The YeghegisRiver Valley
Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia
Restoring a hidden gem in the heart of the Caucasus
Tucked away in the Caucasus region, the Yeghegis Valley harbours a stunning array of globally and regionally threatened species, including elusive predators like the Persian Leopard, wildcats and lynx, as well as the endangered Armenian Mouflon—of which fewer than 200 individuals remain in Armenia.
But the valley’s fragile ecosystem faces mounting threats from hydropower, unsustainable harvesting of wild fruits, mismanaged waste and overgrazing. FPWC, BirdLife’s Partner in Armenia, is leading restoration efforts, such as reforesting slopes and reviving biodiversity, with strong support from the local community.
Our Future Vision
The forests across the Yeghegis Valley are fully restored, with ecologically and economically valuable trees sustainably managed by local communities. At least ten hydropower plants have been removed or restored, allowing the river to flow freely once again. Riparian forests and wetlands are restored and have created a vibrant mosaic of different habitats. Improved national legislation has strengthened the protection of the valley, allowing wildlife populations – including species like the Persian Leopard – to have come back from the brink. Local communities prosper, benefiting from sustainable grazing and agriculture, all supported by the ecosystem services of this restored landscape.
YEGHEGIS VALLEY AT A GLANCE
280+
Species
4+
Habitat types
45,450
Hectares
Habitat types
Mountain steppe with juniper forests and patches of broadleaf forests, Alpine meadows and wetlands, orchards and farmlands
Key Species
Armenian Mouflon (Ovis gmelin gmelini i), Bezoar Goat (Capra aegagrus), Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), the Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana), Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius), Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Weeping willowleaf Pear (Pyrus salicifolia), Caucasian Oak (Quercus macranthera)
Designations
Privately Protected Area, Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), State Sanctuary, Emerald Site
Main causes of degradation
climate change, human-wildlife conflict, waste mismanagement, hydropower developments
Our plan: Restoring the Yeghegis Valley for nature, people and the planet
To protect the valley’s future and revive its ecosystems, we will:
- Restore natural river flow through a detailed assessment of the 17 hydropower plants impact on the Yeghegis River and its tributaries, decommissioning at least one outdated facility to revive critical waterways.
- Rebuild the valley’s natural defences by restoring 150 hectares of riparian and juniper forests and 35 kilometres of the Yeghegis river and its tributaries.
- Reintroduce the Armenian Mouflon in the Vayots Dzor region
- Reduce human-wildlife conflict by implementing sustainable wild produce harvesting practices, developing a grazing management plan, and improving waste management.
- Foster eco-friendly livelihoods by developing eco-tourism opportunities, sustainable agriculture, viticulture and wine production, beekeeping, engaging local youth in restoration activities.
- Enhance legal protections by advocating for national recognition of Privately Protected Areas, setting a precedent for conservation efforts across Armenia.
“We are at the start of an exciting new chapter for the Yeghegis Valley. By fostering harmony between nature and local communities, we hope to protect this beautiful gem and help its forests, rivers, and wildlife thrive for future generations.”Ruben Khachatryan – Founder and Director of FPWC
