Jermuk Hydrological Sanctuary

Jermuk Hydrological Sanctuary is a protected area in Vayots Dzor region, covering 18,000 hectares in the upper basin of the Arpa river, between 2,000 and 2,500 meters elevation. It was established in 1981 specifically to protect the underground recharge basins that feed the mineral hot springs of Jermuk.

Unlike parks set up for wildlife or scenery, this one exists for hydrology: keeping the water sources that supply the springs uncontaminated and intact.

The sanctuary lies in Vayots Dzor region, in the hills above Jermuk town, roughly 105 km east-southeast of Yerevan in a straight line.