Lake Sevan, Armenia's biggest lake, 1,900 m above sea level and approximately 40 km away from the capital Yerevan, is a source of drinking water for many parts of the country. In the past, agriculture and industry were largely left to their own devices, causing serious pollution and a drop in the water level of about 19 m. The academy of sciences in cooperation with the NGO "Environmental Survival" conducted an assessment of biological and economic data to show the government that a comprehensive renewal concept was urgently needed to save the system from losing its balance. For the concept to be successful the government had to impose a number of technical measures and make its planning more sustainable to bring about the fundamental socio-economic changes so badly needed.

Situation before the initiative began

Pollution of Lake Sevan was felt in the ground and drinking water of cities as far away as the Armenian capital Yerevan and even in neighbouring states. Assessment of the data collected since 1970 showed that human influence had caused the loss of 900,000 t of aquatic life-form. The socio-economic consequences were plain to see. Fishery and agriculture were suffering badly. Ever more complicated procedures had to be devised to purify the drinking water drawn from the lake.

Methods

The NGO "Environmental Survival" and the Armenian academy of sciences set up a project team to draft a national strategy and action plan for biodiversity. The results are analysed regularly and are then used to develop national protection measures. The NGO initiated and actually helped to draft a legal act to divide the area into zones, each with its own economic requirements. A separate committee has been established to prepare plans for the future of the lake. It is directly responsible to the national assembly and the ministries are bound by its instructions.

Implementation

The Armenian government called for measures to save the lake based on previously conducted analyses. New water-saving irrigation systems were built for agricultural purposes and power plants were made more efficient. The use of water for industrial purposes is now controlled locally. Sweet water supply from the Arpa and the Vorotan rivers has been improved with the help of canals. Information campaigns were launched to make farmers and fishermen aware of the new, more sustainable methods. Application of these methods has since become compulsory. Working with international partners, who supported the project because of its significance beyond regional borders, has been instrumental in making it a success.

Experiences/transfer

Initial obstacles such as the continuous replacement of civil servants responsible for the project or the appropriation of financial means were soon done away with as the public began to take a greater interest and the NGO put the pressure on. For any of the suggestions to be successful, economic aspects had to be considered as well. The measures taken along Lake Sevan are easily transferred to other lakes in need of revitalisation in South Eastern Europe.