Category: News

Demand for critical metals and minerals, which are essential to the modern economy, advanced technology, the energy transition and the defense sector, has risen sharply worldwide. However, their supply chains are vulnerable and can be disrupted for geopolitical or economic reasons.

A panel discussion titled “Critical Mineral Resources and Green Transition: Global Responsible Supply Chains” was held on the sidelines of COP17, with the participation of Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC), Armenia’s Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, and international partners.

Metals have played a very important role since the dawn of human civilization. It is impossible to imagine humanity’s further development and the progress of the green transition without metal extraction. The key to solving a number of environmental problems worldwide lies in the mining industry.

Vardan Jhanyan, First Deputy General Director of ZCMC, said mining should be carried out in a way that minimizes harm to nature and the environment.

“One of the most important issues having a major negative impact on biodiversity is climate change. The solution to climate change is the transition to renewable energy. By switching to renewable energy, many issues, including the rise in global temperatures, which has a very negative impact on biodiversity, can be addressed. The energy transition is impossible without metal extraction. There are relevant international standards and sustainability standards that mining companies can follow to minimize their impact. By following them, a mining company can not only minimize its impact but also transparently demonstrate how a particular mining operation operates and what impact it has on the ecosystem,” Jhanyan said.

Asked to what extent mining can be considered compatible with biodiversity conservation and a sustainable future, Armen Stepanyan, Deputy General Director and Director of Sustainable Development at ZCMC, explained:

“Perhaps not in Armenia, but worldwide, mining has repeatedly demonstrated that the two are compatible. That is why international standards and regulations exist. If you adhere to them strictly, compatibility is possible. Today, we have embarked on this path. There is a lot of work to do, but the feedback we receive from our international partners shows us that we are on the right track, and we hope this experience will spread to all our partners.”

Stepanyan also outlined several of ZCMC’s initiatives aimed at nature restoration and sustainable development.

“Look at the forest restoration work we are doing. We do not want it to be reduced to simply saying, ‘We cut down a tree and planted a tree.’ We want it to be a sustained effort that requires commitment and investment. When we implement such measures, they are not simply good things to do or mandatory requirements; they are necessary steps to ensure the long-term viability of the business. Such measures demonstrate how important they are from a business perspective. The capacity to carry out sustained work needs to be developed not only within companies but also within the government and oversight bodies, so that through our collective efforts we can achieve the targets we discuss every day on various platforms. COP17 is a very important event for Armenia, and we hope that concrete joint steps will be taken in its aftermath.”

John Lindberg, Policy & Government Affairs Principal at the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and a speaker at the panel discussion, emphasized the mining industry’s role in the green transition.

“Mining plays an absolutely central role in the green transition. Ultimately, the technologies needed to enable this transition require mineral raw materials, whether for the production of wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles or other technologies. However, the challenge is that we need to extract more, but we must do so responsibly. If internationally recognized, reliable and stringent standards that take into account impacts on nature, climate and other factors are not applied in the course of operations, there is a risk that we will pay the price in the form of nature loss. Recently, the Armenian Mining and Metallurgy Association (AMMA) joined ICMM, becoming one of its association members. We are confident that through AMMA, Armenia will continue to move toward responsible practices.”

Asked what mining companies should do to ensure responsible and transparent supply chains for mineral resources, Lindberg said they should first ensure that reliable and stringent standards are applied at all their operating sites.

“If you apply international standards that have been tested and refined in different countries around the world, you can be confident that your operations are based on sound, sustainable and responsible principles. In fact, every mining company operating in the world should be guided by these principles. But setting standards for your own operations alone is not enough. Companies that purchase raw materials and other supplies should also require their partners to apply the same standards,” he said.

Hovhannes Martirosyan, Head of Armenia’s Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, noted that subsoil use is one of the few types of economic activity that affects every sector. He said practical measures are being taken to ensure proper oversight of this activity and accurately document its results.

