On July 31, 2025, upon the initiative of Hovhannes Martirosyan, Head of Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, a professional discussion was held focusing on the resolution and planning of issues related to wild animals kept in captivity or semi-captivity without proper permits in Armenia, as the Inspection Body informs.
The meeting was organized to address questions raised during the sessions of the committee formed for organizing and hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The discussion highlighted a number of key issues, including:
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Legal problems related to the keeping of wild animals without permits
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The need to improve monitoring mechanisms
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The importance of refining the legislative framework, including:
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Clarification of the legal status of wild animals
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Permit issuance and oversight processes
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Definition of responsibilities and penalties
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Participants emphasized the importance of expanding practical cooperation between state institutions, private entities, and scientific-educational organizations involved in the field. Such collaboration is essential for developing effective sectoral policies that ensure animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and compliance with international standards.
The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Yerevan Municipality, Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Yerevan Zoo, Fauna-Zoo LLC, and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).
July 31, 2025 at 15:16