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Articles by Hambardzum Matevosyan
COP17 adopts around 50 decisions as outcomes exceed expectations
Around 50 decisions were adopted at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, with the outcomes exceeding initial expectations both in the range of agenda items addressed and their importance to numerous countries. Armenian Environment Minister and COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan said this at a press conference in Yerevan reviewing the conference’s outcomes.
From Armenia to Ecuador: COP18 host country selected
Ecuador has been selected to host the 18th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP18) following a secret ballot at the closing plenary session of COP17 in Armenia. Armenian Environment Minister and President of COP17 in Yerevan Hambardzum Matevosyan announced the decision. “I congratulate our Ecuadorian counterparts and wish them success in preparing for and hosting the conference,” Matevosyan said. COP18 will take place in Ecuador in 2028.
Hambardzum Matevosyan thanks COP17 volunteers
Armenia21:16, 30 October 2026 Armenian Environment Minister and COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan met volunteers at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan and thanked them for their dedication, sense of responsibility and tireless work. In a Facebook post, the minister said he had previously been a volunteer himself and understood how much effort, time and care the work required.
COP17 final formal plenary sessions underway
Armenia14:05, 30 October 2026 Armenian Environment Minister and COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan said Friday that delegates at COP17 continue working intensively during the final formal plenary sessions. “The final formal plenary sessions of COP17 are underway in Yerevan. We continue to work intensively to reach consensus on key negotiating issues and translate our shared commitments to nature conservation into concrete decisions.
HayPost issues new souvenir sheet featuring COP17 stamp
HayPost has held a cancellation ceremony and put into circulation a new souvenir sheet containing one stamp dedicated to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). The stamp, with a face value of AMD 950, features the COP17 logo and the conference slogan, “Taking Action for Nature”, in Armenian and English. The souvenir sheet depicts butterfly wings featuring Armenia’s flora and fauna.
Armenia, Finland discuss environmental cooperation
COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment, Sari Multala. “We discussed the ministerial negotiations at COP17, highlighting the importance of constructive dialogue and joint efforts to reach agreement on key issues and adopt action-oriented decisions for biodiversity conservation.
Armenia, Austria environment ministers discuss biodiversity cooperation
COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Norbert Totschnig, Austria’s Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management. “We see promising opportunities to expand Armenian–Austrian cooperation in biodiversity conservation, sustainable water resource management, ecosystem restoration and air quality monitoring,” Matevosyan said in a post on Facebook.
Armenia-India Environmental Cooperation on the Sidelines of COP17
Armenia16:33, 28 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenia's Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, held a bilateral meeting with India's Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. The ministers discussed opportunities to strengthen environmental cooperation, exchange expertise, and implement joint initiatives. The meeting also addressed cooperation within the COP17 ministerial negotiations and international efforts to conserve biodiversity.
Fake WhatsApp and Telegram accounts opened in name of Armenian environment minister
Armenia16:32, 28 October 2026 Fake WhatsApp and Telegram accounts have been created using the name of Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan, the ministry’s spokesperson Ani Hakobyan has warned. She urged people to remain vigilant, avoid responding to suspicious messages, sharing personal or official information, or making transfers, and to block and report the accounts.
Armenia, Switzerland discuss environmental cooperation
Armenia15:07, 28 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Katrin Schneeberger, State Secretary and Director of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment.
Armenia, Nigeria discuss environmental cooperation
Armenia13:37, 28 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment of Nigeria. “We discussed opportunities to expand bilateral environmental cooperation between Armenia and Nigeria and exchange experience, particularly in waste management and the reduction of plastic pollution.
Armenia, Qatar discuss environmental cooperation
Armenia11:55, 28 October 2026 COP17 President, Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan has met with Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the State of Qatar. “We discussed prospects for advancing bilateral environmental relations between Armenia and Qatar, exploring opportunities for cooperation in biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and addressing climate change,” Matevosyan said on social media.
Protecting mountains means protecting identity, water security and communities’ future, says Hambardzum Matevosyan
Armenia22:37, 27 October 2026 For Armenia, protecting mountains also means protecting its identity, water security and the future of its communities. With this conviction, the “Yerevan Platform for Mountains and Associated Freshwater Ecosystems”, one of the initiatives of Armenia’s COP17 presidency, has been launched during the conference. Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan announced this in a post on his official Facebook page.
