Geoheritage Assessment of the Akhuryan–Shirak Volcanic Region (NW Armenia) and its Potential for UNESCO Global Geopark Designation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11137/1982-3908_2026_49_72662

Keywords:

Transboundary geoparks, Geoturism development, DEM and GIS spatial analysis

Abstract

The proposed Akhuryan–Shirak Volcanic Geopark, located in northwestern Armenia within Shirak Province, represents a unique assemblage of geological, geomorphological, hydrological, and cultural heritage features. Covering an area of approximately 1,700 km² and bordering Turkey to the west and Georgia to the north, the region is characterized by Quaternary volcanic formations, including basaltic plateaus, river gorges, and diverse landforms shaped by tectonic and erosional processes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the geoheritage and geomorphological characteristics of the Akhuryan–Shirak volcanic region and assess its potential for designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The research methodology includes field surveys, geomorphological and terrain mapping, digital elevation model (DEM) analysis, GIS-based spatial analysis, and the inventory and qualitative assessment of key geosites and associated cultural landmarks. The results identify several sites of outstanding geoheritage value, including Lake Arpi National Park, the Akhuryan River canyon, Trchkan Waterfall, and numerous mineral springs. In addition, important cultural monuments such as Marmashen Monastery, Vahramaberd Fortress, and the Urartian inscription of King Argishti I highlight the strong interaction between geological processes and human history in the region. The analysis indicates that the proposed geopark area possesses significant scientific, educational, and geotourism potential. The establishment of the Akhuryan–Shirak Volcanic Geopark would provide an integrated framework for scientific research, environmental conservation, and community-based geotourism development. Furthermore, the geopark could strengthen Armenia’s representation within the UNESCO Global Geopark Network and contribute to sustainable regional development while promoting the interaction between natural heritage and cultural identity in the Shirak region.

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Author Biographies

Sargis Sargsyan, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia

Sargis Sargsyan is a Ph.D. candidate at the Faculty of Geography and Geology, Yerevan State University (YSU), Armenia. His doctoral research focuses on “Evaluating Reforestation Potential Under Climate Change Scenarios Using Spatial Modeling and Remote Sensing Data.” His academic interests encompass climate change impacts, forest and landscape restoration, sustainable land-use planning, ecosystem resilience, and environmental monitoring. He is also engaged in studies of geopark development, geotourism, and the use of innovative geospatial tools for natural heritage management. Sargsyan has presented his research at international conferences on geopark perspectives in the South Caucasus, including in Germany. His work integrates GIS and remote sensing technologies to promote evidence-based environmental policy and sustainable development in Armenia

Hasmik Balyan, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Chair of Geography, Yerevan State University

Hasmik Balyan is an Associate Professor at Yerevan State University (YSU), Faculty of Geography and Geology, Department of General Geography. She holds a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences and has been an active academic and researcher in the fields of environmental geography, landscape science, and geochemistry. Her scholarly interests focus on anthropogenic transformations of natural environments, medical landscape studies, and landscape planning and management. She has contributed the study of Armenia’s natural and human-made landscapes, emphasizing the importance of sustainable environmental development. She has guided numerous students in research and fieldwork, fostering a deeper understanding of Armenia’s geographic diversity and environmental challenges.

Mariam Tashyan, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Chair of Service, Yerevan State University (YSU),

Mariam Tashyan is a lecturer at Yerevan State University (YSU), specializing in Tourism and Service Management. Her academic interests focus on the integration of innovative teaching methods in service education, sustainable tourism development, and customer experience improvement in Armenia. In addition to her teaching activities, she has conducted research on the application of matrices in tourism service systems and explored non-formal education approaches as tools for enhancing service quality. Beyond academia, she is also a certified tour guide, deeply interested in Armenia’s cultural, religious, geographical, geological and regional diversity, which she incorporates into her lectures and research projects

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Published

2026-06-25

How to Cite

Sargsyan, S., Balyan, H. and Tashyan, M. (2026) “Geoheritage Assessment of the Akhuryan–Shirak Volcanic Region (NW Armenia) and its Potential for UNESCO Global Geopark Designation”, Anuário do Instituto de Geociências. Rio de Janeiro, BR, 49. doi: 10.11137/1982-3908_2026_49_72662.

Issue

Vol. 49 (2026): Anuário do Instituto de Geociências

Section

Environmental Sciences

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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