Within the framework of the United Nations, relevant intergovernmental processes have been established in the format of multilateral treaties — conventions. However, they do not operate in an integrated manner, which does not contribute to the comprehensive resolution of globally significant issues and creates the need for SYNERGY between processes in different directions.
In order to clarify the positions of Armenian public and business sectors and coordinate further actions, Kotayk Chamber of Commerce and Industry, jointly with RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a conference on February 28, attended by experts and specialists from numerous organizations.
The situation in Armenia and internationally was presented by Aram Gabrielyan, an expert at “Khazer” NGO, and Masis Sargsyan, a member of the Presidium of Kotayk Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They spoke about approaches to building synergy among the Rio Conventions — the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
President of EcoLur Informational NGO Inga Zarafyan presented civil society approaches ahead of the Biodiversity Convention’s COP17.
“Armenia, being part of the Caucasus region, is recognized as one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, possessing one of the richest yet at the same time threatened biodiversities,” Inga Zarafyan said. She noted that Armenia has nominated candidate sites for the Emerald Network, whose boundaries have not yet been finalized.
In 2023, within the framework of the “European Union for Environment (EU4Environment)” regional program, the Emerald candidate sites were reviewed, resulting in a proposal to reduce their boundaries. Biodiversity-rich areas were excluded from the new version, in particular the territory of the Amulsar mining project. In this regard, civil society representatives filed a complaint with the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention).
Mining companies are increasing pressure on civil society by filing lawsuits and demanding large sums of money. “Can we speak of responsible mining when we have contradictory conclusions, numerous SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation), threats, and no protective mechanisms?” EcoLur's President questioned.
Inga Zarafyan also addressed the issue of forests. “Armenia’s forests are subject to anthropogenic and natural pressures. High-value forests have been replaced by coppice forests. Armenia has planned to increase forest cover to 12.9% by adding 50,000 hectares for 2021–2030. This indicator is also reflected in the Biodiversity Strategy program. However, only about 1.64% has been planted during 2021–2024. During the same period, the area of burned forest exceeded the area of restored forests. In such a situation, will we reach the target of increasing forest cover by 50,000 hectares by 2030?” she stated.
After an active discussion, Aram Gabrielyan proposed adopting a resolution. “It is necessary to develop a separate doctrine as the basis of the resolution, aimed at forming a unified platform. It is advisable to clarify and specify the actions and prospects, as well as the role and significance of RA Chambers of Commerce and Industry, ahead of the 17th COP to be held in October 2026,” he said.
March 05, 2026 at 16:25