Towards an Inclusive and Impactful CBD COP17. Strengthening Cooperation for Biodiversity

On 9-10 September 2026, representatives of the Government of Armenia, international environmental NGOs and representatives of Armenian civil society gathered in Yerevan for a preparatory meeting focused on strengthening collaboration ahead of COP17 and sustaining cooperation beyond the conference.

The pre-COP17 event was organized in close collaboration with the Minister of Environment, REC Caucasus and the Asian Development Bank, international partners from Rare, The Nature Conservancy, Earth Insight and the Environmental Defense Fund, alongside local environmental organizations and other national stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Aram Meymaryan @Aram Meymaryan highlighted the significance of Armenia hosting UN CBD CoP17 and assuming its Presidency. He emphasized the opportunity to strengthen Armenia’s international role and advance its national biodiversity agenda. The Ministry underlined the importance of collaboration with international NGOs and civil society through a whole-of-society approach and encouraged active participation in the cooperation platform.

REC Caucasus presented its proposed CoP17 collaboration platform for the Government of Armenia, international environmental NGOs and civil society organizations. Designed to support Armenia’s incoming Presidency of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the platform will create opportunities for regular and efficient information exchange, joint initiatives, and proactive, inclusive participation in the CoP17 process and beyond.

The presentation highlighted three priorities.

• Connecting government priorities with partner expertise. aligning Armenia’s Presidency and national implementation needs with the technical knowledge, networks and resources of INGOs and civil society.
• Turning cooperation into joint action. establishing clear responsibilities, shared information tools and regular follow-up to coordinate initiatives, track progress and avoid duplication.
• Ensuring meaningful participation and lasting cooperation. supporting the engagement of civil society, women, youth and communities, while sustaining partnerships and biodiversity action beyond COP17.

Participants approved the idea of ​​cooperation platform, providing a basis for structured cooperation in support of Armenia’s Presidency, with inclusive and open participation for all interested parties.
participation in support of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The second day focused on science-based decision-making, communication and public engagement, and cooperation beyond COP17. Participants identified opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity development, alongside follow-up steps and priorities for a cooperation roadmap.