“In the Republic of Armenia, mining oversight is risk-based. The methodology for determining risk levels has been approved by the government, and under this methodology, it is determined when each company should be inspected. The oversight process operates according to this approach. Mining is a major economic activity that affects various environments, including biodiversity. Mining companies are subject to expert assessment requirements and have approved project plans. During inspections, we examine whether their activities comply with the expert assessment requirements, whether they meet the requirements of their approved project plans, and so on. What mechanisms are needed to make oversight much more effective and ensure that companies comply more fully with all requirements? To this end, the Inspection Body is undergoing digital transformation. We are developing a platform equipped with digital technologies aimed at the early detection and prevention of violations. According to our plans, the system will begin operating in early 2029. I believe that changing the philosophy and logic of oversight will help us address this issue. Companies themselves are also ready to introduce technologies into their operations, as this is very important for them too in terms of becoming more transparent and accessible. Since 2022, the Inspection Body has been using digital technologies, particularly in the field of subsoil oversight, increasing efficiency by dozens of times,” he said. 

Armenia had a major metallurgical complex as far back as 5,000 years ago, discovered through excavations at Metsamor. Today, with its considerable potential, Armenia can play a distinctive role in these global changes.

IUCN press release 

The Government of Armenia, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Government of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), today launched the new Advancing Nature-based Solutions in Armenia for Biodiversity and Resilient Communities initiative at COP17.

The three-year programme, supported by Sweden with a budget of SEK 30 million (approximately EUR 2.7 million), will help restore ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance the resilience and well-being of rural communities across Armenia through the implementation of Nature-based Solutions.

The initiative represents a strategic partnership between the Government of Armenia, the Government of Sweden and IUCN to advance the implementation of Nature-based Solutions across Armenia. The programme will support the restoration of river corridors and degraded agricultural landscapes in rural areas, promote climate-resilient land management practices, and strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders to design and implement Nature-based Solutions that benefit both people and nature. These efforts will enhance biodiversity and increase the resilience of local communities, while contributing to Armenia’s commitments under the three Rio Conventions and the EU Green Agenda.

Implemented by IUCN in close partnership with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia and a consortium of partners – the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), Charitable Public Organisation “Shen” (Shen NGO), the American University of Armenia (AUA) and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) – the project will combine on-the-ground ecosystem restoration with policy support, capacity development, knowledge generation, and resource mobilisation to accelerate the uptake of Nature-based Solutions nationwide.

“The launch of this initiative at CBD COP17 reflects Armenia’s commitment to placing nature at the centre of our sustainable development pathway. By investing in ecosystem restoration and Nature-based Solutions, we are investing in healthier landscapes, stronger communities and a more resilient future. This partnership will support Armenia in advancing national biodiversity, climate and land restoration priorities while delivering tangible benefits for people on the ground” stated H.E. Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia.

Nature-based Solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems while addressing societal challenges and providing benefits for both people and nature. The project will apply the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™, helping ensure that interventions deliver measurable outcomes for biodiversity, climate resilience and local livelihoods.

Over the next three years, the initiative aims to restore or bring under improved management at least 1,050 hectares of land, support the restoration of 20 kilometres of river corridors in the Arpa and Yeghegis catchments, directly benefit more than 5,000 people, and strengthen national and local capacities for the design and implementation of Nature-based Solutions. The programme will also support a new student internship and applied learning programme, helping to build the next generation of professionals equipped to advance Nature-based Solutions in Armenia.

“Nature-based Solutions are among the most effective approaches we have to address the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation. As a valued IUCN State Member and host of CBD COP17, Armenia is demonstrating how global commitments can be translated into concrete action for people and nature. Through this partnership, IUCN is proud to support the Ministry of Environment and local partners in scaling high-quality Nature-based Solutions guided by the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™. Together, we will help strengthen ecosystem resilience, support local livelihoods and contribute to Armenia’s national biodiversity and climate ambitions,” said Dr. Oliver Avramoski, Regional Director, IUCN Regional office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Daniel Westlén, State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for Climate and the Environment: “Healthy ecosystems are fundamental to both biodiversity and human well-being. Through this partnership, Sweden is proud to support Armenia in advancing Nature-based Solutions that restore landscapes, strengthen the resilience of rural communities, and create lasting benefits for people and nature alike. By investing in practical action on the ground today, we can help build a more sustainable and resilient future while contributing to global efforts to address biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation.”

