Statement of Armenia
Group on Earth Observations – GEO Global Forum 2025 & GEO-20 Plenary
Statement of Armenia
The Republic of Armenia: Advancing National Capacities in Earth Observation and Space Science
The Republic of Armenia continues to place great importance on the development of its national space-related capacities and scientific potential, with a particular focus on Earth Observation (EO)—one of the most impactful and dynamically evolving sub-sectors in 2024 and 2025. Key highlights include:
- International Representation and Strategic Partnerships. In 2024, Armenia’s latest research and technological developments in Earth Observation were presented by the Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies (CENS) of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia during the 5th World Astronautical Congress, held in Milan, Italy (October 13–19). The Armenian delegation was led by the Ministry of High-Tech Industry. During the event, initial negotiations began between CENS and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre Laboratory of the University of Dubai, UAE, toward establishing a strategic partnership focused on research and development in EO and environmental science. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was successfully signed at the ISPRS Geospatial Week 2025, held on April 8 in Dubai, UAE. Under this MoU, joint initiatives are planned in environmental sciences, sustainable development, and ecological innovation—particularly in integrating satellite remote sensing technologies into research and decision-making processes.
- Hosting the COP17 Convention. On October 31, 2024, during the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Armenia was elected to host the 17th meeting (COP17), scheduled for 2026. Preparations are currently underway. The Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia has expressed strong interest and will in supporting leading GEO initiatives, have expressed strong interest in supporting leading GEO initiatives, including the Global Ecosystem Atlas (https://globalecosystemsatlas.org), to be showcased during COP17.
- The German-Armenian SEVAMOD2 Project. The German-Armenian SEVAMOD2 Project—a collaborative effort involving the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Germany), EOMAP GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center of Armenia's Ministry of Environment, CENS, and the Scientific Centre of Zoology and Hydroecology of the NAS RA—was successfully concluded. The project used daily satellite imagery from Sentinel-3/2 to monitor Lake Sevan, focusing on water temperature, chlorophyll-a levels, and Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB). The outcome was a set of customized tools enabling the identification of HAB bloom periods via remote sensing. The project laid the groundwork for updating the lake’s monitoring system by officially incorporating satellite remote sensing.
- Ongoing Research and Capacity Building by CENS
In 2024, the Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies (CENS) continued to serve as a leading Armenian institution in space-based ecological monitoring, working with spaceborne and airborne technologies to assess the environmental status of air, water, soil, and vegetation. Key activities included:
- Spectral Signature Analysis: Developing methodologies to acquire and analyze spectral signatures of natural and anthropogenic objects in Armenia using ultra-high-resolution remote sensing. Early results include the identification of specific spectral patterns of soil chemical elements. This research is in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK) and the University of Pavia (Italy).
- Active Remote Sensing (RADAR and LIDAR): Enhancing national capacity to use RADAR and LIDAR technologies in environmental research, including a pilot study assessing their utility for quantifying above-ground biomass (AGB) in both natural and manmade systems in Armenia, in partnership with the University of Pavia.
- Seasonal Schools in Earth Observation: CENS organizes annual seasonal schools (summer and autumn) aimed at building and strengthening the research capabilities of young and early-career researchers in Earth Observation across Armenia.
These activities underscore Armenia’s firm commitment to strengthening national capabilities and advancing Earth Observation in geospatial science and industry. At the national level, Armenia maintains an integrated approach, working collaboratively with agencies, organizations, and governance bodies aligned with GEO Societal Benefit Areas, to implement GEO-related activities and support the GEO Work Programme.
Thank you for your attention,
Dr. Shushanik Asmaryan
Correspondence Contact for Official Submissions
to the GEO Secretariat on behalf of the GEO Principal of Armenia