Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, participated in the high-level event "From Rio to Belém: Synergistic Action for Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Resilience" in Brazil.
The event aimed to highlight the interconnectedness of the three Rio Conventions and present the steps countries are taking toward joint action to advance the global agendas on climate, biodiversity and land resource conservation.
The event was unique in that Brazil—being the birthplace of the Rio Conventions and the host country of the COP30 Climate Conference—serves as a platform for consolidating the experiences of different countries and enhancing the effectiveness of joint actions.
In his speech, the Minister emphasized that Armenia, as the host of COP17 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, is actively working to deepen cooperation between the Rio Conventions and numerous related environmental agreements.
“Armenia, at the center of the COP17 process, considers the global review of collective progress in implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework an important tool for developing evidence-based policies, strengthening cooperation, and making appropriate decisions.
Armenia is introducing a proportionate and integrated approach to national planning, accountability, and policy implementation, aligning its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) with the provisions of the Global Framework, ensuring the selection of appropriate indicators, linking measures to budgetary allocations, and enhancing transparency of actions implemented at the national level,” the Minister noted.
Minister Matevosyan also highlighted the importance of strengthening complementary approaches in the areas of biodiversity, climate, land, plastics, chemicals, and waste management, noting that such an approach helps accelerate implementation processes and increase capacities, particularly in developing countries and among indigenous peoples and local communities.
Concluding his speech, the Minister emphasized that in 2026, when the three Rio conventions will convene their next COPs, a unique opportunity will be created to coordinate global environmental policies and formulate joint messages.
“I am confident that COP17, which will be held in Armenia, can become a platform where agendas can be unified and joint strategic guidelines can be set for ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, land degradation neutrality, and climate change adaptation.”