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Land Restoration and Ecosystem Service Improvement through Use of Fruit and Nut Tree Biodiversity in Armenia

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Land Restoration and Ecosystem Service Improvement through Use of Fruit and Nut Tree Biodiversity in Armenia project is implemented by WWF-Armenia and funded from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The project aims to address one of Armenia’s most pressing environmental challenges, land degradation, through restoring degraded landscapes by the sustainable use of indigenous fruit and nut tree biodiversity. The initiative combines ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and community development to contribute to both national priorities and global environmental commitments.

Geographic Focus

Project activities will be implemented in Armenia’s priority regions most affected by land degradation and climate risks, including Lori, Tavush, Syunik, Shirak, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik and the city of Yerevan, where restoration interventions will deliver the greatest ecological, climate and community benefits.

LAND DEGRADATION IN ARMENIA

90%

of the country is composed of fragile mountainous ecosystems

86%

of these ecosystems are already degraded

44%

of land is affected by soil erosion

Key drivers of degradation include overgrazing and unsustainable forest harvesting, poor agricultural practices leading to soil salinization and chemical overuse, climate change, increasing weather unpredictability, glacier retreat and rising temperatures.

Climate projections indicate that Armenia’s average temperature could increase by 2.8°C by 2050 and 5.8°C by 2090, ultimately, intensifying erosion, desertification, forest loss, and ecosystem instability.

© WWF-Pacific/Tom Vierus

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The project’s objective is to restore degraded landscapes by harnessing the biodiversity of locally adapted fruit and nut tree species and their wild relatives, to improve ecosystem services, strengthen climate change mitigation and adaptation, support food security and nutrition, enhance sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The project seeks to transform unsustainable land-use practices that rely on exotic, resource-intensive crops into innovative, biodiversity-based restoration approaches rooted in the country’s rich agrobiodiversity.

Key Activities

Landscape Assessment and Site Selection

Identification of priority degraded areas where restoration with fruit and nut trees can deliver the highest ecological, social, and climate benefits.

Demonstration and Pilot Restoration Sites

Establishment of pilot sites showcasing sustainable land and forest restoration practices using indigenous fruit and nut tree diversity in communal and degraded areas.

Center for Biodiversity & Climate Adaptation Knowledge

Creation of a dedicated knowledge hub in a peri-urban forest area to support education and public awareness, technical guidance and research and knowledge exchange at local, regional, and national levels

Policy and Institutional Support

Strengthening national and regional policy frameworks to support the use of agrobiodiversity in land restoration and climate mitigation efforts.

Capacity Building and Community Engagement

Training policymakers, farmers, and local communities with a strong focus on gender and age inclusion to promote sustainable land management, restoration practices, and biodiversity conservation.

Expected Outcomes

Restored Landscapes

Increased area of degraded land restored using local fruit and nut tree diversity Improved ecosystem services and landscape productivity

Stronger Policies and Institutions

Adoption of national strategies supporting agrobiodiversity-based restoration Enhanced institutional and financial support mechanisms

Knowledge and Information Systems

An operational information system accessible to public and private stakeholders, improved decision-making for land and forest restoration

Empowered Communities

Increased capacity of local communities and smallholders,improved access to nutritious fruits and nuts New livelihood opportunities, including eco- and agro-tourism

Global Environmental Benefits

The project contributes to global environmental objectives by delivering:

▶ Land restoration and reduced degradation

▶ Enhanced ecosystem services

▶ Conservation of agrobiodiversity and crop wild relatives

▶ Climate change mitigation and adaptation

The project also supports Armenia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and aligns with national strategies on sustainable development, forestry, agriculture, and desertification control.