Minister: COP17 must translate global biodiversity goals into national policies and practical measures
Global biodiversity conservation goals must be translated into national policies, investment decisions, and practical measures that deliver measurable results, COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan said during a high-level meeting held as part of COP17 in Yerevan.
Armenia, Japan discuss environmental cooperation on sidelines of COP17
Armenia13:18, 27 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Japan’s State Minister of the Environment, Hiromi Mitsubayashi, on the sidelines of COP17 in Yerevan. “We discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in environmental protection. I thanked the Government of Japan for its support in modernizing Armenia’s air quality monitoring system.
Armenia presents new COP17 presidency flagship initiative
Armenia11:39, 27 October 2026 Armenia has presented another COP17 presidency flagship initiative at the ongoing conference in Yerevan: the Yerevan Tech for Biodiversity Monitoring Platform. COP17 President and Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan announced the initiative. “I delivered the opening remarks at the presentation of the initiative, emphasizing that effective decisions aimed at nature conservation must be based on reliable data and the ability to assess progress.
Armenia and Germany sign joint declaration on environmental and climate cooperation at COP17
Armenia10:20, 27 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, and Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Carsten Schneider, signed a joint declaration of intent on cooperation in environmental and climate protection, the COP17 Armenia presidency said in a press release.
Agreement reached on further COP17 agenda items; ministers to discuss complex issues, says Environment Minister
Armenia20:36, 26 October 2026 Following the adoption of 14 items at COP17’s first plenary session, the parties have reached agreement on further agenda items. More complex issues are also set to be discussed with ministers’ participation, COP17 President and Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said at a press conference in response to a question about the progress of negotiations.
Hambardzum Matevosyan hopes for joint environmental projects with Azerbaijan and other neighbours
Armenian Environment Minister and COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan has expressed hope that, following border delimitation work, it will be possible to implement cross-border environmental projects with Azerbaijan and other neighbouring countries. Matevosyan made the remarks at a press conference held during COP17, responding to a question about environmental problems in Shikahogh and the Jermuk area.
COP17’s second week must show political commitment can translate into action, says Hambardzum Matevosyan
The first week of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity has demonstrated what multilateral cooperation can achieve. COP17 President and Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said this at a press conference held during COP17. He said the parties had adopted important decisions during the conference’s first week on biosafety, invasive alien species, gender issues, education and information exchange.
From Lake Sevan conservation to international cooperation: Environment Minister outlines expectations for COP17
The US$1.4 million in support approved for conserving Lake Sevan’s ecosystem is not the only funding available, as Armenia is also working with international partners on other projects. COP17 President and Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said this at a press conference held during the conference, responding to a question about the Lake Sevan conservation programme. “I am pleased that US$1.4 million has been approved, but this is not the only funding.
Armenia expresses interest in hosting IUCN World Conservation Congress
Armenia17:33, 26 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Grethel Aguilar, Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), on the sidelines of COP17 in Yerevan. “We discussed opportunities to develop and implement joint projects under the ninth replenishment cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9), with a view to mobilizing financing aligned with Armenia’s priorities,” Matevosyan said on Facebook.
COP17 President, Norway’s climate and environment minister discuss conference agenda and negotiations
Armenia16:57, 26 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Sigrun Aasland, on the margins of COP17 in Yerevan. “We discussed the conference agenda and the progress of negotiations, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue and joint efforts to reach agreement on key issues,” Matevosyan said on social media.
Armenia’s COP17 presidency initiative seeks to reform subsidies harmful to biodiversity
An initiative of Armenia’s COP17 presidency aimed at reforming subsidies harmful to biodiversity and expanding incentives that support nature conservation was launched on October 26 during COP17 in Yerevan.
COP17: Armenia, Zimbabwe discuss biodiversity cooperation
Armenia14:45, 24 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Eveline Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife of Zimbabwe, on the sidelines of COP17 in Yerevan. “We discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation on biodiversity conservation, including the exchange of experience in the sustainable management of protected wetlands, ecosystem restoration and biodiversity monitoring,” Matevosyan said on social media.
COP17 President highlights role of communities in biodiversity conservation
Armenia14:10, 24 October 2026 The 9th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities was held as part of COP17, with opening remarks delivered by COP17 President and Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan. The Ministry of Environment said that during the summit, Matevosyan emphasized the key role of cities and communities in translating global biodiversity commitments into practical results, highlighting the importance of access to financing, technology, and expert support.
