COST Action E 52 - vTI - Bund.de

PesTs, dIseases aNd abIoTIc ImPacTs
To-date some 43 insect species are considered to be associated with oriental beech as a host tree in
neighboring Iran, the majority of which are not very host specific bark and wood borers (Adeli,
Soleimani 19 6). A similar situation is found in Armenia.
According to Avagyan (2009), the National Forest Policy and Strategy (2004) and The Forest
National Programme (2005) include issues on climate change risks. The following activities related
to climate change as envisaged in these programmes: assessment of forest vulnerability as a result of
forecasted climate change; development of measures aimed at increasing forest adaptability; efficient
use of international financing mechanisms in the forest sector (as envisaged by Kyoto Protocol) for
implementation of afforestation/reforestation projects by using Clean Development Mechanism
based on forest ecosystems capacity to absorb carbon; assessment of the damage caused to forests by
pests and diseases and application of integrated methods to control pests and diseases spread in the
forests and the forest maintenance improvement programme.
orIeNTaL beech GeNe PooL PreservaTIoN aNd coNservaTIoN
A network of specially protected areas was first established in Armenia in 1958 to protect ecosystems,
habitats and rare, endemic and threatened species (http://www.cac-biodiversity.org/arm/arm_
natreserves.htm).
There are currently five State Reserves, 22 State Reservations and one National Park
registered, which together cover around 311,000 ha, or 10% of the surface of the country.
Around 60% of Armenian species are represented within the protected area network; however there
is a bias towards forest habitats, and a need to expand the system to include better representation of
other ecosystems.
As for oriental beech, there are several nature reserves managed for this species, in Armenia, as e.g.
the Dilijan reserve (Khanjyan 2004). This nature reserve is managed by “Hayantar” State Enterprise
(under the authority of the Ministry of Nature Protection). “Dilijan” National Park is situated in the
north of Armenia, in one of most picturesque areas (established in 1958, area: 2 ,995 ha). The main
subjects of protection are beech and oak forests that also include some pines (Pinus kochianus), as
well as the shady yew grove of Hakhnabad with impressive Taxus baccata trees. While the National
Park doesn’t present the whole diversity of the flora of northern Armenia, it has over 1,000 species
of plants in an area of 28,000 ha. The main wood and bush types are oak (Quercus iberica), beech
(Fagus orientalis), different types of hornbeam (Carpinus caucasicus, C. orientalis), as well as ash,
some types of lime tree, maple, caprifoil, spindle tree and others (Fraxinus, Tilia, Acer, Lonicera,
euonymus). Numerous plants like rare Job`s-tears (Lychnis flos-cuculi), different orchids, and
fritillaria (Orchidaceae, Fritillaria) are included in the Red Book.
Another nature reserve, in which management is directed to other species as well as to the oriental
beech gene pool preservation and conservation, is the Shikakhogh reserve, managed by “Hayantar”
State Enterprise (under the authority of the Ministry of Nature Protection). It was established in 1958.
The Shikakhogh Reserve is situated in the northern slopes of the Meghri ridge that protects the area
from hot air masses from the Iranian Plateau, while the high Zangezur range stretches from north to
south and slows humid air from the Caspian Sea. Due to the mild climate and numerous close gorges
not only single representatives, but whole communities and islands of tertiary flora have survived
here such as yew grove (Taxus baccata), along with the only beech grove in southern Armenia as well
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