Activities will focus on three provinces: Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor, where ecosystems and rural communities face increasing pressures from land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. 

Key interventions will include:

Restoration of the Arpa and Yeghegis river corridors through Nature-based ecosystem restoration measures to be implemented by FPWC;

Establishment of climate-resilient windbreak systems and agroforestry solutions to reduce soil erosion and strengthen agricultural resilience, led by Shen NGO;

Capacity development and stakeholder engagement through Armenia’s first Nature-based Solutions Living Lab method, in close partnership with the Acopian Center for the Environment at AUA and the Stokholm Environment Institute, bringing together government institutions, academia, local communities, civil society and private-sector actors to promote learning, innovation and scaling-up of Nature-based Solutions.

“The strength of this initiative lies in its ability to connect ecosystem restoration with the needs of local communities. Together with our partners we will implement practical Nature-based Solutions that restore degraded ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and help communities adapt to a changing climate. These actions demonstrate how investing in nature can generate long-term benefits for livelihoods, resilience and sustainable development across Armenia,” said Ruben Khachatryan, Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).

The initiative will support piloting of Armenia’s first Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Living Lab, providing a collaborative platform for government institutions, local communities, academia, civil society and the private sector to exchange knowledge, strengthen capacities and test innovative approaches. Drawing on international best practice, including the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™, the Living Lab will help stakeholders adapt and apply NbS approaches that deliver measurable benefits for both people and nature. The NbS Living Lab will also strengthen the capacity of national and local actors to plan, implement and monitor NbS, while promoting the meaningful participation of women and young people.

“To support Armenia in meeting its biodiversity, climate and clean environment commitments, the project will build capacity, collaboration and institutions. Nature-based solutions require smart merging of knowledge accumulated locally and elsewhere. This is what SEI seeks to do” added Eeva Primmer, Executive Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI).

The initiative demonstrates how international cooperation between Armenia, Sweden and IUCN can translate biodiversity, climate and land restoration ambitions into practical action on the ground, delivering benefits for nature and rural communities while contributing to long-term sustainable development.

Advancing Nature-based Solutions in Armenia for Biodiversity and Resilient Communities is a SEK 30 million (approximately EUR 2.7 million) initiative funded by Sweden through Sida and implemented by IUCN in partnership with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), Charitable Public Organisation “Shen”, the American University of Armenia and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). The project runs from November 2026 to October 2029.

Sergey Kononuchenko, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large and the Russian Foreign Minister’s Special Representative for Climate, believes that Armenia and Russia have considerable potential for cooperation in the field of biodiversity.

Below is the full text of Sergey Kononuchenko’s exclusive interview with Armenpress on the sidelines of COP17 in Yerevan.

Armenpress: Mr. Kononuchenko, what are your impressions of the ongoing COP17 in Yerevan?

Kononuchenko: To be honest, as someone who is not only a representative of the diplomatic service but also a participant in various environmental conventions, I must say that this event has been organized to an excellent standard. The Armenian side has approached the organizational work with great enthusiasm and dedication. We have encountered no difficulties with accommodation or transportation. Everything has been carefully thought out, and all the necessary venues are conveniently located close to one another.

At events like these, which often last much longer than scheduled, a very human question inevitably arises: where can one get something to eat? After all, no matter how well prepared we are, our energy is not inexhaustible. Fortunately, there is excellent Armenian food here, authentic national cuisine, so it is always possible to grab a bite in a very warm and hospitable atmosphere.

For the first time, within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity, specifically at the Conference of the Parties being held in Yerevan, we have had the opportunity to organize a Russian pavilion, where we welcome everyone. I know there is considerable interest in it. Thank you very much for your hospitality. I have already expressed similar words of appreciation to the COP17 President, Armenia’s esteemed Minister of Environment.

