YEREVAN, Armenia – April 9, 2026 – The Armenian government has approved a significant investment of over 172 million drams for the establishment of a new recreation zone in the Hrazdan Gorge, a pivotal step in enhancing the urban environment and public spaces of Yerevan. The decision was made during a government session on April 9.
Major Investment for Urban Development
Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan, addressing the session, announced that the new recreation zone will commence from the Arabkir administrative district and extend for 5.5 kilometers. This ambitious project is designed to integrate modern landscape techniques, create diverse recreational areas, and include facilities for sports competitions, cafes, and even a cinema, which will serve as vital social hubs for the community.
The initiative aligns fully with the broader reconstruction concept for the Hrazdan Gorge, which has been subject to extensive studies on its flora, fauna, and cultural heritage sites. Mayor Avinyan emphasized the necessity of legislative amendments, to be presented by the Ministry of Environment, after which the entire gorge will be designated as a specially protected area by the Yerevan City Council.
Prime Minister Highlights Three Key Projects
In this context, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan underscored three major projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the capital’s residents. The creation of a specially protected area in the Hrazdan Gorge is one of these flagship initiatives. Another project involves the establishment of a forested area and public park in the Dalma Gardens, while the third focuses on developing over 7 hectares of green space in the Nork-Marash district, on lands previously returned to state ownership.
Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted that the implementation of all three projects would begin with the Hrazdan Gorge, envisioning a modern eco-environment that will gradually expand to encompass the entire gorge.
Yerevan’s Green Transformation
Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Tigran Avinyan noted that over the past four years, approximately 60 hectares of green zones with irrigation systems have been established in Yerevan. This figure surpasses the total green area development recorded over the preceding 22 years, demonstrating a significant commitment to urban greening.
The rationale behind the decision project states that the Hrazdan Gorge is one of Yerevan’s most crucial natural landscape areas, boasting ecological, social, and urban planning significance. This area forms a fundamental part of the city’s natural environment and holds immense potential for widespread public use. However, this section of the gorge is currently underdeveloped and partially neglected, hindering its full and effective utilization.
Simultaneously, contemporary urban development trends in Yerevan and increasing public demand for an active lifestyle necessitate the creation of new public green spaces and the restoration of existing natural areas. The city increasingly requires accessible open spaces for organized recreation, walks, sports, and cultural events. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the development of the city’s green infrastructure, adhering to principles of sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.
Project Funding and Scope
The project entails construction work for a multifunctional recreation zone in the section of the Hrazdan Gorge adjacent to Atenk Street, extending 5.5 kilometers from the beginning of the gorge. To fully implement this project, 172,608.2 thousand drams will be allocated from the government’s reserve fund. Of this amount, 170,940.0 thousand drams are designated for construction contract costs, 540.0 thousand drams for consulting services related to technical quality control of construction work, and 1,128.2 thousand drams for author’s supervision services.
This major investment underscores Yerevan’s commitment to creating a more livable and environmentally conscious city for its residents, providing much-needed green spaces and recreational opportunities.
Source: https://www.golosarmenii.am/arm/%D5%A5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B0%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%AF%D5%AB%D6%80%D5%B3%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%AF%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%81%D5%BE%D5%AB-%D5%B6%D5%B8/
