National Forest Monitoring and Assessment System Launched to Strengthen Armenia’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development

The project is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by FAO in cooperation with the “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNCO of the Ministry of Environment of the RA.

Armenia’s forests, covering approximately 11 percent of the country’s land area, are essential for 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 exhibits signs of desertification, while increasing climate variability continues to intensify risks for ecosystems and their dependent communities.

Addressing Data Gaps Through a National Monitoring System

A key challenge has been the absence of reliable, up-to-date forest data. Armenia has not conducted a full National Forest Inventory (NFI) since the 1980s and has instead depended on estimates based on satellite imagery and outdated forest management records. This lack of current information has constrained the country’s capacity to develop evidence-based policies and to respond effectively to climate and environmental pressures.

The newly signed project seeks to address this critical gap by establishing a strong National Forest Monitoring and Assessment (NFMA) system, including continuous cycles of National Forest Inventory implementation. Through the integration of 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, forest health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

Importantly, 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 ongoing FAO-implemented project “Forest Resilience of Armenia: Enhancing Adaptation and Rural Green Growth via Mitigation”, together contributing to a more coherent and integrated approach to forest restoration, monitoring, and sustainable forest management in Armenia.

From Challenges to Solutions

The establishment of a national forest monitoring system represents an important transition toward a more integrated and reliable framework for understanding and managing forest resources. It will enhance the availability and quality of forest information, support evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen the country’s ability to address environmental challenges and climate-related risks in a timely and effective manner.

The signing ceremony was followed by welcoming remarks from Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment, who emphasized that:

“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 this 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 particular 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, underlined that:

“With the project FAO brings global expertise in forest monitoring and inventory systems. In order to support Armenia 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 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 monitor reforestation, afforestation, and agroforestry activities across the country, providing critical insights into their effectiveness and supporting adaptive management. This will help guide efforts to combat illegal logging, enhance ecosystem resilience, and promote the sustainable use of forest resources, including non-timber forest products.