Category: News

Armenia’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization jointly held a discussion entitled “The One Health Approach: From Monitoring Ecological Changes to Preventing Health Risks—Strategic and Practical Solutions” at the Meridian Centre on 23 October, during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).

Speaking at the discussion, Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan stressed that biodiversity is our shared immune system, while healthy ecosystems provide clean water, safe food and a stable climate.

He said around half of infectious disease cases were linked to changes in land use and agricultural practices and encroachment on natural habitats, bringing wildlife, farm animals and people into closer contact.

“That is why I would like to place today’s discussion in the context of COP17’s central task: the first global review of collective progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We are halfway to 2030. The global report, compiled from national reports submitted by 129 parties, updated strategies from 89 parties and national targets from 162 parties, sends a clear message. Engagement is unprecedented, but we are not on track to meet our goals.

“Some of the largest gaps are in areas where progress depends on sectors beyond the environment, from finance to reforming harmful subsidies. Targets concerning pollution or agriculture cannot be achieved by environment ministers alone either. This is the question parties are negotiating here in Yerevan: how do we correct our course over the remaining four years? One way forward is through a direct decision on the review, adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” the minister stressed.

He said One Health was precisely that approach, applied where it mattered most to people’s lives.

Matevosyan said Armenia’s new National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2030 translated this connection into concrete commitments: reducing phosphorus and nitrogen pollution in Lake Sevan by at least 30 per cent; clearing plastic and solid waste from at least ten rivers; banning single-use plastic bags and regulating the use of unwanted pesticides; sustainably managing at least 150,000 hectares of pasture and grassland; and conserving at least 20 per cent of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems by 2030.

He stressed that each of these was both a biodiversity measure and a health measure.

Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan also noted the close connection between the One Health approach, biodiversity and health.

“Human health cannot be separated from environmental health. This understanding underpins the One Health approach, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health and calls for coordinated action across sectors.

“Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation pose significant threats to public health, primarily by increasing the likelihood of zoonotic disease transmission. Having successfully achieved and maintained WHO-certified malaria-free status, Armenia remains acutely aware that changes in climatic conditions and natural habitats can threaten hard-won public health gains by creating new vulnerabilities to vector-borne diseases,” she said.

Avanesyan said biodiversity offered invaluable opportunities for scientific research and medical innovation, including the discovery of new medicines and treatments.

“Armenia recognises the importance of integrating One Health principles into national policies and promoting cooperation across the health, environmental, conservation and economic sectors. We are convinced that closer cooperation between policymakers, scientists and public health professionals is essential to address complex challenges that transcend institutional and national boundaries,” Avanesyan said.

The minister stressed the critical importance of accurate electronic data exchange and the creation of a unified, interoperable database within the One Health approach. She said it was equally important to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to address biodiversity changes and their profound effects on human health comprehensively.

“COP17 offers a unique opportunity to develop international cooperation, promote evidence-based solutions and reaffirm our collective commitment to biodiversity conservation. The decisions we take today can help shape a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come. As we look ahead, we must remember a fundamental principle: environmental policy is also an integral component of public health policy,” Avanesyan said.

Siddhartha Datta, WHO Representative in Armenia and Head of the Country Office, described the discussion as a step forward. He said the Armenian presidency’s organisation of an event on biodiversity, ecosystems and health, together with the participation of member states and partners, demonstrated a commitment to putting One Health into practice.

“The One Health approach is no longer optional. The challenges we face today concerning the interconnectedness of biodiversity, ecosystems and health cannot be addressed by one sector alone. We therefore greatly appreciate the participation of the two senior government leaders here who are involved in implementing the One Health approach.

“In our view, Armenia is demonstrating one thing today: local leadership for global impact. We thank Armenia for that,” Datta said.

He said they recognised that a member state’s political commitment must be accompanied by appropriate, sustained financial investment.

“When we speak about people’s well-being, we often look at it from the perspective of the future. Allow me to outline the economic cost of inaction in the face of biodiversity loss. The World Bank estimates that the collapse of a key ecosystem could reduce global GDP by US$2.7 trillion annually by 2030.

