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Geographical and Environmental Profile in the Context of Sustainable Development

Topography and Land Use (SDG 15: Life on Land)

The Republic of Armenia is a landlocked nation situated in the South Caucasus region, covering a total area of 29,743 sq. km. The country’s geography presents significant challenges and opportunities for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).

• Mountainous Terrain: Armenia is predominantly mountainous, with an average elevation of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). The Lesser Caucasus Mountains extend across the country, shaping its rugged landscape.
• Ecosystem Management: The extensive mountain ranges and deep valleys necessitate robust strategies for the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems, combating land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.
• Highest Elevation: The highest point is Mt. Aragats at 4,090 meters (13,418 ft.), a key feature of the national landscape.

Water Resources and Management (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)

Armenia’s water systems are vital for its population and economy, directly influencing progress towards SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

• Major Rivers: The Araks and Debed are the nation’s most significant rivers. The Araks River forms a natural border with Iran and Turkey and supports a densely populated floodplain, which is crucial for agriculture and human settlement.
• Lake Sevan: As the largest body of water in Armenia, Lake Sevan is a critical freshwater resource. Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,000 ft.), its preservation is essential for water security and biodiversity.

Climate Considerations (SDG 13: Climate Action)

The country experiences a climate of extremes, with very cold winters and very hot summers. This climatic profile underscores the importance of developing adaptive capacity and resilience to climate-related hazards, in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Administrative Structure and Urbanization (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Provincial Divisions

Armenia is administratively divided into 11 provinces (marzer), which form the basis for local governance and the implementation of development policies.

1. Aragatsotn
2. Ararat
3. Armavir
4. Geghark’unik’
5. Kotayk’
6. Lorri
7. Shirak
8. Syunik’
9. Tavush
10. Vayots’ Dzor
11. Yerevan

Capital City and Urban Development

The capital city, Yerevan, holds special administrative status and is central to achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• Urban Hub: Yerevan is the largest city and the nation’s political, cultural, and economic center.
• Sustainable Planning: Located along the Hrazdan River in the country’s most densely populated region, Yerevan’s development requires strategic urban planning to ensure inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.

Geopolitical and Economic Overview for SDG Implementation

Regional Position and Partnerships (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)

Armenia’s geopolitical location emphasizes the need for strong international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Landlocked Status: As a landlocked country, Armenia relies on partnerships with its neighbors for trade and access to global markets.
• Bordering Nations: It is bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey, making regional stability and collaboration critical for sustainable development, as outlined in SDG 17.

Key Economic Indicators (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The following economic indicators provide a baseline for assessing progress towards SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and other development targets.

• Population: 2,957,731
• GDP: $13.67 Billion
• GDP Per Capita: $4,622.73

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article discusses Armenia’s significant water bodies, including its major rivers and the largest lake, which are central to freshwater ecosystems.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article provides key economic data for Armenia, such as its GDP and GDP per capita, which are fundamental measures of economic performance.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The text highlights patterns of human settlement and urbanization by noting the most densely populated area and providing population figures for the country and its capital city.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article’s primary focus is on Armenia’s geography, with detailed descriptions of its mountainous terrain, land area, and ecosystems, which are the subject of this goal.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

1. Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
   • Explanation: The article directly relates to this target by describing Armenia’s key water-related ecosystems. It mentions “The Araks and Debed Rivers” as the most important waterways and identifies “Lake Sevan” as the largest body of water in the nation. It also notes that Armenia is “one of the most mountainous nations,” linking mountain and water ecosystems.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

1. Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
   • Explanation: The article provides the fundamental metrics used to measure this target by listing Armenia’s “GDP: $13.67 Billion” and “GDP Per Capita: $4,622.73.” These figures are direct measures of the country’s economic output and are essential for tracking progress toward sustained economic growth.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
   • Explanation: The article points to a specific urbanization pattern by stating that the floodplain along the Araks river “is the most densely populated and is home to Armenia’s capital city Yerevan.” It provides population data for Yerevan (“1,094,813”) and the total country (“2,957,731”), highlighting the significant concentration of the population in a single urban center, which is a key aspect of urbanization planning and management.

SDG 15: Life on Land

1. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Explanation: The article’s detailed geographical description aligns with this target. It states, “The Lesser (or Little) Caucasus Mountains dominate much of Armenia’s landscape,” and “Nearly the entire nation is covered by mountain ranges.” This focus on terrestrial mountain ecosystems is central to Target 15.1.
2. Target 15.4: By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development.
   • Explanation: This target is highly relevant as the article repeatedly emphasizes Armenia’s mountainous nature, calling it “one of the most mountainous nations on Earth” with an “average elevation of 5,900 feet (1,800 meters).” The conservation of these dominant ecosystems is critical for the country’s sustainable development.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 6

• Indicator related to 6.6.1 (Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time): The article provides a baseline quantitative measure by stating the “Water Area” is “1,540.00 km².” This figure can be used to track changes in the extent of Armenia’s water-related ecosystems over time.

Indicators for SDG 8

• Indicator related to 8.1.1 (Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita): The article provides the core data points for this indicator by listing the “GDP: $13.67 Billion” and “GDP Per Capita: $4,622.73.” While it doesn’t provide the annual growth rate, it gives the snapshot values from which growth is calculated.

Indicators for SDG 11

• Indicator related to 11.3.1 (Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate): The article provides implied data for measuring urbanization. The stated population of Yerevan (“1,094,813”) compared to the total population (“2,957,731”) shows that approximately 37% of the population lives in the capital. This ratio is a key indicator of population concentration and urbanization patterns.

Indicators for SDG 15

• Indicator related to 15.4.2 (Mountain Green Cover Index): While the article does not provide a specific index value, its qualitative description of Armenia as a country where “Nearly the entire nation is covered by mountain ranges” serves as a foundational assessment of the mountain ecosystem’s extent. Furthermore, the “Land Area” of “28,203.00 km²” provides a quantitative basis for measuring the proportion of the country covered by these vital ecosystems.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: worldatlas.com