Armenian experts to present successful biodiversity conservation practices at COP17

Organizations specializing in biodiversity are making thorough preparations for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which will be held in Yerevan. One such organization is the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).

In an interview with Armenpress, Sona Kalantaryan, the Foundation’s Project Director, and Tsovinar Hovhannisyan, Head of Environmental Programs, spoke about the programs with which they will participate in COP17 and the mission they will undertake during this important event.

“The Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity is very important to us because it is exceptional for such an event to take place in Armenia. This is a unique opportunity for us to present ourselves in the best possible way and try to make the most effective use of this time. There are many programs. We will have an entire pavilion, where more than 50 events will be held on a regular basis. We will also seek to discuss various targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity with all our international partners. We have already identified the key issues for discussion within the scope of our day-to-day activities,” Kalantaryan said.

She also spoke about the Yerevan Conservation Symposium and the SunChild International Environmental Festival, which will also take place within the framework of COP17.

Tsovinar Hovhannisyan, in turn, noted that the Foundation would present the model of privately protected areas on the global platform of the upcoming major conference, address issues related to community-based conservation, and discuss the specific aspects of applying technological solutions, including AI monitoring. She said there would also be professional discussions with stakeholders and international partners on the restoration of ecological corridors, biodiversity conservation, and the introduction of innovative technologies.

“The main focus of the conference will be the commitments of countries that have joined the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Since 2010, our Foundation has been engaged in the conservation of privately protected areas. We are talking about an area of 35,000 hectares. We will invite international partners to discuss all forms of environmental protection that can contribute to achieving this important target. Our Foundation will present Armenia’s example, showing how non-state conservation can contribute to achieving these goals,” Hovhannisyan said.