“With more than half of global GDP dependent on nature, continued biodiversity loss threatens food security, livelihoods, health and long-term economic stability. The health impact of biodiversity loss is not a theoretical risk. COVID-19, cases of West Nile virus infection in Armenia and the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa all point to one thing: the risk is real,” Datta stressed.

The WHO Representative in Armenia and Head of the Country Office said One Health must move beyond a general concept and find its place in national policies, institutional arrangements, operational programmes and sustained investment.

The “Climate Change and Women” awards ceremony took place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan during COP17, recognising and raising awareness of the work of women and girls contributing to climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Launched in 2022, the awards pay particular attention to the connection between climate change and biodiversity. They aim to recognise women’s and girls’ contributions to addressing environmental problems, strengthening climate resilience and shaping a sustainable future.

In her remarks, Nune Sakanyan, founding director of the Women in Climate and Energy NGO, said people often associated climate change and biodiversity conservation with global challenges, major programmes and international decisions. However, real change begins in communities—with an innovative idea, a conservation initiative or everyday work whose results can serve as an example to many others.

“We believe the best solutions emerge where people have equal opportunities to present their ideas, apply their knowledge and skills, and participate in decision-making. Through these awards, we want to make this important work by women and girls visible, recognise successful practices and inspire new initiatives. Within COP17, this is also an opportunity to present Armenia’s successful solutions to the international community, demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to achieving global environmental goals,” Sakanyan said.

The awards assess initiatives implemented during the past three years or still under way that have already delivered tangible results and a positive impact. Each category highlights the importance of people, initiatives and solutions that help address climate and environmental challenges through knowledge, innovation, education, public participation and practical action.

This year, awards were presented in seven main categories covering key areas of climate and environmental action.

Arus Nersisyan won the “Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity Conservation” category. Tatevik Hovhannisyan won “Climate Change Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience”, while Nune Soloyan won “Community Action and Policy”. Anna Martikyan received the award for “Coverage of Climate and Biodiversity Challenges and Solutions”.

Marine Dallakyan won “Climate and Biodiversity Education for All”, while Meri Mamikonyan won “Climate and Environmental Finance and Innovation Solutions”.

Sona Arzumanyan won the “Young People in Climate and Environmental Action” category.

A special “Equal Opportunities Supporter” award was also presented, recognising the contribution of men who support women’s professional advancement, equal participation and leadership. Arkadi Tadevosyan won this category.

The special award highlights the understanding that women’s full participation in climate and environmental processes requires recognition of their achievements, equal opportunities and cooperation.

Under the “Power of One Dram” initiative, each winner in the seven main categories received AMD300,000 in IDcoins. The financial support aims both to recognise work already undertaken and to encourage the continuation of environmental initiatives and the development of new solutions.

A practical workshop entitled “From Awareness to Change: Bringing Together Food, Health, Education and Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future” was held in the Green Zone of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).

The event was jointly organised by Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the School Feeding and Child Welfare institution.

The ministry said the workshop aimed to encourage schoolchildren to make healthy food choices, consume responsibly and understand the importance of biodiversity conservation.

The event focused on two themes: “Smart Shopping” and “Wholegrain Bread”. Pupils from Yeghegnadzor Basic School No. 1 completed a practical exercise in which they drew up a family shopping list, applying knowledge gained through their Healthy Lifestyle course. They highlighted the importance of choosing local products, checking food labels and expiry dates, and considering how consumer choices affect the environment.

The ministry said Armen Mkrtchyan, a food hygienist at the School Feeding and Child Welfare institution, presented the nutritional value of wholegrain foods, highlighting their role in a healthy diet and their connection to biodiversity conservation. He also discussed the diversity of cereal crops in Armenia and the importance of choosing local products.

WFP Field Operations Coordinator Vahan Arakelyan, who holds a Candidate of Biological Sciences degree, presented a WFP-supported programme to produce wholegrain bread and supply it to schools.

Under the initiative, launched in Tavush region, a mill producing wholegrain flour has begun operating, training centres have been established in Tavush and Gegharkunik, and support has been provided to 23 bakeries. The programme is also expected to expand to Vayots Dzor and Syunik.

