After a 29-year break, Armenia resumes the process of inscribing monuments on UNESCO’s lists

During a joint session of the National Assembly’s standing committees, held as part of discussions on the draft 2027 state budget, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan presented the key achievements and priorities in the cultural sector. She highlighted that, after a 29-year break, Armenia has resumed the process of nominating new monuments for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

By 2031, five additional monuments or monument complexes are expected to be included in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

“Inclusion on UNESCO’s lists provides not only an opportunity for international recognition but also for improving the quality of management, as one of the key requirements is the existence of an appropriate management system for the monuments,” Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized.

Work is currently underway to prepare nomination dossiers for the ancient capital of Artashat and the rock-hewn settlements in Syunik Province. One of Armenia’s fortresses is also planned to be nominated.

Efforts to promote intangible cultural heritage are continuing as well. According to the Minister, two additional elements are expected to be submitted for inclusion on the relevant UNESCO lists in the coming years.

Referring to the results already achieved, Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the nomination entitled “Areni-1 Cave: Prehistoric Life and Winemaking in the Arpa River Gorge,” as well as a joint nomination submitted with Iran concerning traditions associated with rain and water. The latter provides an opportunity to promote the Armenian tradition of Vardavar on the international stage.

AMD 1.79 Billion to Be Allocated for Monument Stabilization and Restoration in 2027

According to the Minister, state funding allocated for monument restoration has increased significantly in recent years. While AMD 213 million was allocated for this purpose in 2022, funding reached AMD 1.386 billion in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 6.5 times.

In 2027, approximately AMD 1.79 billion is planned to be allocated for the stabilization, repair, and restoration of monuments.

Work will be carried out at 21 monuments. Projects already underway will continue at 13 of them, while new restoration work will begin at the remaining eight.

By the end of 2031, an additional 40 monuments are expected to be restored.

Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized that several hundred monuments in Armenia are currently at risk, making it essential to maintain the current pace of restoration work.

At the same time, restoration projects are also being implemented at nine additional historical and cultural monuments through public-private partnerships.