Local Stakeholders Meet in Dilijan to Shape Armenia’s First UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

On March 31, 2025, forty representatives from the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, local municipalities and communities, NGOs, the private sector, and expert groups came together in Dilijan for the fourth local stakeholder workshop under the project Capacity Development for the Establishment of the Dilijan Biosphere Reserve.

A key focus of the workshop was the refinement of the draft zoning map for the future biosphere reserve. Divided into four geographical working groups, participants discussed and elaborated on a preliminary zoning proposal. This initial map will be further developed through ongoing analysis and stakeholder feedback.

In the second part of the workshop, participants were introduced to international models of BR governance and best practices. The group then engaged in an in-depth discussion on possible governance frameworks for the Dilijan Biosphere Reserve. A stakeholder analysis was conducted to identify institutions and partners critical to a future management structure.

The strong level of stakeholder engagement demonstrated at the workshop reflects a core principle of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Moreover, the meeting highlighted the considerable awareness and understanding of the MAB concept already achieved through the ongoing project – a solid foundation for the nomination process ahead.

Next, the project’s national steering committee will meet in Yerevan to review and build upon the workshop’s results on zoning and governance. This committee will play a key role in establishing the necessary institutional and policy framework for Armenia’s first biosphere reserve.

Additionally, a study tour is planned for May 2025, during which Armenian stakeholders will visit two biosphere reserves in Germany. The exchange will further strengthen capacity and deepen insights into effective management strategies and governance approaches.