Governmental Decision No. 620-N validating the Regulation on status, composition and protection of water monuments.

This Regulation defines the peculiarities of granting the status of nature monuments, composition, preservation and use of natural lakes, rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, wetlands, thermal-mineral springs and glaciers. Waterbodies are attributed the status of international significance in accordance with the international agreements concluded by the Republic of Armenia. The peculiarities of the use and protection of waterbodies and natural monuments of international significance are defined by the relevant international agreements. Waterbodies are attributed the status of national or local significance in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Protected Areas". The waterbody-nature monument receiving the status of national significance is under the protection of the authorized state body of the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The waterbody-nature monument receiving the status of local significance is under the protection of the relevant territorial state administration or local self-government bodies. The waterbody-natural monument, which receives the status of national or local significance, located in the land of organizations or natural persons, remains in the management of those organizations or natural persons, with the requirement of obligatory fulfillment of the protection regime conditions mentioned in the nature protection certificate. Waterbodies receive the status of natural monuments if: (a) are endowed with the peculiarities defined by the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Protected Areas”; (b) they are a habitat for rare and endangered fauna and flora registered in the Red Book of Armenia; (c) there are unique historical and cultural complexes in the vicinity of waterbodies; and (d) the waterbody has a unique geographical location - geological origin.