Human, animal and environmental health brought together in COP17 “One Health” discussion
Armenia’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization jointly held a discussion entitled “The One Health Approach: From Monitoring Ecological Changes to Preventing Health Risks—Strategic and Practical Solutions” at the Meridian Centre on 23 October, during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).
Armenian Environment Minister, GEF CEO discuss biodiversity financing and monitoring initiatives
Armenia16:57, 23 October 2026 COP17 President and Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan held a meeting with Diego Mesa Puyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), on the sidelines of COP17 in Yerevan. “We discussed opportunities to expand cooperation between Armenia and the GEF, mobilize financial resources for biodiversity conservation, and implement projects aligned with national priorities,” Matevosyan said on social media.
Environment minister stresses need to turn political statements into agreed decisions and action at COP17
As COP17’s formal proceedings begin, political statements must be translated into agreed decisions and action. Armenian Environment Minister and COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan said this at a joint press conference with Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The minister announced that he had been elected COP17 President, describing the role as a responsibility both for him personally and for Armenia.
COP17 President Matevosyan attends opening of China’s pavilion
COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan, Armenia’s Minister of Environment, attended the opening ceremony of China’s pavilion in the COP17 Blue Zone and delivered a speech. Armenia’s Ministry of Environment said in a statement that Matevosyan highly praised China’s leading role in the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasizing the need to translate joint commitments into national policies and action.
Armenia assumes COP17 presidency for two-year term
Armenia13:20, 19 October 2026 The work of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity officially began in Yerevan. Armenia’s Minister of Environment, Hambardzum Matevosyan, was elected COP17 President for a two-year term at the conference’s opening plenary session, assuming responsibility for leading the international community’s collective efforts. “I thank the Parties to the Convention for their trust in Armenia and in me.
Armenia invites countries at COP17 to join CARES
Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan highlighted the Coalition of Action to Recover Endangered Species (CARES), a joint initiative launched by Armenia and Colombia to unite countries’ efforts to recover threatened species, in his remarks at the COP17 opening ceremony in Yerevan. Under the initiative, the governments of 17 founding countries are joining forces to implement Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. “Many threatened species urgently need our help.
What does the memorandum on protecting Lakes Sevan and Issyk-Kul envisage? Armenia’s environment minister explains
Asia19:15, 17 October 2026 Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan has provided details of the memorandum of cooperation signed between Armenia and Kyrgyzstan on protecting Lakes Sevan and Issyk-Kul. The memorandum was signed following Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov’s official visit to Armenia. In a Facebook post, Matevosyan outlined what the memorandum envisages. “Armenia and Kyrgyzstan have signed a memorandum of cooperation on protecting Lakes Sevan and Issyk-Kul.
Armenian and Cypriot environment ministers meet in Yerevan ahead of COP17
Armenia13:48, 17 October 2026 Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with the Republic of Cyprus’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Christos Senekis ahead of COP17, the Armenian Ministry of Environment said in a statement. The ministers discussed opportunities to develop Armenian-Cypriot cooperation in environmental protection, highlighting the importance of implementing agreements reached during previous meetings and developing a joint action plan.
Yerevan Declaration provides important political support for COP17 talks, says Hambardzum Matevosyan
The biodiversity leaders’ summit held in Armenia was the largest, most inclusive and wide-ranging leaders’ summit ever organised as part of the biodiversity conferences of the parties, Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said. Speaking to reporters about the summit’s outcomes, he said Armenia had achieved its objective by organising a leaders’ summit before the start of formal COP17 negotiations.
Biodiversity crisis demands political leadership, says Hambardzum Matevosyan
Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said the biodiversity crisis demanded political leadership, which must translate into concrete action. That, he said, was the purpose of the Leaders for Nature Summit. Matevosyan made the remarks at the leaders’ summit on biodiversity held in Yerevan on 16 October.
Hambardzum Matevosyan and Abdullah Ali discuss a range of issues
Armenia19:18, 16 October 2026 Ahead of COP17, Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan met Abdullah Ali, Chairman of the Environment Authority of the Sultanate of Oman. According to the Armenian Environment Ministry, they discussed opportunities to develop bilateral cooperation in biodiversity conservation, restore ecosystems and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Armenia and Kazakhstan discuss opportunities to expand cooperation
Economy20:18, 15 October 2026 Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Davit Khudatyan, met Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Alibek Kuantyrov, who is in Armenia for COP17, according to a statement from the Armenian ministry. “The meeting addressed opportunities to expand Armenia–Kazakhstan cooperation in mineral resource development, green transport, renewable energy, waste management and interregional cooperation.