WFP Armenia Country Director Leyla Meliou concluded the workshop, stressing the importance of schoolchildren’s active participation in initiatives promoting healthy eating, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. She said Yerevan schools had now also been included in the School Feeding Programme on a pilot basis.

The event ended with a tasting of wholegrain bread and baked goods.

Yerevan Deputy Mayor Levon Hovhannisyan received a delegation led by Paris Deputy Mayor Audrey Pulvar at Yerevan City Hall.

The municipality said Hovhannisyan praised the deepening cooperation between Yerevan and its partner cities and regions in France, as well as the partnership between Yerevan and Paris.

The two sides also discussed shared environmental challenges and identified areas that could help launch new cooperation initiatives in the future.

COP17 is now in full swing. The conference officially began on 17 October with an opening ceremony at the Meridian Expo Centre, following the leaders’ summit on 16 October.

Armenian Deputy Environment Minister Ara Mkrtchyan reviewed the conference’s first week in an interview with Armenpress.

“Leaders from numerous countries gathered in Armenia to discuss an important international environmental agenda and, indeed, significant political issues. We can regard COP17’s opening, beginning with the leaders’ summit, as a success. Looking at both the number of leaders attending and their regional representation, the Yerevan conference stands out so far from previous COPs for its high level of leadership participation. This is despite the fact that a leaders’ summit is not a mandatory component of a biodiversity COP: it took place at the host country’s initiative and through its organisational efforts,” Mkrtchyan said.

He added that, following the leaders’ summit, COP17 was proceeding with its full agenda in both the Blue and Green Zones. The Blue Zone hosts official negotiations, workshops and discussions, where countries negotiate and important international and global environmental decisions will be taken.

The Green Zone is the host country’s public space, where people can visit, observe and participate in events while getting closer to nature. The deputy minister said developments in both zones were very encouraging, with high levels of activity and strong morale among the organisers.

“The most important development is that not only officials and national delegations but society as a whole are focusing on environmental issues in Yerevan. A visit to the Green Zone’s halls, where we can see the number and engagement of visitors, confirms this. It is very important that society is learning about environmental issues, coming closer to them and engaging with them. This will bring knowledge, awareness, a desire to solve these problems and good proposals. Our society will develop respect and love for nature. This will be COP17’s most important achievement,” the deputy minister said.

He said that, alongside this broad outcome requiring sustained time and effort, COP17 was a platform for discussing practical working issues and taking decisions. With Armenia now positioned on the global environmental stage as the country holding the biodiversity conference presidency, it should derive the greatest possible benefits from this agenda, particularly for the country and its natural environment.

Mkrtchyan stressed that one of the conference’s most important developments had taken place shortly after its opening: Armenia and Colombia jointly initiated efforts to establish a coalition for the recovery and conservation of endangered and already extinct species.

“Seventeen countries have already joined this initiative. Its initial budget is US$500 million. World-famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio welcomed the initiative and published and shared his message of support. The Bezos Earth Fund has expressed interest. Work to restore and protect extinct or endangered species will be carried out in 30 countries. All this is taking place at the initiative of Armenia and Colombia, which hosted the previous COP. Naturally, we must channel as much of these resources as possible towards our country’s environmental problems. The initiative is already a reality and one of our most important achievements,” the deputy minister stressed.

Mkrtchyan said that, although praising one’s own work might be immodest, there had been many positive comments, ranging from public assessments at the highest level by Mr Guterres and Secretariat Executive Director Astrid Schomaker to feedback from participants heard in both conference zones.

“All delegates begin their speeches by expressing thanks for the high standard of organisation. This is very important for Armenia. Our Prime Minister has already said that, by delivering this standard of organisation, our country is positioning itself as one with the capacity and potential to host the world’s largest environmental events and events on other subjects,” he said.

He said the coming week would be the final and most demanding working week. Environment ministers and senior representatives from around the world would meet to bring together the preceding work and adopt decisions on refined agenda items.

