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Biodiversity conservation must be a priority for society as a whole, as well as environment ministries, Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said at a press conference held as part of COP17.
“One of the main messages of Armenia’s presidency is that biodiversity cannot remain the responsibility of environment ministries alone. Protecting it must be a priority. That is why we emphasise whole-of-government and whole-of-society engagement,” the minister said.
Matevosyan added that hosting COP17 was both a major international responsibility for Armenia and a unique opportunity to strengthen action for nature in the country.
“Armenia’s extraordinary biodiversity is one of our greatest national assets, a form of capital. Protecting it requires stronger conservation and restoration of ecosystems, more effective management of protected areas, improved monitoring and greater integration of biodiversity into economic and development decisions,” Matevosyan said.
Yerevan will host COP17 from 19 to 30 October, bringing together delegations from countries around the world and representatives of international organisations and civil society to assess progress in biodiversity conservation and discuss further joint action.