As the sun rises over Armenia’s Ararat Valley, ornithologist Anush Khachatryan of BirdLinks Armenia observes waterbirds at the Armash wetland. The site, spanning nearly 6,000 hectares, is home to more than 200 bird species and serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds. The endangered white-headed duck, which breeds only in this area within Armenia, has seen its population grow from four breeding pairs in 2003 to 17 in 2024, according to BirdLinks Armenia.
"There's a white-headed duck," Khachatryan says, pointing out the rare bird with its distinctive blue beak.
The Armash wetland is central not only to biodiversity conservation but also to the local economy. Nearby communities rely on its waters for fishing, agriculture, and seasonal harvesting. The site is currently a candidate for inclusion in the Emerald Network of protected areas, which would bring international recognition and open up new opportunities for funding and technical support.
Its economic future depends on balancing business interests with environmental protection. Artak Zadoyan, owner of Armash Carp Farm CJSC, practices low-impact farming by avoiding artificial fish feed—a choice that supports both his business and local wildlife.
"We try to mix wildlife conservation with our business," Zadoyan explains.
He plans to expand into pesticide- and fertilizer-free rice production. This move aims to provide safe foraging areas for birds while supplying healthy food for people.
While hunting remains permitted at Armash, efforts are underway to phase it out through dialogue with hunting groups. Monitoring and protection are enforced during critical breeding and migration periods. Site manager Nver Grigoryan patrols the wetland regularly to prevent poaching.
Rare species such as flamingos and white-tailed lapwings have also been observed at Armash in recent years.
A new pilot management plan developed by The World Bank under the EU4Environment Program proposes shifting from hunting toward ecotourism and birdwatching as sources of sustainable economic growth. The plan includes measures to address threats facing the habitat while considering local stakeholder interests. Visitors now pay an entrance fee and can stay at an on-site guesthouse. Grigoryan produces honey and harvests sunflower seeds for visitors seeking a farm-to-fork experience.
"It will be very good for the community,” Grigoryan says. “If a lot of tourists come to see the birds, there will be more opportunities to make money."
Armenia’s wetlands have suffered from drainage over the past century, particularly during Soviet times. Restoration efforts are expanding: nearly 100 hectares of wetland are set for rehabilitation under the EU Restore4Life project, which will also improve birdwatching infrastructure and promote hospitality services managed by locals. The World Bank’s $9.95 million RESILAND (Armenia Resilient Landscapes) Project is supporting restoration work across multiple sites in Armenia’s Ararat Valley.
With COP 17 on Biodiversity approaching in 2026—set to take place in Armenia—the country’s efforts at Armash highlight its commitment to preserving natural resources.
“Armash is one of the most amazing places I know,” Khachatryan says.