The Armash site represents a case study with significant anthropogenic operation in the area, such as freshwater fisheries, and rising pressures due to land use changes trend and water-sensitive target objects. The current ESMP is based on the 2023–2024 Armash (AM0000025) recommended borders and revised list of species and habitats, under the EU4 Environment Program.
The key components of the MP include the conservation degree assessment and conservation objects status analysis. For specific habitats and species, the pressures and threats are further analyzed and respective management measures are proposed to address them. The MP recommendations for a 10-year timespan are presented via an Action Plan (Annex B). The Action Plan also includes a midterm evaluation report. The biodiversity information presented is basically from desktop analysis with no specific field sampling/monitoring taking place (since 2016 for the needs of the current SDF, to be modified); nevertheless, it has also included new data from personal experts’ field investigations (for example, for avifauna).
Finally, during the implementation of communication, education, and awareness raising, a training/consultation meeting was undertaken in April 2024 with local stakeholders for a broad and open public engagement. The local opinion and views were strongly considered during the current MP review and finalization. MoE is advised to consider reviewing and finalizing the current ESMP and proceeding on approval.
The current ESMP is a demonstration case for Armenia, applying a locally adopted EU-Natura 2000 MP method and similar code lists during assessing and presenting the site conservation degree, conservation objectives, and conservation measures.