“We have difficult work ahead. With so many countries participating and so many interests involved, we need consensus and final decisions that can be implemented to address environmental problems, leaving as few agenda items unresolved as possible. We hope Armenia will conduct these discussions with distinction under the conference president’s leadership, and that we will see decisions adopted by consensus.

“In two years, we will hand over our presidency. I very much hope COP17 President Hambardzum Matevosyan will be able to make a brief statement saying that we have done so much work and achieved so many results that we can declare COP18 an easy conference.”

The deputy minister said the next conference, COP18, would take place in the Americas. The host country would be announced during the Yerevan conference.

Illegal trade in wild animals and plants is a serious threat to biodiversity. Tackling it requires effective oversight, international cooperation, clear legislation and modern tools.

During the 17th UN Biodiversity Conference, COP17, Hovhannes Martirosyan, Head of Armenia’s Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, and Tatevik Kirakosyan, Acting Head of the Environment Ministry’s Bioresources Management Department, discussed steps to implement the convention’s requirements in Armenia with CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero.

“Our main objective is to ensure that wild plants and animals remain in their natural habitats, do not disappear and are preserved for both us and future generations. International trade and overexploitation are among the main challenges facing wildlife. Armenia has considerable potential for cooperation and exchanges of experience with CITES. One of our most important tasks is to ensure that legal trade is sustainable and does not threaten wild animals and plants. We are pleased to see that Armenia has already digitalised its permit issuance process. We see that significant work has been done in this area and hope Armenia will take further steps to prevent illegal international trade,” Ivonne Higuero told Armenpress.

Armenia joined the convention in 2008. Legislative and regulatory work undertaken since 2023 has improved the country’s standing in the convention’s compliance assessment system, moving it into Category 3. Work is now under way to reach Category 1.

“We discussed Armenia’s legislative and regulatory work, including the inspection body’s activities. Effective implementation of the convention also depends heavily on the work of the body responsible for oversight. Intensive efforts are currently under way to reach Category 1. Several legislative drafts have been prepared concerning the prohibition of trade conducted in violation of the convention’s provisions and the application of corresponding penalties,” said Tatevik Kirakosyan, Acting Head of the Environment Ministry’s Bioresources Management Department.

Regulations arising from the Law on Fauna adopted in 2023 also cover permit procedures for keeping animals in captive and semi-captive conditions, including species listed in the Red Book. Preventing illegal circulation is among their objectives.

“During the meeting, we discussed important issues relating to the import, export and circulation of wild animals in Armenia. The Secretary-General praised Armenia’s work over the past two years and expressed support for developing public administration in this area. The minister had proposed hosting the next COP22 in Armenia in 2031. I made the same proposal, and there is considerable initial willingness and interest,” Hovhannes Martirosyan said.

Martirosyan said several large predators had been relocated to specialised facilities this year. The meeting also explored options for ensuring their continued care and suitable conditions.

A contemporary art center is planned for the border village of Shvanidzor in Armenia’s Syunik Province, as part of an initiative to decentralize cultural life and preserve the area through art and culture. The project also aims to create jobs for local residents.

The project was submitted to the Government of the Republic of Armenia in 2023 by the Foundation KulturDialog Armenien and was approved.

In an interview with Armenpress as part of its podcast series, Sona Harutyunyan, art historian and founding president of the foundation, spoke about the initiative and the contemporary art festival already underway in Shvanidzor.

Armenpress: I would ask you to tell us a little more about the project. How did the idea come about? What priorities underpin the project?

Sona Harutyunyan: Thank you for focusing on this project, because it is important not only for people who create and work in the arts, but also for the Republic of Armenia.

In the course of our work, we established that artistic and cultural life is highly concentrated in the capital. We wanted to contribute, to the extent of our capabilities, to the decentralization of the arts.

As a result of the events known to everyone, Syunik Province was at risk, particularly after 2023. Therefore, we wanted to implement our initiative in one of the province’s border villages so that we could preserve and strengthen that area through art and culture.

We chose the village of Shvanidzor. It is very well known for its various historical and cultural monuments and is located on the banks of the Araks River. It seems as though you could reach out and touch the mountains of Iran.

