On November 26, the Government of Armenia approved new laws stipulating amendments to the national Water Code. The new laws will improve protection of water resources in recreation zones by requiring proper management of activities that may negatively impact the environment and water ecosystems, for example, restaurants that discharge water in recreational zones. The new laws also enforce stricter repercussions to violations to the code. These requirements, and the corresponding Government Resolution stipulating their enforcement, have been developed jointly by USAID’s “Advanced Science and Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development” project, implemented by Mendez England and Associates, and the Ministry of Environment.  These amendments also have important implications that will help promote Armenia’s growing tourism sector and leisure activities in recreational zones, including ecotourism and sports like water rafting, and will help mitigate human impact on water ecosystems and the natural environment.