Anthropogenic changes in forest landscapes of Lake Sevan basin under climate change
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26565/2410-7360-2026-64-16Keywords:
Armenia, Lake Sevan basin, forest dynamic, spatiotemporal patterns, anthropogenic changes, ice phenomena, deforestation, ecological balance, forest landscape restoration, ecosystem services, ecological resilienceAbstract
Statement of the problem. The paper analyzes the spatio-temporal dynamics of forest landscapes in the Lake Sevan basin. This area is one of the most sparsely forested regions of Armenia; moreover, its forests are generally of low productivity and limited industrial significance. A significant part of the forests (12.5 thousand hectares) is of artificial origin, while natural forests (around 3.0 thousand hectares) are mainly concentrated on the steep mountain slopes of the Areguni and Sevan mountain ranges, where oak and juniper communities prevail. Forests regulate climate through carbon storage and sequestration, cool land surfaces via water–energy cycling, sustain biodiversity, secure freshwater resources through hydrological regulation, reduce disaster risks, and contribute directly to livelihoods and public health. In the Lake Sevan basin, these functions should be considered from a multifunctional landscape perspective, because forest degradation affects not only tree cover but also hydrological regulation, soil stability, ecological connectivity, biodiversity, and the ecological condition of the lake.
The relevance. Lake Sevan is the largest freshwater system in Armenia, whose ecosystem stability largely depends on the balance and sustainable use of the basin’s natural resources. The study is highly relevant for understanding current ecological transformations and supporting effective forest management and sustainable regional development.
The study aims to analyze and assess the patterns of anthropogenic change in the forest landscapes of the Lake Sevan basin, particularly under current climate change conditions.
The object of the study is the forest landscapes of the Lake Sevan basin.
The subject of the study is forest cover dynamics and the associated ecological risks.
Methods. The research was based on a combination of field observations, spatial analysis, and a review of published and institutional data. A geographical–comparative approach was applied, integrating map interpretation, statistical analysis, and semistationary field observations. The study included comparisons of historical and contemporary forest maps, assessment of forest cover dynamics, and identification of areas most affected by anthropogenic pressure. Quantitative assessments were complemented by field inspections that verified cartographic and remote sensing data. Additional information was obtained from the State Committee for Forestry, the Cadastre Committee, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, the Gegharkunik Regional Administration, and reports of international environmental organizations.
Results. Historically, the degree of afforestation in the region was considerably higher but has declined markedly due to long-term anthropogenic pressure. Deforestation has continued because of illegal and unregulated logging, together with the loss of flooded forest areas caused by fluctuations in Lake Sevan’s water level. These processes threaten the ecological balance of the basin and underline the need for integrated scientific assessment and restoration measures aimed at stabilizing forest and aquatic ecosystems. The analysis demonstrates that current changes in forest distribution result from the combined effects of climatic variability and persistent anthropogenic pressure.
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