We began preparatory work in 2023. Following meetings with the head of Shvanidzor and the mayor of Meghri, seven sites in Shvanidzor were made available to us for the implementation of the idea. These will serve as the starting structures for transforming the village itself into a contemporary art center.

Armenpress: Which sites are you referring to?

Sona Harutyunyan: One of these sites is the Shvanidzor House of Culture, which was a unique building during the Soviet era. The House of Culture shares one wall with a church.

During the Soviet years, a factory operated in Shvanidzor where special parts for helicopters were produced, without which Soviet helicopters could not operate. That factory will also become part of our initiative. It will be turned into a museum.

There are sites that are currently ruins, but two or three walls have been preserved. Each site will have its own function. Local residents will be involved at every site, and jobs are also being created for them through this program.

Armenpress: I would also ask you to speak about the “Shvanidzor: Contemporary Art Festival,” which has already begun.

Sona Harutyunyan: Seven artists from Yerevan have traveled to Shvanidzor as part of the festival. Two artists have arrived from Iceland specifically to participate in this festival.

These artists, both Armenian and foreign, are holding workshops in Shvanidzor. Various panel discussions are also being organized, the topics of which are particularly focused on the decentralization of culture and creating a place in Syunik Province where artists from all regions can gather every year.

Armenpress: Have the residents of Shvanidzor welcomed the festival enthusiastically? Is there active participation?

Sona Harutyunyan: When we first went to Meghri and then to Shvanidzor, people were skeptical, because many people go there, say something, and then leave. People are left waiting for a project, and when they saw that we were not simply talking but were also taking practical steps, their enthusiasm was great.

I cannot describe in words that enthusiasm and the extent of people’s involvement.

The United States donated approximately $1.4 million in vehicles and specialized equipment to Armenia’s Border Guard during a ceremony attended by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security Assistance Programs Shawna Wilson, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Allen, and Armenian Border Guard Chief of Staff Colonel Roman Sahakyan, the U.S. Embassy said in a press release.

The U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program provided the donation, which includes vehicles, ambulances, protective equipment, maintenance tools, and modern IT equipment for the Ayrum border crossing point. The equipment will enhance operational mobility, strengthen border management capabilities, and support the ongoing modernization of Armenia’s Border Guard. 

“The donation reflects the strong U.S.-Armenia partnership in border security. U.S. assistance will help strengthen the Armenian Border Guard’s capacity to protect Armenia’s sovereignty and facilitate the secure movement of people and goods as it assumes greater responsibility for securing the country’s borders. This includes along routes important to regional connectivity and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). The United States remains committed to supporting the development of a modern, professional, and well-equipped Armenian Border Guard, to contribute to a safer and more prosperous future for Armenia, the region, and the United States,” the embassy said. 

Audrey Pulvar, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of International and European Relations and the Francophonie, and Deputy Delegate General for International Relations Benoît Herzbrun visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan on October 22.

Audrey Pulvar placed a wreath at the memorial. The delegation then laid flowers at the Eternal Flame in honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute said in a press release that the delegation then toured the museum and viewed the exhibitions. Pulvar also signed the honorary guestbook.

Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Acting Director Hrachya Tashchyan presented the history, architectural features and symbolism of the memorial.

The Anti-Corruption Court has extended the pre-trial detention of former President Robert Kocharyan’s eldest son, Sedrak Kocharyan, for another two months.

He was placed in pre-trial detention on August 26 on charges of money laundering on an especially large scale, as well as aiding and abetting abuse of official powers and the receipt of bribes on an especially large scale.

According to a statement released by the Anti-Corruption Committee, the criminal proceedings concern the circumstances surrounding the alienation of several state-owned properties and subsequent transactions during Robert Kocharyan’s presidency. 

Investigators allege that the properties were transferred out of state ownership and sold at prices significantly below market value to individuals and companies affiliated with the former president, while subsequent transactions were used to conceal their actual ownership and alleged criminal origins.

The statement specifically referred to transactions involving Play City entertainment center, Kaputak Sevan resort complex, Orange Fitness club, and Toyota Yerevan.

Former President Robert Kocharyan is also in pre-trial detention in the same case. Both father and son deny wrongdoing.