Armenia, IUCN and Sweden launch initiative on nature-based solutions for biodiversity preservation

IUCN press release 

The Government of Armenia, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Government of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), today launched the new Advancing Nature-based Solutions in Armenia for Biodiversity and Resilient Communities initiative at COP17.

The three-year programme, supported by Sweden with a budget of SEK 30 million (approximately EUR 2.7 million), will help restore ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance the resilience and well-being of rural communities across Armenia through the implementation of Nature-based Solutions.

The initiative represents a strategic partnership between the Government of Armenia, the Government of Sweden and IUCN to advance the implementation of Nature-based Solutions across Armenia. The programme will support the restoration of river corridors and degraded agricultural landscapes in rural areas, promote climate-resilient land management practices, and strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders to design and implement Nature-based Solutions that benefit both people and nature. These efforts will enhance biodiversity and increase the resilience of local communities, while contributing to Armenia's commitments under the three Rio Conventions and the EU Green Agenda.

Implemented by IUCN in close partnership with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and a consortium of partners - the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), Charitable Public Organisation “Shen” (Shen NGO), the American University of Armenia (AUA) and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) - the project will combine on-the-ground ecosystem restoration with policy support, capacity development, knowledge generation, and resource mobilisation to accelerate the uptake of Nature-based Solutions nationwide.

“The launch of this initiative at CBD COP17 reflects Armenia’s commitment to placing nature at the centre of our sustainable development pathway. By investing in ecosystem restoration and Nature-based Solutions, we are investing in healthier landscapes, stronger communities and a more resilient future. This partnership will support Armenia in advancing national biodiversity, climate and land restoration priorities while delivering tangible benefits for people on the ground” stated H.E. Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia.

Nature-based Solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems while addressing societal challenges and providing benefits for both people and nature. The project will apply the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™, helping ensure that interventions deliver measurable outcomes for biodiversity, climate resilience and local livelihoods.

Over the next three years, the initiative aims to restore or bring under improved management at least 1,050 hectares of land, support the restoration of 20 kilometres of river corridors in the Arpa and Yeghegis catchments, directly benefit more than 5,000 people, and strengthen national and local capacities for the design and implementation of Nature-based Solutions. The programme will also support a new student internship and applied learning programme, helping to build the next generation of professionals equipped to advance Nature-based Solutions in Armenia.

“Nature-based Solutions are among the most effective approaches we have to address the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation. As a valued IUCN State Member and host of CBD COP17, Armenia is demonstrating how global commitments can be translated into concrete action for people and nature. Through this partnership, IUCN is proud to support the Ministry of Environment and local partners in scaling high-quality Nature-based Solutions guided by the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™. Together, we will help strengthen ecosystem resilience, support local livelihoods and contribute to Armenia’s national biodiversity and climate ambitions,” said Dr. Oliver Avramoski, Regional Director, IUCN Regional office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Daniel Westlén, State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for Climate and the Environment: "Healthy ecosystems are fundamental to both biodiversity and human well-being. Through this partnership, Sweden is proud to support Armenia in advancing Nature-based Solutions that restore landscapes, strengthen the resilience of rural communities, and create lasting benefits for people and nature alike. By investing in practical action on the ground today, we can help build a more sustainable and resilient future while contributing to global efforts to address biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation."

Activities will focus on three provinces: Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor, where ecosystems and rural communities face increasing pressures from land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. 

Key interventions will include:

Restoration of the Arpa and Yeghegis river corridors through Nature-based ecosystem restoration measures to be implemented by FPWC;

Establishment of climate-resilient windbreak systems and agroforestry solutions to reduce soil erosion and strengthen agricultural resilience, led by Shen NGO;

Capacity development and stakeholder engagement through Armenia's first Nature-based Solutions Living Lab method, in close partnership with the Acopian Center for the Environment at AUA and the Stokholm Environment Institute, bringing together government institutions, academia, local communities, civil society and private-sector actors to promote learning, innovation and scaling-up of Nature-based Solutions.

“The strength of this initiative lies in its ability to connect ecosystem restoration with the needs of local communities. Together with our partners we will implement practical Nature-based Solutions that restore degraded ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and help communities adapt to a changing climate. These actions demonstrate how investing in nature can generate long-term benefits for livelihoods, resilience and sustainable development across Armenia,” said Ruben Khachatryan, Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).

The initiative will support piloting of Armenia's first Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Living Lab, providing a collaborative platform for government institutions, local communities, academia, civil society and the private sector to exchange knowledge, strengthen capacities and test innovative approaches. Drawing on international best practice, including the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™, the Living Lab will help stakeholders adapt and apply NbS approaches that deliver measurable benefits for both people and nature. The NbS Living Lab will also strengthen the capacity of national and local actors to plan, implement and monitor NbS, while promoting the meaningful participation of women and young people.

"To support Armenia in meeting its biodiversity, climate and clean environment commitments, the project will build capacity, collaboration and institutions. Nature-based solutions require smart merging of knowledge accumulated locally and elsewhere. This is what SEI seeks to do" added Eeva Primmer, Executive Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI).

The initiative demonstrates how international cooperation between Armenia, Sweden and IUCN can translate biodiversity, climate and land restoration ambitions into practical action on the ground, delivering benefits for nature and rural communities while contributing to long-term sustainable development.

Advancing Nature-based Solutions in Armenia for Biodiversity and Resilient Communities is a SEK 30 million (approximately EUR 2.7 million) initiative funded by Sweden through Sida and implemented by IUCN in partnership with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), Charitable Public Organisation "Shen", the American University of Armenia and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). The project runs from November 2026 to October 2029.