Gef medium-Size Project (msp)

1. Approved MSP PIF

Attached as a separate document

2. Other agreements

Endorsement letter

Attached as a separate document

Co-financing letter

Annex 1: Biodiversity of the Syunik region

142. 
     Forests of the Syunik region are presented with a diversity of endemic species (Centaurea alexandri, Cousinia takhtajanii, Psephellus zangezuri, Psephellus zuvandicus, Silene chustupica, Astragalus sangezuricus Bromopsis zangezura, Festuca vagravarica, Amygdalus nairica, Cotoneaster armenus, Crataegus armena, Crataegus zangezura, Pyrus elata, Pyrus hajastana, Pyrus sosnowskyi, Pyrus tamamschjanae, Pyrus voronovii, Rosa zangezura, Rubus takhtajanii, Rubus zangezurus) and rare plant species listed in the Red Book (Cercis griffithii, Tulipa sosnovskyi, Ophrys caucasica, Euonymus velutina, Fritillaria kurdica, Tulipa florenskyi, Punica granatum, Galanthus transcaucasicus, Steveniella satyrioides, Periploca graeca, Carpinus schuschaensis, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Cephalanthera rubra, Primula komarovii, Primula woronowii, Sorbus luristanica).
     
143. 
     Terrestrial vertebrates in the Syunik region are represented by about 320 species, including 4 species of amphibians, 30 species of reptiles, 225 species of birds and about 60 species of mammals. The forests of the Syunik region are crucially important for conservation of Armenian populations of big carnivores such as brown bear (Ursus arctos syriacus), forest cat (Felis silvestris), and lynx (Lynx lynx). The first two are included in Appendix II “Strictly Protected Fauna Species” of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (“Bern Convention”), to which Armenia is a Party. Forest massifs of the southern part of the region (Meghri and Kapan eco-regions) are a part of territories of extremely rare Vordern Asian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana) included into IUCN Red List. Vertebrate fauna composition is more or less similar in all 3 territories selected for the pilot project namely Goris, Kapan and Meghri, except for species that can penetrate to the open forest of Kapan territory from the surrounding “open” landscapes.
     
144. 
     The different types of forests fully or partially support populations of about 150 bird species, including such rare birds of prey as black vulture (Aegypius monachus – included into IUCN Red List), griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetas). The last two are included into Appendix II of Bern Convention with all the European bird of prey species.
     
145. 
     Similar to those of Caucasus and Armenia, invertebrates of the Syunik region are studied quite irregularly. However, data on some relatively complete studies of higher taxons that are considered a model to follow also demonstrate high importance of the region (marz) for biodiversity conservation. For instance, of 155 mollusk species of Armenian fauna, 96 are found in Syunik, of about 4,200 beetle species more than 2,200 are found in Syunik, of 230 butterfly species 126 are found in Syunik, and of 200 orthopterous insect species 120 are found in Syunik. Extrapolating these data to the invertebrate fauna as a whole, the total number of the region’s species can be estimated at 8,500-9,000 (that is about half of the 17,000 species of Armenian fauna)²³. About half of Armenian endemic animals (155 of 317 mentioned in the National Report) are represented in Syunik, with 110 species known as not found outside Syunik. Of invertebrates, the most important for biodiversity conservation in the global context are endemics of Syunik forests, such as mollusks Euxina akramowskii Likh. and E.valentini Loosjes and about 100 endemic beetle species (e.g. ground-beetle Procerus scabrosus fallettianus, recently identified and described in region (marz) study, longhorn beetles Anaglyptus danilevskyi, Cortodera kafanica and Asias aghababiani, jewel-beetles Sphaerobothris aghababiani and Anthaxia superba, etc.). There are many other rare species in the forests of Syunik, among others Cerambyx longhorn (Cerambyx cerdo), Rosalia longhorn (Rosalia alpina), Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo) (all the 3 listed in IUCN Red List), Clouded apollo butterfly (P. mnemosyne) (listed in Appendix II of Bern Convention), etc.
     
