Armenia Becomes Newest IUCN Member

Syllabus: International Organizations (UPSC Prelims)
Source: News on Air

Context:

Armenia has officially joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 held in Abu Dhabi, marking its formal inclusion in the global coalition dedicated to biodiversity protection and sustainable ecosystem management.

About Armenia Joins IUCN

What It Is:
Armenia, a landlocked transcontinental country located in the South Caucasus region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has become the newest member of the IUCN — a step that enhances its commitment to global conservation initiatives and environmental governance.

• Capital: Yerevan (Erevan)
• Bordering Nations: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, and the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan to the southwest

Physical and Geographical Features

• Terrain: Mostly mountainous, with an average elevation of about 1,800 m and very limited lowlands.
• Highest Peak: Mount Aragats (4,090 m) — an extinct volcanic peak.
• Major Basin: Lake Sevan Basin, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia, vital for Armenia’s water resources.
• Rivers: Key rivers — Aras, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan — serve as major sources of hydropower and irrigation.
• Soils: Volcanic and mineral-rich, containing nitrogen, potash, and phosphates, enabling highland agriculture despite rugged terrain.

Significance:

Armenia’s entry into IUCN strengthens regional cooperation in climate resilience, habitat conservation, and sustainable resource management, aligning with its national environmental goals and global biodiversity frameworks.