Armenia could establish its first UNESCO biosphere reserve by 2028, with the proposed Dilijan Biosphere Reserve covering protected natural areas and several communities across the country.

Vazgen Galstyan, a project manager at Armenian consulting company Soluton, announced the plans on the sidelines of the COP17 conference in Yerevan, Sputnik Armenia reports.

The proposed biosphere reserve would encompass areas in the Chambarak and Dilijan regions, as well as Margahovit village in Lori Province and the Russian-populated villages of Lermontovo and Fioletovo.

The planned zone would include Dilijan National Park, the neighboring areas of Mrtavard, Gandzakar, Getik and Margahovit, as well as the Akhnabad Forest Reserve.

UNESCO biosphere reserves are established under its Man and the Biosphere Programme. They aim to protect natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and supporting communities living within and around protected areas.

Unlike conservation areas focused primarily on protecting wildlife and landscapes, biosphere reserves seek to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic activity and human development.