The international conference "Road to COP17" was held in Yerevan.
The conference was dedicated to the preparatory process for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity and Armenia's role in the global biodiversity agenda.
The conference was organized by the Ministry of Environment of the RA the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, with the support of the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the European Union, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Armenia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and a number of partner organizations.
Representatives of state institutions, international organizations, scientific and educational institutions, civil society, and the private sector participated in the event.
Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the RA, opened the conference with welcoming remarks, emphasizing that hosting COP17 gives Armenia both the honor and responsibility to demonstrate its initiative and commitment in global environmental processes.
Armenia is preparing for COP17 not merely as a host country, but as a state with a clear vision and a dignified role in shaping global environmental policy. We believe that even small states can make a significant impact when guided by clear goals and a collective approach,” noted Deputy Minister Aram Meymaryan.
Participants discussed issues related to biodiversity conservation, landscape restoration, nature-based agriculture, ecosystem services, and innovative mechanisms for financing biodiversity.
Speakers represented both international and local organizations, including the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the BIOFIN Initiative, the World Bank Armenia Office, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), and other partner organizations.