146. 
     As studies continue, new fauna taxons, especially those of insects, are found. For example, within the last two decades, solely of beetles, more than 20 species have been identified and described. 66 species of the vertebrates in the Syunik Marz were included into the Red Book of Armenia, 23 of them had been included into the USSR Red Book, and 16 into the IUCN Red List. There is no Red Book for Armenian invertebrates, but 27 endangered insect species represented in the Syunik Marz had been included into the USSR Red Book, including 2 species of Coleoptera, 14 of Lepidoptera, 2 of Neuroptera, 6 of Hymenoptera and 1 species of Orthoptera. Eight species of Armenian invertebrates included into IUCN Red List of Threatened Species are found in Syunik. Forest fauna (different groups of vertebrates and invertebrates) constitutes 40 to 60 per cent of the region's fauna, i.e. general number of forest fauna species can be estimated at about 4,000.
     
147. 
     More than 35 endemic flora species and more than 150 rare and endangered species, that are included in the Armenian Red Book, are found in the Syunik Marz. It harbors unique habitat for species such as Vasilevskaja’s onion (Allium vasilevskajae), Alexandr’s centaury (Centaurea alexandri), Nairi’s almond (Amygdalus nairica), Zangezur’s hawthorn (Crataegus zangezura), and Takhtajan’s fig-wort (Scrophularia takhtajanii).
     
148. 
     Mountainous oak forests of Meghri sub-region of the Syunik Marz are very rich in biodiversity. Besides numerous endemic species, more than 20 species of rare and very decorative orchids, 3 species of irises, 2 species of fritillaries, 2 species of tulips and many others grow here.
     
149. 
     From a biodiversity standpoint, oak forests of Goris sub-region of the Syunik Marz are very important for conservation as well. These forests serve as an important habitat for a number of very rare and decorative plant species included in the Armenian Red Book, such as Artjushenko’s snowdrop (Galanthus artjushenkoae), Italian cornflag (Gladiolus italicus), anacamptis (Anacamptis pyramidalis), damasonian helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium), red helleborine (Cephalanthera rubra), Caucasian ophrys (Ophrys caucasica), Rome dactylorhize (Dactylorhiza romana), butterfly orchid (Platanthera chlorantha), etc. Of endemic invertebrates, we should mention Procerus scabrosus fallettianus, as well as a whole series of beetles identified and described exactly from environs of Shurnukh village: some staphilinids (Ziras stenocephalus (representing subgenus Hyloziras endemic for Armenia), Paophilus zangesuricus, Geostiba khnzoriani), leaf-beetle Haltica armeniaca, death-watch beetle Gastrallus phloeophagus, etc.
     
150. 
     The juniper open forest of Kapan sub-region of the Syunik Marz is very important from the standpoint of biodiversity conservation. Being characterized as a part of Ancient Mediterranean ecosystem of juniper open forests, this area serves as a principal habitat for such rare and relict plant species as peony (Paeonia tenuifolia), lentil (Lens ervoides), jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), water-elm (Zelkova carpinifolia), Luristanian service-tree (Sorbus luristanica), Gabrielian’s cousinia (Cousinia gabrielianae), etc. Compared to ecosystems described above, this one is peculiar due to inhabitance of species that prefer “open” landscapes. Of vertebrates, Greek turtle (Testudo graeca, included into IUCN Red List), lebetina viper (Vipera lebetina), snake Coluber najadum (both included into Appendix II of Bern Convention), should be mentioned. Exactly here, and not in a deep forest, the above mentioned black vulture (Aegypius monachus), griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetas), etc are found. Although no special study was conducted for invertebrates of the place, certain endemic for Armenia ground-beetles (the above mentioned Procerus scabrosus fallettianus, Trechus melanocephalus Kol., blister-beetle Lydus caucasicus Mar., etc.) are known of this area.
     

Shikahogh State Reserve (established 1958; area 10,000 ha)

151. 
     The reserve was established in 1958. During 1961-1975 this area became Bartaz Reservation. The status of the state reserve was re-established in 1975. The reserve spreads over the southern slopes of Mountain Khustup and the northern slopes of the Meghri range, at the altitude of 700-2400 m. The Rivers Tsav and Shikahogh run through its territory with their mountain tributaries. The reserve stands out for its unique mesothermophilous flora and vegetation formed under the influence of numerous ecological factors, especially geographic location of the terrain and peculiarities of the climate. The warm and moist climate of the reserve is determined by its location. The reserve is surrounded by high mountains on three sides which prevent the northern cold and southern warm winds from entering the basins of the Rivers Tsav and Shikahogh. The fourth side, however, is open to the warm and moist air from the Caspian Sea. That is why this reserve is rich in Caucasian mesophilous plants and at the same time is famous for its mesothermophilous trees, bushes and herbs which determine the uniqueness of its flora.
     
