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Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan on Friday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to preserving biodiversity.
He made the remarks at the Road to COP17 initiative’s launch event organized by the Ministry of Environment and the American University of Armenia Acopian Center for the Environment in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
He said that Armenia has been consistently implementing the goals of the CBD ever since joining it in 1993.
13% of Armenian territory presently encompasses protected areas, and authorities aim to increase the number in the next five years in line with international standards.
“Armenia’s vision until 2030 is to view the preservation of biodiversity as a pillar of national security, economic development and social stability. We want to establish an approach where nature becomes an equal partner and not a victim on the road of economic development,” Matevosyan said, highlighting international cooperation and involvement of youth.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia Françoise Jacob said that the biodiversity topic is a great opportunity to raise awareness about Armenia’s natural heritage. “Unfortunately, few people both in and out of the country know that Armenia is considered to be one of the thirty biodiversity hotspots in the world,” she said.
She said that hosting COP17 must be not only a measure of increasing international reputation but also form a broad perception and support within the country for the goals.
“The government, universities, civil society and private sector must unite efforts to ensure a green and sustainable future,” she said.
The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) will take place in Armenia in 2026.