On 30 April, Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, and Raimund Jehle, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Armenia, signed the project “Support the establishment of a National Forest Monitoring and Assessment System in Armenia”. The project is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). 

Armenia’s forests, covering approximately 11 percent of the country’s land area, play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and rural livelihoods. However, decades of environmental pressure—including unsustainable fuelwood use, land degradation, and climate change—have led to significant ecosystem decline. Nearly 80 percent of the country’s land shows signs of desertification, while increasing climate variability continues to heighten risks for ecosystems and communities.

Addressing data gaps 

A major challenge has been the lack of reliable, up-to-date forest data. Armenia has not conducted a full National Forest Inventory (NFI) since the 1980s and has relied on estimates based on satellite imagery and outdated forest management records. This has limited the country’s ability to develop evidence-based policies and respond effectively to environmental and climate-related pressures.

The newly signed project aims to address this gap by establishing a National Forest Monitoring and Assessment (NFMA) system, including regular cycles of National Forest Inventory implementation. By combining field-based data collection with modern technologies such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), the initiative will generate accurate and comprehensive data on forest resources, including forest cover, health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

The project is part of the SDC-funded “Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA) project, which supports reforestation efforts on community lands and promotes climate-smart forest management practices. It also complements the FAO-implemented project “Forest Resilience of Armenia: Enhancing Adaptation and Rural Green Growth via Mitigation”, contributing to a more coordinated approach to forest restoration, monitoring, and sustainable forest management in Armenia.

From challenges to solutions

Establishing a national forest monitoring and assessment system marks an important step towards a more integrated and reliable framework for managing forest resources. It will enhance the availability and quality of forest data, support evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen Armenia’s ability to address environmental challenges and climate-related risks.

At the signing ceremony, Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “The establishment of a National Forest Monitoring and Assessment System is a crucial step for Armenia. Reliable data will enable us to make informed decisions, strengthen sustainable forest management, and better respond to climate change challenges.”

Andrea Barbara Baumann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia, highlighted the importance of the partnership and its long-term impact: “Through the FORACCA project, Switzerland is supporting Armenia in strengthening climate knowledge, improving forest policy and management practices, and enhancing climate services. This partnership with FAO is a strategic investment in supporting Armenia in advancing a more sustainable and climate-resilient future, and meeting its international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.”

Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Armenia, noted: “With this project, FAO brings global expertise in forest monitoring and inventory systems to support Armenia in building strong national capacities and establishing a reliable data system that will guide policies and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Beyond strengthening data systems, the project will build national capacity by supporting the establishment and operation of a dedicated National Forest Monitoring Unit. Training programmes, field exercises, and knowledge transfer will help ensure that national institutions can sustainably manage forest monitoring processes in the long term. The Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center will play a key role in continuing these efforts beyond the life of the project.

The system will also track reforestation, afforestation, and agroforestry activities across the country, providing critical insights to support adaptive management. This will help combat illegal logging, enhance ecosystem resilience, and promote the sustainable use of forest resources, including non-timber forest products.