152. 
     According to approximate data there are 1100 species of vascular plants in the reserve area. About 70 species growing in the reserve are registered in the Red Data Book of Armenia, 18 – in the Red Data Book of the USSR. The reserve is also known for its numerous endemic species, most of which have the place-name “Zangezur”, for example, Zangezur pear - Pyrus zangezura Maleev, Zangezur blue-bell – Campanula zangezura (Lipsky) Kolak. et Serdjukova, Zangezur pennycress – Thlaspi zangezurum Tzvel. etc. The flora of the reserve is mostly mesophilous, however, it is also rich in mesothermophilous species. In the lower mountain zone up to 1000 m low height stands of Arax oak - Q. araxina (Trautv.) Grossh. are common. An interesting type of Mediterranean vegetation shibliak occurs here as well. In the reserve shibliak occurs on rather steep, dry and rocky slopes. Christ’s thorn or Jerusalem thorn (Paliurus spina-christi Mill.) prevails, which is typical for shibliak. This densely branched and thorny shrub with yellow-greenish leaves and roundish fruits is of Mediterranean origin and often used as a live fence. It is accompanied by smoketree (Cotinus coggygnea Scop.), hackberry (Celtis glabrata), barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) and other xerophilous shrubs and plants with the dominance of beard-grass - Botriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng. The main type of vegetation of the reserve is forest which spreads at the altitude of 1000-2200 m. It consists of oak (Q. iberica Bieb. and Q. macranthera) and hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis Mill. and C. betulus L.). Oak species Q. iberica occurs at the altitude of 1300-1400 m, while Q. macranthera grows higher. Ash (Fraxinus L.), lime (Tilia L.), maple (Acer L.) and elm (Ulmus L.) occur as accompanying species. Hornbeam stands occur on the northern slopes. The only small forest of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in the Southern Armenia grows in this reserve. The reserve is also the only place in Armenia where hornbeam stands remained at the upper limit of the forest. There are also many fruit trees in the forests such as walnut (Juglans regia L.), pear (Pyrus L.), apple (Malus orientalis Uglitzk.), plum (Prunus Mill.) as well as some mesothermophilous tree-bush species such as pistachio (Pistacea mutica), chestnut (Castanea sativa L.), persimmon (Diospyros lotus L.), waterelm - Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall.) C.Koch, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), fig (Ficus carica L.) and others. Yew and oriental plane also occur in the reserve in patches of groups of trees or individual trees (see as well Plane Grove Reservation). There is a group of 25-30 year-old yew trees in a dark and dense beech forest near the village Shikahogh. Above the forest zone subalpine meadow vegetation spreads over altitudes above 2200 m. In the transition zone there are numerous resiniferous species of astragalus (Astragalus), as well as prickly thrift (Acantholimon) and sainfoin (Onobrichis cornuta). The fauna of the reserve has not been well studied. It is known that the reserve is a habitat for reptiles (Vipera lebetina, Natrix natrix, N. tesselata, Pseudopodus apodus, Viper raddei etc.), birds (Caspian snowcock - Tetraogallus caspius, bearded eagle - Gypaetus barbatus, various species of vultures - Gyps fulvus and others) and numerous species of mammals (wolf - Canis lupus, fox - Vulpes vulpes, wild cat - Felis silvestris, roe – Capreolus capreolus, hare - Lepus europaeus, badger - Meles meles, hedgehog – Erinaceus auritus etc.). Wild goat (bezoar goat) and moufflon (wild sheep) also occur in the reserve. According to the local population panther (Pantera pardus tullianus) also occurred here in the past. Indian porcupine (Hystrix leucura) feeding on plants is a rare rodent species of the reserve. Most of the mentioned animals are registered in the Red Data Book of Armenia. Mtnadzor (“dark gorge” in Armenian) covering almost the half of the reserve territory makes it unique.
     

153. 
     This reservation is located in the vicinity of Shikahogh State Reserve at the altitude of 700-800 m in the valley of the River Tsav which is a left tributary to the River Arax starting from the Khustup Mountains. The grove (10 km long and 50-200 m wide) stretches along the bed of the River Tsav. It continues as much downstream of the River Tsav. Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis L.) is a long-lived tree (up to 2000 years). According to references five thousand 200-250 year-old trees with the height of 30-45 m and trunk diameter of 2 m were growing in the grove. Century-old trees with hollows also occurred. Natural regeneration by seeds was intensive. In the 1980s the part of the plane grove became a settlement with standard housing where Nerkin Hund village was resettled. Since then the artificial clearings in the grove have been used for agricultural purposes while nowadays permanent presence of residents endangers the ecological integrity of the grove.
     

