During his visit to Kenya, Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, participated in the “Unleashing the Full Potential of the GBFF: Progress Update and Support Clinic” event organized by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), where he delivered a speech.
The event aimed to present the latest developments and achievements of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) ahead of the 5th GBFF Council Meeting. Participants discussed the main directions of the Fund’s activities, including expanding financial support for biodiversity conservation, strengthening support for developing countries, and deepening cooperation with international financial institutions.
In his remarks, Minister Matevosyan highly valued the rapid launch of the GBFF and the results achieved to date, stressing that the Fund has become a key instrument for the practical implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The Minister noted that the Fund supports not only the mobilization of financial resources but also the introduction of innovative financial approaches and the strengthening of national capacities. The Minister also emphasized the importance of the participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, noting that their knowledge and experience are vital components of effective biodiversity conservation. In this regard, he highlighted the role of the GBFF in supporting community-based initiatives.
During his speech, Hambardzum Matevosyan also referred to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which will be held in Yerevan in October 2026. He stressed that Armenia, as the host country, stands ready to contribute to advancing integrated, inclusive, and practical solutions for nature conservation and to promoting the more effective use of biodiversity financing instruments for the benefit of current and future generations.