Promoting Transparency and Public Participation in Biosafety An international training session was held to promote transparency, access to information, and public participation in the field of biosafety. Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia, and Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, delivered remarks during the event. The discussions covered recent developments under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the Aarhus Convention, and the Escazú Agreement. Particular attention was given to access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making processes, and access to justice. The importance of exchanging international experience and expanding cooperation was also emphasized to strengthen transparent and participatory decision-making mechanisms in the field of biosafety.

🖇 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

🌿 Biodiversity conservation is not just an environmental issue. It is also a public policy priority. COP17 provides an opportunity to rethink how biodiversity conservation goals can be integrated into policies across different sectors, supporting more sustainable and responsible decision-making. Implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework requires not only commitments, but also a coordinated approach, investments, and measurable results. From commitments to action. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🌿 Art is a unique language that brings people together and gives nature a voice. Today, music and performances on the Green Zone stage brought art and nature conservation together. Visitors can also explore exhibitions showcasing initiatives dedicated to biodiversity conservation. 📅 October 19-30, 10:00-20:00 📍 Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Comple

🌍 Many Voices. One Shared Commitment to Nature. COP17 in Yerevan brings together people from across the world, reflecting a diversity of cultures, experiences, and perspectives united by a common goal: protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Beyond the official sessions and negotiations, the conference is also a place for cultural exchange, meaningful connections, and dialogue that crosses borders. 🌿 Different voices, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to a future where people and nature thrive together. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🎓🌿 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

Armenia and Colombia Present International Coalition for the Recovery of Threatened Species On 19 October, during a press conference held in the COP17 Blue Zone, the Coalition of Action to Recover Endangered Species (CARES), co-chaired by Armenia and Colombia, was presented. The speakers included Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia; David Felipe Olarte Amaya, Vice Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Colombia; and Kira Mileham, representative of the Reverse the Red movement. Aram Meymaryan emphasized the importance of combining scientific knowledge, government leadership, and practical action in species conservation. He noted that CARES would enable countries to exchange experiences, access international expertise, and facilitate the mobilization of financial resources needed for species recovery. The Coalition aims to unite countries’ efforts to recover species threatened with extinction and advance the implementation of Target 4 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Reverse the Red partnership serves as the Coalition’s Secretariat.

🎓🌱 Education as a Driving Force for Biodiversity Conservation and the Development of Sustainable Food Systems As part of COP17, a high-level panel discussion was held at the Armenia Pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and the School Feeding and Child Welfare Agency. Opening remarks were delivered by Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, and Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Deputy Executive Director for Programme Operations. The discussion explored the links between education, healthy nutrition, food security, and biodiversity conservation. Armenia’s National School Feeding Program was presented as an example of an initiative that supports children’s well-being, promotes local production, and contributes to the development of sustainable food systems. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForActio

Preventing extinction is not enough. Threatened species also need support to recover. Leonardo DiCaprio has highlighted two initiatives announced at COP17. Led by Armenia and Colombia, 17 countries have joined the Coalition of Action to Recover Endangered Species (CARES) to accelerate efforts to prevent extinctions and support measurable species recovery. Meanwhile, nine philanthropic funders and organizations, including Re:wild, have formed the Species Recovery Alliance, aligning more than $500 million over five years to support species recovery worldwide. Both initiatives share a common goal: helping the world’s most threatened species recover. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction

🇦🇲🌍 Yerevan Declaration – Taking Action for Nature adopted in Yerevan On 16 October, at the conclusion of the plenary session of the Leaders for Nature Summit, the Yerevan Declaration – Taking Action for Nature was adopted. Adopted ahead of COP17, 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. Its central message is clear: move from political commitments to measurable action and tangible results. The Declaration emphasizes the mobilization of finance, ecosystem conservation and restoration, science and innovation, international cooperation, and the meaningful participation of different sectors of society. It also calls for a clear and results-oriented pathway at COP17 to accelerate implementation of the Framework and advance progress toward its 23 targets. The message from Yerevan is clear: it is time for action. #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction #TakingActionForNature

🌍 The Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity: A Day in Review. Today, Yerevan brought together leaders from different countries and international partners to discuss biodiversity conservation priorities and the importance of collective action for nature. The day's highlights in one video. 🇦🇲🌿 #COP17Armenia #BiodiversityAction #ForAction