Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve, located in the northern part of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the border to Armenia and Azerbaijan, belongs to the Caucasus Iranian Highlands. Straddling between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, the area covers mountains up to 2,500m, high alpine meadows, semi-arid steppes, rangelands and forests, rivers and springs. The major ecosystem types are mixed mountain and highland systems. Arasbaran is also the territory of about 23,000 nomads.

Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve is located at the highest geographical latitude of Iran. There are many mountains with more than 2,500m altitude, and steep valleys. Arasbaran is located close to Ararat, Sahand and Sabalan Mountains. This collective was uplifted in the tertiary period, along with the Caucasian and Alpine mountains. Large amounts of basalt and tracite, but also shale, tuff and lime pans can be found in this mountain range.

Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve is at the cross-roads of various climate zones influenced by the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean seas as well as the landmasses in the south and the Caucasus range in the north. These climates cause the accumulation of snow on the crests of the mountains during the winter, and many rivers emerge from the highlands. The Aras River is not only the northern boundary of the biosphere reserve but also the international boundary to Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Aras River is an important natural resource for irrigated agriculture.

©Photos, Birdlife

The territory of Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve is characterised by a high diversity of flora and fauna. The reserve contains the Arasbaran forest of 164,000ha. The area supports many plant species, many of which are endemic. The fauna of the reserve is composed of a rich variety of bird, fish, reptile and mammal species.

Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve is the territory of one of the ancient trueborn nomads of Iran, the Arasbaran nomads. During the summer time, nomads use the upper part of the mountain meadows for their livestock. Apart from animal husbandry, traditional lifestyles and incomes are based on agriculture and apiculture. Armenians have also lived in the area for a short period of time, as testified inter alia by some abandoned churches. One of the churches now serves as an environmental research station.