🇦🇲🌿 USD 1.4 Million Grant Approved for Lake Sevan Conservation at COP17 The Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), has approved a USD 1.4 million grant for Armenia to support the conservation and restoration of Lake Sevan’s ecosystem. COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, attended the official ceremony marking the grant's approval. Developed by Armenia’s Ministry of Environment with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project aims to improve the management of Sevan National Park, restore degraded habitats, and strengthen biodiversity monitoring. Approximately USD 300,000 will be allocated to local initiatives, supporting community participation, nature conservation, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. 🌍 This initiative demonstrates how international cooperation at COP17 can deliver concrete results for biodiversity conservation. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🌿 Access to Genetic Resources and Fair Benefit-Sharing on the COP17 Agenda COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, delivered opening remarks at a workshop dedicated to access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. The discussion highlighted the importance of effectively implementing commitments under the Nagoya Protocol, ensuring the responsible use of genetic resources, and recognizing the value of local communities’ traditional knowledge. The development of Armenia’s national roadmap for implementing the Protocol was also addressed, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and support from partners. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🌿 Advancing Biodiversity Finance and Technological Cooperation at COP17 COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, met with Diego Mesa Puyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Discussions focused on expanding cooperation between Armenia and the GEF, mobilizing biodiversity finance, and implementing projects aligned with national priorities. Particular attention was given to ensuring predictable and accessible financing, as well as Armenia’s initiative to establish a technology hub for biodiversity monitoring in Yerevan. The meeting also highlighted the importance of continuing the long-standing partnership between Armenia and the GEF and strengthening cooperation in support of the COP17 Presidency’s initiatives.

🌿 The COP17 Green Zone Exhibition Hall brings together ideas, initiatives, and solutions dedicated to biodiversity conservation and a sustainable future. Visitors can explore how different organizations are taking care of our planet.

🌿 Official Opening of the International Forum Pavilion on Addressing the Root Causes of Biodiversity Loss As part of COP17, the official opening ceremony of the pavilion dedicated to the international forum on the root causes of biodiversity loss, organized with the participation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), took place. The forum aims to explore systemic changes needed for nature conservation, rethink economic models, and identify ways to address biodiversity loss. IUCN emphasizes the importance of implementing the goals of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, scaling up financing, and strengthening international cooperation to achieve global biodiversity targets by 2030.

🇦🇲🌿 What’s happening at the Armenia Pavilion today? 📅 22 October | COP17 Blue Zone Explore today’s programme, featuring discussions on freshwater ecosystems, Lake Sevan restoration, forests, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. Visitors can also enjoy Armenian cultural experiences, traditional treats, and the Pavilion’s VR Corner. Swipe to discover today’s agenda! ➡️ #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🖇 Rio Synergies: From Collaboration to Action Convened by the Armenian COP17 Presidency, the session introduced the proposed Joint Declaration and aimed to build understanding and political support ahead of its planned endorsement by the Presidencies of the Rio Conventions on 28 October. The Declaration seeks to accelerate implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through enhanced cooperation that also advances climate and land-related objectives. Three discussions connected institutional progress, practical implementation, and political leadership, exploring how the Declaration can help translate shared priorities into concrete action. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

A look back at the key moments from the first day of COP17 in Yerevan. From the opening plenary and the election of the COP17 President to high-level discussions, international cooperation, and new initiatives for biodiversity. The journey from commitments to action has begun. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🇦🇲 Explore today’s program of events at the Armenia Pavilion.

🎓🌿 Education, Food Security, and Biodiversity on the COP17 Agenda. On 19 October, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Abisoghomonyan, participated in a high-level panel discussion at COP17. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Armenia’s National School Feeding Programme was presented as an example of effective partnership. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

📌 ANNOUNCEMENT: Organizing Press Conferences During COP17 Dear Colleagues, To organize a press conference during COP17, a request must be submitted in advance. For press conferences organized on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, please contact the following email addresses to schedule a time slot: 📧 [email protected] 📧 [email protected] Armenian NGOs and other organizations must submit their requests through the online form: 🔗 forms.cloud.microsoft/e/cJZg… The topic of the press conference must align with the objectives of COP17 and be of interest to the media. Before submitting a request, organizers must: ▪️ Clearly define the purpose and topic of the press conference. ▪️ Confirm the participation of speakers. ▪️ Indicate preferred and alternative dates and times. ▪️ Have relevant information materials prepared or under development. ▪️ Designate a person responsible for coordinating organizational arrangements.

📷📷 COP17 has officially begun in Yerevan. During the opening plenary session, Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, was elected President of COP17 for a two-year term, assuming responsibility for facilitating dialogue and consensus-building among Parties and advancing their collective work. From Armenia, a call for collective action to the world. 📷 For nature. For future generations. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🖇 “It is precisely at this stage that leadership takes on particular significance. Let Yerevan be remembered not only as a milestone where we took stock of the progress achieved, but also as the place where we reaffirmed our commitment and determination to fully deliver on our pledges and charted a path toward the accelerated implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030.” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the opening ceremony of COP17. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

📜 🌿On 16 October, at the conclusion of the plenary session of the Leaders for Nature Summit, the Yerevan Declaration - Taking Action for Nature was delivered. The Declaration reaffirms commitment to the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve the vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. Full text is available below cop17yerevan.am/en/press-rel…

🌿 SESSION AGENDA | GREEN ZONE | PART 2 We are pleased to present the session agenda for October 19. Explore the day’s discussions, topics, and speakers, and join us for an exchange of knowledge and expertise on key environmental issues. We look forward to welcoming you to the COP17 Green Zone! Register for free on our website as a visitor to attend. 📅 October 19-30, 2026 | 10:00 AM-8:00 PM 📍 Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex

🌿 SESSION AGENDA | GREEN ZONE | PART 1 We are pleased to present the session agenda for October 19. Explore the day’s discussions, topics, and speakers, and join us for an exchange of knowledge and expertise on key environmental issues. We look forward to welcoming you to the COP17 Green Zone! Register for free on our website as a visitor to attend. 📅 October 19-30, 2026 | 10:00 AM-8:00 PM 📍 Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex

📌 The COP17 Green Zone agenda is now available. From 19 to 30 October, the Green Zone at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex will serve as a public space for thematic discussions, exhibitions, workshops, educational and cultural activities. 🟢 The Green Zone is open to everyone. We invite you to explore the programme, discover events of interest and plan your visit in advance. 🔗 cop17yerevangreenzone.com/ag… #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

📌 Dear COP17 participants, The programmes for the conference’s Blue and Green Zones are now available. 🟢 The Green Zone is open to everyone. 🔵 Access to the Blue Zone is restricted to accredited participants. The Blue Zone programme indicates whether each event is open or closed. Please review the programmes and participation requirements in advance to make the most of your time at COP17. cbd.int/conferences/2026/sch…

🇦🇲🇺🇳 The opening ceremony of the plenary session of the “Leaders for Nature” Summit, held in the context of COP17, took place at the Meridian Expo and Event Center in Yerevan. It was preceded by the official welcoming ceremony and group photo of Heads of State and Government and leaders of international organizations participating in the Summit. The Summit brought together high-level leaders and representatives of international organizations around the global biodiversity agenda, shared responsibility and the need to accelerate action toward 2030. Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan delivered remarks during the opening ceremony. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction