Armenia Is at a Crucial Stage: Minister of Environment Delivers Speech at a Special High-Level Event in Rome

In Rome, within the framework of the sixth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on
Implementation (SBI-6) of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Minister of
Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan participated in a special high-level event titled
“Agri-Food Systems in Action for Nature.

” The event was held with the participation of the
Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Astrid Schomaker,
and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Qu Dongyu. The
Minister delivered opening speech at the event.

The Minister emphasized that Armenia is at a critical juncture. The upcoming COP17, to
be held in Armenia in 2026, marks the midpoint on the path toward achieving the 2030
targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. He noted that Armenia’s
commitments must now be translated into measurable results for the benefit of both nature
and people.

The Minister noted that food security, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate
change are interconnected challenges. Biodiversity conservation does not conflict with
food security; rather, it serves as its foundation by enhancing resilience and ensuring
sustainable production.
He highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and an inclusive approach,
ensuring the full participation of farmers, local communities, women, and youth. He also
stressed the need to integrate biodiversity considerations into national strategies, including
sustainable land use, agroecology, conservation of genetic resources, and the reduction of
harmful subsidies.
Armenia will approach COP17 under the principle of “Action for Nature,” with science-
based monitoring, policy coherence, and sustainable investment, to ensure that
commitments are transformed into tangible reforms.