Armenia will approach COP17 guided by an “Action for Nature” principle, focusing on science-based monitoring and coordinated policies, the environment minister said in Rome.
Armenia will approach COP17 under the principle of “Action for Nature,” emphasizing science-based monitoring, policy coherence and sustainable investment, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said at a high-level special event titled “Agrifood Systems in Action for Nature” held within the framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity SBI-6 session in Rome.
He took part in the event alongside Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Astrid Schomaker and Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Qu Dongyu, delivering opening remarks.
The minister stressed that Armenia is at an important stage, as the COP17 conference scheduled to be held in the country in 2026 marks the midpoint on the path toward achieving the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. At this stage, he said, the country’s commitments must be translated into measurable outcomes for the benefit of nature and people.
In his speech, he noted that food security, land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected challenges. According to him, biodiversity conservation does not contradict food security but instead becomes its foundation by enhancing system resilience and ensuring sustainable production.
The minister underscored the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and an inclusive approach, ensuring the full participation of farmers, local communities, women and youth. He also highlighted the integration of biodiversity into national strategies, including sustainable land use, development of agroecology, conservation of genetic resources and reduction of harmful subsidies.
The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity will take place on October 18-30, 2026, at the Meridian Expo Center in Yerevan.