We have great confidence there is no corruption in COP17 organisation, says Guterres
Armenia18:53, 15 October 2026 Armenia has conducted the entire procurement process for organising COP17 transparently, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said at a press conference held as part of the conference. “We have studied the organisational experience of many different countries in considerable depth. I have not found a single country in the world that organises its procurement procedures as transparently as the Republic of Armenia.
Hambardzum Matevosyan outlines key message of Armenia’s COP17 presidency
Armenia17:30, 15 October 2026 Biodiversity conservation must be a priority for society as a whole, as well as environment ministries, Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said at a press conference held as part of COP17. “One of the main messages of Armenia’s presidency is that biodiversity cannot remain the responsibility of environment ministries alone. Protecting it must be a priority.
UN and Armenian flags raised at COP17 venue in Yerevan
A solemn ceremony to raise the United Nations and Armenian flags was held at the Meridian Expo Center ahead of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The ceremony was attended by Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity Astrid Schomaker, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia Françoise Jacob, and partners from government agencies and international organizations.
Armenia sees COP17 as chance to strengthen global role and advance biodiversity protection, minister says
By Lia Avagyan Armenia expects the upcoming COP17 biodiversity conference to strengthen its international role and help countries accelerate efforts to meet conservation targets they cannot reach at the current pace, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan told CivilNet. In an interview recorded on Friday, Matevosyan said the gathering would offer opportunities to develop international partnerships and draw attention to Armenia’s environmental challenges.
Raising Azerbaijani damage in Armenia’s Shikahogh reserve at COP17 would breach presidency principles, minister says
By Karen Harutyunyan Armenia would violate the principles of its COP17 presidency if it used the conference’s multilateral negotiating platform to raise environmental damage linked to Azerbaijan’s military presence in Shikahogh reserve, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan told CivilNet. Speaking in an interview recorded on Friday, Matevosyan said such issues were addressed in bilateral discussions. The full Armenian-language interview will be published on Monday.
Armenia seeks ‘Yerevan agreement’ at COP17 biodiversity summit
By Lia Avagyan Armenia aims to secure a “Yerevan agreement” at this month’s U.N. biodiversity summit to guide efforts to meet global conservation targets by 2030, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said. In a television interview broadcast on October 2, Matevosyan said reaching agreement on how to address gaps in implementing those targets would be a key measure of the summit’s success. “We plan to name the document after Yerevan, for example, the Yerevan agreement,” he said.
Armenian Environment Minister participates in UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming Dialogue
China21:07, 8 September 2026 The Kunming Dialogue of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity has officially opened in Kunming, People’s Republic of China.
Camera traps capture rare Caucasian leopard in Armenia's Khosrov Forest State Reserve
Armenia11:00, 22 July 2026 Camera traps installed in Armenia's Khosrov Forest State Reserve have captured footage of the Caucasian leopard, one of the country's rarest and most iconic predators, Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said in a Facebook post. Sharing the video on his Facebook page, Matevosyan described the recording as further evidence of Armenia's rich biodiversity.
Armenia aims to ensure inclusive negotiations and a results-oriented COP17 presidency
Armenia20:05, 20 July 2026 Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan has discussed preparations for the COP17 UN Biodiversity Conference, due to be held in Yerevan in October, with international biodiversity and multilateral negotiations expert Basile van Havre. Matevosyan announced the meeting in a post on his Facebook page. The discussions focused on key aspects of the pre-conference negotiating process, existing challenges and Armenia’s role as the COP17 presidency.
Preparations for COP17 discussed in Armenia
Armenia21:22, 10 July 2026 The latest meeting of the organising committee established to oversee the organisation and hosting of COP17 in Armenia has been held. Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan announced the meeting in a Facebook post. “Only months remain before the conference begins. We discussed the progress of the preparations and the upcoming tasks, focusing on a number of key organisational areas.
Armenian, South Korean ministers discuss expanding environmental cooperation
Armenia15:55, 1 July 2026 Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan and Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment of the Republic of Korea, discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in environmental protection, climate change, water resources management, and biodiversity conservation. Matevosyan shared details of the meeting in a Facebook post.
Armenian Environment Minister participates in SOI Global Dialogue
Armenia13:47, 29 June 2026 Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan is taking part in the Fifth Meeting of the Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) Global Dialogue in Seoul, South Korea.
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