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The “Climate Change and Women” awards ceremony took place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan during COP17, recognising and raising awareness of the work of women and girls contributing to climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Launched in 2022, the awards pay particular attention to the connection between climate change and biodiversity. They aim to recognise women’s and girls’ contributions to addressing environmental problems, strengthening climate resilience and shaping a sustainable future.
In her remarks, Nune Sakanyan, founding director of the Women in Climate and Energy NGO, said people often associated climate change and biodiversity conservation with global challenges, major programmes and international decisions. However, real change begins in communities—with an innovative idea, a conservation initiative or everyday work whose results can serve as an example to many others.
“We believe the best solutions emerge where people have equal opportunities to present their ideas, apply their knowledge and skills, and participate in decision-making. Through these awards, we want to make this important work by women and girls visible, recognise successful practices and inspire new initiatives. Within COP17, this is also an opportunity to present Armenia’s successful solutions to the international community, demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to achieving global environmental goals,” Sakanyan said.
The awards assess initiatives implemented during the past three years or still under way that have already delivered tangible results and a positive impact. Each category highlights the importance of people, initiatives and solutions that help address climate and environmental challenges through knowledge, innovation, education, public participation and practical action.
This year, awards were presented in seven main categories covering key areas of climate and environmental action.
Arus Nersisyan won the “Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity Conservation” category. Tatevik Hovhannisyan won “Climate Change Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience”, while Nune Soloyan won “Community Action and Policy”. Anna Martikyan received the award for “Coverage of Climate and Biodiversity Challenges and Solutions”.
Marine Dallakyan won “Climate and Biodiversity Education for All”, while Meri Mamikonyan won “Climate and Environmental Finance and Innovation Solutions”.
Sona Arzumanyan won the “Young People in Climate and Environmental Action” category.
A special “Equal Opportunities Supporter” award was also presented, recognising the contribution of men who support women’s professional advancement, equal participation and leadership. Arkadi Tadevosyan won this category.
The special award highlights the understanding that women’s full participation in climate and environmental processes requires recognition of their achievements, equal opportunities and cooperation.
Under the “Power of One Dram” initiative, each winner in the seven main categories received AMD300,000 in IDcoins. The financial support aims both to recognise work already undertaken and to encourage the continuation of environmental initiatives and the development of new solutions.