection of Lake Sevan’s ecosystem, raise public awareness, and encourage the involvement of civil society, youth, local self-government bodies, and the private sector in environmental initiatives.
Within the framework of the project, educational, informational, and practical environmental activities were carried out in the Gegharkunik region, focusing on the cleanliness of Lake Sevan, increasing environmental awareness, and strengthening community participation.
Main Project Activities
- Organization of environmental seminars and meetings in the Gegharkunik region
- Implementation of clean-up and ecological actions in the coastal areas of Lake Sevan
- Engagement of youth and volunteer groups in environmental initiatives
- Promotion of cooperation with local self-government bodies
- Implementation of information and awareness campaigns
- Development of corporate volunteering initiatives involving the private sector
- Organization of a study visit to Germany for international exchange of experience
Project Results
As a result of the project, more active public engagement was formed around the protection of Lake Sevan. Through the organized activities, young people, volunteers, local communities, and partner organizations participated in efforts aimed at improving the cleanliness of Sevan and raising environmental awareness.
The project contributed to increasing public understanding of the importance of protecting Lake Sevan, the Armenian Gull, and the lake’s ecosystem, while also promoting practical actions for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