154. 
     The main protected objects are endemic and rare and fauna species.
     

155. 
     This area was established to protect threatened species of flora and fauna in the forest ecosystems typical for the region.
     

156. 
     This area was established to protect the natural complex of the relict volcanic lake.
     

Legend 1 Sisian Forest Enterprise 2 Syuniq(Goris) Forest Enterprise 3 Kapan Forest Enterprise 4 Meghri Forest Enterprise 5 Shikahogh State Reserve

Legend 1. “Sev Litch” Reservation 2. “Goris” Reservation 3. “Boghakar” Reservation 4. “Shikahogh” State Reserve 5. “Plane Grove” Reservation

157. 
     The stocktaking analysis was undertaken for Armenia’s most vulnerable regions that were most in need for adapting to climate change and variability. These regions were the Armavir marz, Gegarkuniq marz and Syunik marz. When the analysis was narrowed down further, from overall adaptation covering all sectors to forest ecosystems in particular, it was found that the scale of vulnerability, relevance to national priorities and development benefits were highest in the Syunik region (note green highlighted rows in table below).
     

158. 
     Hydrometeorological observations in Armenia are being carried out by the Armenian State Hydrometeorological SNCO currently under the Ministry of Emergency Situations, according to the instructions and recommendations of the Global Climate Observation Systems. The analysis of the air temperature for the period 1929-2006 in the territory of Armenia shows that starting from 1994 the average annual and average summer temperature anomalies have been positive. Particularly the summer of 2006 has been the hottest within the studied period. On an annual basis, the warmest year was 1998. Winters also have a tendency of warming, which is however, quite insignificant.
     

159. 
     During the past years, climate change has also impacted the country in the form of more acute climatic hazards. Among the natural hazards, Armenia is mostly affected by droughts, early spring chills, heat/cold waves, hailstorms, mudflows, landslides, storms, fogs and forest fires. Of the above-mentioned hydrometeorological hazards, the following have caused the most damage: severe drought observed in July-August, 2000; unprecedented cold wave in December 2002; spring flooding in 2004 and 2007 caused by heavy rainfalls, intensive snow-melting due to unusual warm weather and stormy winds: freezing occurred on April 1-5, 2004 in Ararat valley; and prolonged and dense fog observed in the months December-January in 2006 and 2007. According to the estimates of World Bank experts, the average annual damage caused by hydrometeorological hazards in Armenia stands at 35 billion AMD annually for the period 2000-2005²⁴.
     
160. 
     The analysis of hydrometeorological hazards recorded in 1975-2006 shows that on average every day some hazardous event occurs in some location. Direct damage caused by hazardous events is rather high. As seen from the figures below, the most days with hydrometeorological hazards were recorded in 2003 and 2004. Most cases of hail are recorded in Shirak Valley, heavy precipitation in Tashir and Ijevan regions, freezing in Ararat Valley and sub-mountainous regions, storms in mountain passes, Sevan basin and the Syunik region. The sum of hydrometeorological hazards over the last 30 years has increased by 1.2 cases annually, and in recent 20 years it has increased by 2.1 cases annually.
     

Number of freezing days	Number of days with hail
Number of days with heavy precipitation	Number of days with stormy winds
Total number of days with hydrometeorological hazards
Source: Armenian State Hydrometeorological Service

161. 
     According to the First National Communication, climate change impacts are observed in terms of more frequent occurrence of extreme weather events and disasters, climate aridization and changes in biota, as well as a decrease of land productivity. Climate change also causes water stress and health issues. A brief description of the above-mentioned impacts is presented below:
     
162. 
     Extreme weather events and disasters: During the past decade an increase of frequency of extreme weather and climate events (such as droughts, spring frosts, hails, floods, mudflows, winds and forest fires) have been recorded. The recorded number of hailstorms during 2001-2006 reached 46 cases (hailstone diameter 22-35mm, on average); heavy floods during the past decade even resulted in human losses. In 2000, losses to the agriculture sector from droughts amounted in $66.7 million, constituting 10.1% of agricultural gross product. This includes 35% share of potato yield, 20% of cereals, and 16% of vegetables. In 2005, the crop yield losses from hail, floods and frost together made up about $15 million.
     
