Armenia intends to host COP-17 at highest level in 2026 - minister 

ArmInfo. The Armenian government intends to hold the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-17), which will be held in Yerevan in 2026, at a high level. This was stated by the RA Minister  of Environment Hakob Simidyan during a meeting with the Ambassador of  India to the Republic of Armenia Nilakshi Saha Singh.

As reported by the press service of the department, during the  meeting the parties highly appreciated the friendly relations that  have developed between the two countries, and also emphasized the  need to expand cooperation in the field of environmental protection  and enrich the agenda.

The Minister presented to the Ambassador the strategic environmental  priorities and initiatives implemented by Armenia, in particular, the  work carried out to preserve biodiversity, the successes recorded in  the field of conservation of the Caucasian leopard, steps aimed at  reducing the risks of natural disasters, as well as the process of  introducing an early warning system for natural disasters.  Touching  upon the importance of cooperation in international formats, Hakob  Simidyan emphasized the commitment of the Armenian government to the  high-level organization of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the  UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-17), which will be held in  Yerevan in 2026. The possibility of India's participation in  organizing the conference was also discussed.

Another important topic was Armenia's accession to the International  Big Cat Alliance, created at the initiative of India. The parties  noted the professional significance of this process, especially given  Armenia's achievements in preserving the Caucasian leopard and its  role as an indicator species of ecosystem health.

During the meeting, issues of management of specially protected  natural areas, sustainable forest development, conservation of water  resources, as well as the possibility of exchanging experience within  the framework of educational programs were also discussed.

The Minister confirmed Armenia's readiness for open and constructive  cooperation, emphasizing that interaction in these areas can  contribute not only to the advancement of the environmental agenda,  but also to the deepening of interstate ties.