Strengthening Genetic Biocontrol Capacities under Climate Change in Armenia | ArmBioClimate
Project coordinator: Marine Arakelyan
Coordinating institution: Yerevan State University (YSU)
Partner institutions: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Pamela Burger), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Gábor Mészáros), Medical University of Vienna (Julia Walochnik), Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of National Academy of Science (Sargis Aghayan), Institute of Botany after A.L. Takhtajyan of National Academy of Science (Alla Aleksanyan)
Partner country: Armenia
Project duration: 1 April 2023 – 30 March 2027
Project overview
The emergence of novel invasive species and the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks, as a result of climate change are major challenges for biosecurity management worldwide. Therefore, the capacity to monitor and mitigate these challenges in Armenia needs to be strengthened, not only nationally but also regionally. This is particularly important as Armenia is located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, in the corridor between the Caspian and Black Seas.
The ArmBioClimate project aims to establish an early warning system for monitoring the distribution of zoonotic parasites, the virulence of pathogens, and the spread of invasive species, by strengthening research and human capacity. Strengthening genetic biomonitoring tools will enable early risk assessment of disease outbreaks associated with alien invasive species and accelerate the implementation of appropriate management actions to reduce future pressures on the ecosystems and human health. The golden jackal in Armenia will be used as a model to study species dispersal and the associated spread of potentially zoonotic diseases. It fits into the broader themes of wildlife conservation, agriculture, animal welfare and public health in line with the One Health approach. It contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, 13 and 15.
The project will include a wide range of activities benefiting both researchers and students in Armenia and Austria, such as the modernisation of different master’s programmes at Yerevan State University (YSU), a PhD scholarship at MEDUNI, the establishment of fully equipped laboratories, annual summer schools at the YSU biological field station, and other workshops, trainings, student/staff mobilities.
Reporting
Strengthening Genetic Biocontrol Capacities under Climate Change in Armenia | First Year Report
Remarkable progress has already been made in achieving the project's objectives during the first reporting period.
The establishment of a new master’s programme in 'Environmental Protection and Biosecurity' at Yerevan State University (YSU) marks a significant step forward for the project. Although not initially included in the project application, this initiative has become a remarkable achievement, drawing on the expertise of YSU's Zoology, Botany and Ecology Departments to study the environmental and biosecurity challenges of climate change.
In June 2023, the curriculum for the master’s programme in "Zoology and Parasitology" at YSU’s Faculty of Biology was significantly revised to incorporate new biosecurity courses. By September 2023, the YSU administration had approved these updates, introducing courses as "Wildlife Zoonoses", "Applied Parasitology", and "Ecological Modelling in Zoology". These changes align with the project's goal of enhancing biosecurity education.
A PhD project by Seda Adamyan titled "The Role of Jackals in the Diversity and Distribution of Zoonoses (Leishmania spp and Dirofilaria spp) in Armenia" was prepared, submitted, and accepted by the APPEAR Office in October 2023. Armenian students also attended One Health Workforce Academies' courses on "Fundamentals of One Health Practice" and "Outbreak Investigation and Response" and received certificates.
The SCZHE in Armenia has begun acquiring genetic research equipment and has already collected jackal samples. Concurrently, VETMEDUNI in Austria initiated de novo genome sequencing by extracting high-molecular weight DNA from golden jackal muscle tissue. PacBio HiFi sequencing was carried out at the Senckenberg Institute in Frankfurt, Germany.
Our project team has established cross-collaboration with APPEAR project 277, which focuses on sustainable water resources management in Armenia. Both teams attended a kick-off meeting to discuss joint activities. Collaboration with the Armenian Hunter’s Unions enabled the provision of jackals for research and fostered partnerships with stakeholders to monitor jackal distribution and associated diseases. Additionally, a preliminary agreement with ENETWILD aims to collect data on the geographical distribution, abundance, and structure of wildlife species populations relevant to animal and human health, to improve the management of wildlife-related health risks.
In summary, through curriculum modernisation, PhD project initiatives, genetic research, and the collaborative network, the team anticipates significant progress in addressing environmental and biosecurity challenges under the climate change.