16 November 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has reported that the Government of Armenia has designated its third Wetland of International Importance, Khor Virap Marsh, a state sanctuary located in the ancient Arax riverbed in the central part of the country.

According to Ramsar, this freshwater marsh of semi-artificial origin consists mainly of reed beds fed by an irrigation canal and surrounded by drainage channels. The site supports over 100 species of migratory waterbirds, mammal species, and a large number of dragonfly species.

The marsh also plays a significant role in flood mitigation downstream and in sediment trapping, and is used for hunting, fishing, reed harvesting and cattle grazing. Threats facing the site include: a decrease in water level due to unsustainable use of water for irrigation; overgrazing; fires during the winter period; and poaching.

Armenia’s designation contributes to one of the goals contained in the Ramsar Convention’s Strategic Plan for 2009-2015, which is to reach a protected area of 250 million hectares by 2015. [Ramsar Press Release]