A landmark step for nature conservation in Armenia: IUCN National Committee of

Armenia is globally recognized as a crossroads of two of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots — the Caucasus and the Irano-Anatolian regions. Yet climate change, land-use transformation, and ecosystem fragmentation are today placing this rich natural heritage under serious threat. The establishment of the National Committee — particularly ahead of COP17 — becomes the strategic platform that will bring together scientific expertise, civil society, and government institutions to amplify Armenia’s voice for nature on the global stage.

During the ceremony, the founding members formally signed the National Committee’s founding document — Vision and Mission of the IUCN National Committee of Armenia.

“Today’s cities stand at the frontline of climate change, biodiversity loss, and mounting pressure on natural resources. Yerevan has taken a clear approach: the city’s development must be grounded in a balanced and harmonious relationship between people and nature. The establishment of the IUCN National Committee will be a significant catalyst for advancing Armenia’s environmental agenda and bringing new conservation initiatives to life” highlighted Tigran Avinyan, Mayor of Yerevan.

Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia, noted: “The Ministry of Environment will also be part of the National Committee’s work, as its objectives and activities are fully aligned with Armenia’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. This initiative also aligns with Armenia’s preparations to host COP17 — the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. COP17 is a critical opportunity to present Armenia’s priorities, strengthen international partnerships, and contribute to the global biodiversity conservation agenda”.

“What brings us together is a shared ambition — and a shared mission. IUCN’s mission is to influence, encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Everyone who joins IUCN subscribes to this mission. Through its members, and now through the National Committee of Armenia, this mission will find its _expression_ — and its impact. Armenia stands out as one of the strongest IUCN memberships in this part of the world — not only in numbers, but in the diversity of mandates and voices represented. The establishment of this National Committee is the crowning of years of dedication and commitment to that collective effort” emphasised Oliver Avramoski, Director, IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO). 

Ruben Khachatryan, Founding Director, Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and IUCN Regional Councillor for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, stated: “With the establishment of this National Committee, we are creating a platform where civil society, government, NGOs, and institutions can unite around a single purpose — conservation in Armenia. What makes Armenia’s membership in IUCN truly unique is the breadth of that representation: governmental, scientific, cultural, advocacy, and educational — all at the same table”.