Armenia views COP17 as a key transition point from commitments to practical results, Deputy Minister of Environment Ara Mkrtchyan said during a UN regional environmental summit in Astana.
Within the framework of the “Harmony with Nature for Sustainable Regional Development” initiative, Mkrtchyan presented the progress and key priorities of organizing COP17, emphasizing the need to achieve tangible outcomes.
He noted that COP17 should become an important milestone marking the shift from commitments to real results, reaffirming Armenia’s readiness to cooperate with all partners to achieve shared goals.
Mkrtchyan stressed that Armenia is committed to ensuring the conference is held in a transparent, inclusive, and ambitious manner, aiming for concrete achievements in nature conservation and sustainable development. He also informed that the Armenian delegation took part in discussions in Montreal, where the priorities of the COP17 presidency were shaped and key organizational directions clarified.
Referring to domestic developments, he highlighted significant legislative progress, noting that the National Assembly has ratified the Nagoya Protocol and approved the framework agreement on joining the International Big Cat Alliance.
Mkrtchyan also outlined upcoming events, stating that following COP17, a Nature Leaders Summit will be held on October 16 under the theme “Leaders for Nature,” bringing together heads of state, international organizations, scientists, and representatives of local and indigenous communities.
According to him, one of the key components of the conference will be the first global assessment of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which will enable analysis of progress, identification of challenges, and clarification of further steps through 2030.
The deputy minister also emphasized the importance of effective financial mechanisms, mobilization of necessary resources, and full participation of local communities and indigenous peoples as key actors in biodiversity conservation.
He stressed that biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution are interconnected challenges, requiring coordinated and integrated approaches within the framework of international cooperation.
The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity will be held from October 18 to 30, 2026, at the Meridian Expo Center in Yerevan.
