On April 22–23, 2026, a training course titled “Cooperation for the Convention on Biological Diversity” /CO-OP4CBD/ was held in Paris, France. The training focused on strengthening civil society engagement and capacity-building in the processes of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in the context of preparations for the COP17 conference.
The event was organized by the National Museum of Natural History of France (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle) in cooperation with Hungary’s HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (HUN-REN CER), within the framework of the European Union-funded CO-OP4CBD project, supported by the Horizon Europe program.
The training brought together holders of traditional ecological knowledge, representatives of civil society organizations, youth structures, women’s organizations, and the scientific community. A significant number of participants represented Armenia, coming from various civil society organizations. Kristina Ter-Matevosyan, journalist at “EcoLur” Informational NGO, also attended the training.
The main purpose of the event was to strengthen the participation of civil society and rights-holder groups in CBD processes, enhance the capacity of civil society organizations to engage effectively in COP17, deepen the knowledge of civil society organizations from Armenia and Central and Eastern European countries on CBD processes, and promote cooperation and exchange of experience among different civil society actors.
During the two-day event, participants discussed the main directions of CBD implementation, participation, and global biodiversity policy. The training also included a panel discussion titled “Experience from traditional ecological knowledge holders' organizations in engaging in CBD processes and meetings.” The discussion highlighted the role of local and indigenous communities’ knowledge in CBD processes and the importance of their involvement in shaping international environmental policies.
On the second day of the training, another panel discussion was held on “Experiences from Women and Youth organizations in engaging in CBD processes and meetings.” The speakers presented their experience, emphasizing the growing role of women and young people in CBD processes, the forms of their participation, and the mechanisms through which these groups can become more effectively involved in shaping international environmental policies.
At the end of the event, Ani Hakobyan, Press Secretary of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, and Ani Kirakosyan, Assistant to the Minister, presented the agenda items of the upcoming COP17 in Yerevan and Armenia’s priorities, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the link between national biodiversity policy and international processes.
May 18, 2026 at 10:54