Armenia's Conservation Community Unites Ahead of COP17

The IUCN National Committee Armenia received official recognition by the IUCN Council on April 22, 2026 — a milestone that positions Armenia not only as the host of CBD COP17 this October, but as an active shaper of global biodiversity policy.

Wide angle view of the lush Armenian landscape

The Committee brings together Armenia's leading conservation and scientific organizations under a single, unified platform — enabling the country's environmental community to speak with one voice in international arenas and directly influence global processes in biodiversity conservation.

"We are no longer merely adopters of international standards," said Ruben Khachatryan, founding Chair of the IUCN National Committee Armenia and Director of FPWC. "Through this committee, Armenia becomes a platform where innovative conservation models — such as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) — are developed and tested. We will be presenting our own successful experiences to the global community."

Sirarpi Haykazyan, Head of the Environmental Protection Department of Yerevan Municipality, underscored the committee's significance: "This creates a mechanism for coordinated action across sectors and levels — from local government initiatives to national policy development and international cooperation."

Founding members include Yerevan Municipality, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, the Institute of Botany after A. Takhtajyan NAS RA, ArAves Nature Conservation NGO, and SunChild NGO.

IUCN National Committee Armenia at COP17

With CBD COP17 taking place in Yerevan from October 19–30, 2026, the Committee will play an active role in several flagship initiatives:

OECMs and the 30x30 Target — The Committee has prioritized the OECM framework as a model for demonstrating Armenia's progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 goal.

Pre-COP17 Global Symposium on Conservation Governance — FPWC will convene a high-level international symposium in Yerevan on October 15–16, bringing together conservation organizations from across the world.

SunChild International Environmental Film Festival — The 14th edition of SunChild, marking the festival's 20th anniversary, will take place during COP17, serving as a cultural and educational platform for biodiversity storytelling.