163. 
     Climate aridization and changes in biota: Research based on observations from 50 meteorological stations during 1930-1990 shows that the average annual precipitation has decreased by 5.8% and temperature has increased by 0.7°C in Armenia. This is expected to worsen in light of anticipated climate change scenarios. The effects of climate aridization are already being felt in arid Armenia. During the last millennium the forest areas have significantly reduced, the semi-desert and steppe vegetation belts have expanded and the Alpine vegetation belt has reduced. Increased occurrence of forest fires and pest outbreaks are another consequence of climate aridization that negatively impact forests in Armenia. At present, the forest area damaged annually by insects is approximately 14,500ha (on average).
     
164. 
     Land productivity: According to the climate change forecasts the humidity of soil will decrease by 10-30% by mid century and subsequent moisture deficit will impact the plants’ growing capacity. According to the First National Communication the productivity of cereals will be reduced on the average by 9-13%, vegetables – by 7-14%, potatoes – by 8-10% and horticulture by 5-8%.
     
165. 
     Water stress: The observed climate warming will impact the runoff formation that largely depends on snow cover in Armenia. The water reserves in snow on whole territory have already decreased by 5-10% during the baseline period (1961-1990). Water balance in Lake Sevan is also affected by the increasing evaporation from its surface.
     
166. 
     Health issues: It is also forecasted that the incidence of cardio-vascular system diseases will increase, especially among the risk groups. Increase in number of malaria morbidities has been detected (e.g., in 1998 the number of people contracting three-day malaria reached 1,156). Increase in number of cholera vibrio of group 01 (El Tor vibrio) from 1.4 to 2.4% in Armavir region of Armenia was observed during 1998-2001.
     

Syunik (Goris) subregion (25.8 ha)

167. 
     In the forest lands of Goris, there are many degraded areas. For instance, in the south-eastern part of the 15th and the 16th lots of the 21st square in Syunik (Goris) forest subenterprise, there are mixed natural sparse tree-growth areas (oak, hornbeam, ash-tree) as well as burned areas on 35-40⁰ slope and with completeness/ integrity 0.2. On the 13th lot of the 6th square in the same forest subenterprise, there are burned areas under 30 year-old species of pine-trees and oaks on 40⁰ slope. On the 1st lot of the 31st square in Shurnukh forest area, areas with no natural recovery are notable. Among the above-mentioned degraded forest areas, Shurnukh forest area was selected as reforestation target within the pilot project. The target treeless area of 15 ha is located on the 1st lot of the 31st square and surrounded by fifth growth-class natural oak-wood (8 oaks to 2 hornbeams). The area is located in the south-west, on 20⁰ slope, at 1450 m above sea level. According to afforestation projects, natural recovery on that area is expected since 1979, yet no natural growth is evident up to date.
     

168. 
     In Kapan forest lands, there are also many forest ecosystems degraded due to a variety of circumstances (burned, drying out pest-affested leaves forest, illegally cut, land erosion). The junipers of Davit Bek forest area, which was burned in 2006, have been selected as reforestation targets within the pilot project. The total burned area reaches 90 ha. The pilot project envisages to reforest 20 ha of the burned area’s lower part, located at 1600 m above sea level, on slope exceeding 45⁰.
     

169. 
     In the forest lands of Meghri, there are many forest ecosystems that are degraded due to a variety of circumstances. A part is destroyed by fire, others due to mass reproduction of pests or as a result of soil erosion. According to research findings, there are 2270 ha degraded forest areas within the forest lands of Meghri, including 2050 ha of forest with pest-affected leaves (on 540 ha leaves already dried out) and 220 ha burned by fires. Among degraded forest areas of Meghri, Shvanidzor forest area was selected as a target for reforestation. The target site of 20 ha to be reforested is affected by leaf-consuming pests (due to their mass reproduction in 1999-2001) and was then burned due to forest fires (in 2001). The area is mainly under oaks; it is located in the south-western part of the forest, on 30⁰ slope, at 1600 m above sea level.
     

Legend

2 Davit Bek Forest Area, Kapan Forest Enterprise

3 Shvanidzor Forest Area, Meghri Forest Enterprise

4 Shikahogh State Reserve