Armenia: Together for a thriving lake
Armenia is hosting this year’s UN Biodiversity Conference. Lake Sevan is a case study for how better data, nature-based solutions and strong government agencies can preserve biodiversity.
Lake Sevan lies almost 2,000 metres above sea level in the Armenian highlands. Twice the size of Lake Constance, it is one of the world’s largest alpine lakes. It provides water for domestic and agricultural use and hydropower, as well as being a source of livelihoods in the fisheries and tourism sectors. However, untreated wastewater, agricultural fertiliser and climate change are adversely affecting this vital ecosystem.
We have been working with our Armenian partners since 2018 to protect Lake Sevan and conserve the biodiversity of its surrounding region. Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we are striving as part of a cofinancing arrangement with the European Union to establish a reliable database to help us develop solutions for protecting the lake and its ecosystem in the long term.
Better data for a healthy lake
GIZ Project Manager Dr Niels Thevs explains: ‘State-of-the-art measuring equipment, models and digital applications enable the authorities to better assess water quality, water volume and the impact of climate change.’ They record 14 additional indicators of water and environmental quality as part of regular studies. As a result, they are now far better informed about the condition of Lake Sevan and its catchment area than previously. Newly developed water management plans build on these findings and show how water resources can be administered on a sustainable basis in line with EU standards.
Another important factor in safeguarding the water quality of Lake Sevan is wastewater management. Consequently, we are piloting decentralised, nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment in selected municipalities. ‘The plan is to use pretreated wastewater to irrigate fast-growing trees,’ explains Thevs. ‘Trees, soil and microorganisms remove polluting nutrients from the water. The trees are pruned regularly and the biomass is used for other purposes.’ This is the ideal approach for locations without wastewater systems, as it is a low-cost solution that is straightforward to implement and can be transferred to other locations.
Nature conservation beyond the shore
We are also working in the wider catchment area of Lake Sevan to help restore degraded soils and conserve biodiversity. Some 370 hectares of land are now being managed in an environmentally responsible, water-efficient manner. Over 1,200 farmers and other actors have expanded their knowledge of sustainable agriculture.
We are also strengthening participation locally. A shared platform brings together state authorities, municipalities, companies, civil society and educational institutions to drive conservation efforts for Lake Sevan. More than 6,000 people have already participated in environmental training measures. The #SevanTalks campaign for responsible water resource management has reached some 750,000 people. These individual initiatives thus combine to create a permanent system for biodiversity conservation in Armenia.
