The head of the Armenian Ministry of Environment discussed prospects for environmental cooperation with representatives of Switzerland, India, and Qatar.

ArmInfo. On the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan held separate meetings with representatives of Switzerland, India, and Qatar, focusing on prospects for environmental cooperation.

According to the Armenian Ministry of Environment, the role of the FORACCA program in sustainable forest management, enhancing climate resilience, and improving the livelihoods of rural communities was discussed at a meeting with Kathrin Schneeberger, Director of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU). Furthermore, the Minister and the BAFU Director discussed expanding cooperation between the countries within the framework of COP17 and the importance of translating international commitments to biodiversity conservation into measurable results on the ground.

During a bilateral meeting with Bhupender Yadav, Indian Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the possibilities for expanding Armenian-Indian cooperation in environmental protection were discussed. The parties noted that the friendly relations between the countries serve as a solid foundation for developing sectoral cooperation, exchanging experiences, and implementing joint initiatives. Matevosyan and Yadav also discussed interaction within the COP17 ministerial negotiations and international efforts to preserve biodiversity.

In this context, the importance of cooperation within the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was emphasized, as well as the importance of joint efforts to preserve endangered species and their habitats. "This area is of particular importance for Armenia, given the priority of preserving leopards and restoring their population in our country," Matevosyan noted.

During a meeting with Qatari Minister of Environment and Climate Change Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaei, prospects for developing bilateral Armenian-Qatari relations in the field of the environment were discussed, particularly opportunities for cooperation in biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, and the fight against climate change. "In the second part of the meeting, we touched on the ministerial negotiations within the framework of COP17 and Qatar's active participation in them. We emphasized the importance of dialogue at the ministerial level and joining efforts to translate biodiversity conservation commitments into practical results," the minister concluded.

As a reminder, Armenia is hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). It will conclude on October 30.