Ecotourism is relatively a new concept in Armenia. It is based on the idea of having a voyage into nature. But Ecotourism is more than just a voyage into nature; it includes all sides of life: wildlife and nature, biodiversity, preservation of the environment, customs and traditions, culture, society and humankind. Ecotourism is a voyage to those places, where pure nature, more or less, is still preserved. These kinds of trips do not disturb the unity of eco-systems and aim to teach about the natural and ethno-cultural uniqueness of each specific location.

Simultaneously, Ecotourism serves as a mean to make the preservation of the environment profitable for the local people. Thus Ecotourism is a type of tourism based on nature and dedicated to its restoration. Armenia can be considered one of the favourable zones of the region. Being located 390m -4090m high above the sea level the country has embraced boundless natural variety; beginning from half deserted lands up to marshlands and deciduous forests. During the whole year more than 360 species of birds find their nests here. To value this fact one should bear in mind that in whole Europe there are only 400-500 species of birds at all. It is typical that the ancestor of wild grain grows in Armenia. The mouflon, which can be observed in Armenia, is sole and unique in its type. One can meet panther, Caucasian grey bears, bobcats, wolves etc. In Armenia, more than 100 different plants can be found in one square kilometre. According to universal standards, this is unique. Unfortunately 200 of Armenian endemic species are endangered. One quarter of the animal and botanical treasure harboured in Armenia is on the edge of extinction.

This very problem is due to the fact that big parts of Armenia are being exploited intensively. Nevertheless, there are still virgin districts in Armenia, mostly situated in the high mountainous and half-deserted regions.

Those districts beyond reach, which are useless for human activities and for agricultural utilization, became a unique Noah?s Ark for many endemic animals. In the Middle Ages, one could meet only hermits here, who came to these lonely places to feel next to Heaven and to the Lord.

Nowadays these regions hardly see visitors; lovers of nature can find here immaculate landscapes and miraculous beauty, which endow with happiness.

Many mouflons go to the Middle Ages? Castles and hermits? Abandoned monasteries for bearing. This directs us to a very big force hidden in Armenia?s wild nature. Monasteries once were built far from dwelling places, where nature is marvellous and the pious monks inhaled timidity towards the Lord?s overwhelming creation. One of the most characteristic features of Armenia is the inseparability of nature and history. Historical and natural monuments are united and coherent. In Armenia, natural and historical monuments, which are mostly located in virgin regions, are related to each other. Nevertheless, social-economic condition?s deterioration during the last decade, led to ruthless and sometimes mindless exploitation of natural stocks often without professional control or any knowledge. Result of development is the decline of natural systems; forests, marshlands, mountainous meadows. Many species of animals and plants may be disappearing.

The government?s contribution to solve ecological problems in Armenia is still weak. On the long run Ecotourism is irreplaceable and a sustainable answer to the current ecological situation in Armenia.