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Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan held a meeting with Czech Ambassador to Armenia Petr Pirunčík to discuss a number of environmental matters.
“We discussed the two-year EU-funded Twinning project Enhanced Biodiversity Protection and Sustainable Use in Armenia in Line with European Standards implemented under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment of Armenia, jointly implemented by Czech Republic and the Republic of Finland. I noted that the program makes a significant contribution to improving Armenia’s environmental governance system, particularly in the areas of biodiversity conservation and effective management of specially protected natural areas. The new legislative approaches and management mechanisms developed within the framework of this program will contribute to the effective implementation of the commitments undertaken by Armenia under the EU–Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA),” Matevosyan said on social media.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed opportunities for ensuring the continuity of the program and for deepening future cooperation. In this context, they touched upon issues related to collaboration and joint initiatives within the framework of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, to be held in Armenia next year.
Ambassador Pirunčík reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s readiness to continue supporting Armenia’s environmental reforms, particularly in implementing EU standards and promoting the principles of sustainable development.
The meeting also addressed formats for engaging NGOs and the private sector, with the aim of ensuring effective implementation of environmental policy, raising public awareness, and strengthening participatory governance mechanisms.
“I am confident that our bilateral cooperation will contribute to the institutional development of Armenia’s environmental sector, the exchange of international best practices, and the implementation of new initiatives — all in support of environmental protection and the advancement of sustainable development goals,” the minister said.