The organization of the individual negotiating tracks has been carefully thought out, particularly to ensure that they do not overlap. Not all delegations are large enough or have sufficient staff. Even our delegation, although relatively large, finds it difficult to cover all the specialized tracks at forums of this kind. Since all these tracks are extremely important, many delegations simply lack the human and other resources needed to attend every one of them. In this case, however, everything has been planned excellently, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers.

Armenpress: The Russian Federation’s delegation participated in the meetings of leaders and environment ministers held as part of COP17. Who headed the Russian delegation, what issues did you raise, and what proposals did you put forward, particularly at the ministerial meeting?

Kononuchenko: At the initiative of the Armenian presidency, a Leaders’ Summit was organized, attended by the heads of state and government of a number of Convention Parties, as well as a meeting of environment ministers. This is an extremely important event, and it is not the first time such a gathering has been organized within the framework of the conferences of the parties to the Rio Conventions. This practice is also followed in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation.

This is a very important event because the biodiversity-related issues discussed at the summit, as well as within the framework of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, are of great significance. Moreover, the participation of representatives of different countries at a higher level in such events helps raise awareness of these issues, particularly those related to biodiversity.

When biodiversity issues are discussed, the subject is not limited to flora and fauna. On the contrary, we address a much broader range of issues falling within the scope of the Convention, particularly genetic resources. As you know, the concept of genetic resources, their value and the question of access to them encompass such fields as agriculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals and even cosmetics production. In short, a whole range of economic issues is discussed under a convention that might, at first glance, appear to concern environmental matters alone.

The Russian delegation at COP17 was headed by Ruslan Edelgeriev, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation and Special Presidential Representative for Climate and Water Resources. This is a very high-level appointment. The position of presidential aide is equivalent to that of a deputy prime minister. It should be noted that this position is higher in rank than that of a government minister, underscoring the great importance the Russian Federation has attached to this event. Accordingly, the head of the Russian delegation, Ruslan Edelgeriev, took part in the event, particularly the Leaders’ Summit, where he presented Russia’s experience, including in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

We are ready to share the results we have achieved in this field. A new initiative has been proposed that we consider very interesting. It involves using unmanned aerial vehicles to track and monitor the migration of both common and rare wildlife species.

In addition, we have extensive experience using so-called camera traps, as we focus on many priority species listed in the Red Data Book, such as the snow leopard, the Persian (Asian) leopard and the Siberian crane, a distinctive crane species. In certain locations, volunteers and other stakeholders install camera traps. The collected data are then processed using specialized software to map the migration routes of rare animal species, such as the snow leopard, the white crane, the tiger and the Pallas’s cat.

This enables scientists to examine the life cycles and breeding patterns of these rare animals from an entirely new perspective, which, in turn, contributes to their conservation and population growth.

Armenpress: What specific cooperation exists between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation in the field of biodiversity, and what prospects do you see for further cooperation in this area?

Kononuchenko: We are open to and ready for further cooperation. Although the Russian Federation currently faces certain difficulties in its interaction with the leadership of the United Nations Development Programme, this in no way affects our relations with Armenia, our key partner.

I believe there is considerable potential, given our shared approaches and the fact that our specialists still speak the same language and have been trained using the same methodologies. This applies not only to biodiversity experts but also to specialists in other fields, including climatology. We speak the same language, understand each other very well and share a common knowledge base. Moreover, we have the potential, including accumulated technological capabilities, to respond to natural disasters. I am confident that the path to further cooperation remains open, and we are always ready to work together.

Armenpress: The UN Climate Change Conference COP31 will soon take place in Türkiye. How is the Russian Federation’s delegation preparing for this event?

Kononuchenko: This is a global mechanism, a universal platform and the principal forum for addressing climate change. Although bilateral and trilateral contacts certainly take place on its sidelines, the main focus is on negotiations over documents that concern all countries.

In recent years, these Conferences of the Parties have naturally focused on what is known as ensuring a smooth energy transition. We are well aware that the terms “green economy” and “decarbonization” are now widely used. In this context, the key question is how we will carry out this energy transition and decarbonization. Some countries advocate an accelerated approach, which in this case entails a rapid process of abandoning hydrocarbons.

The Russian Federation and a number of other countries believe that a hasty and insufficiently considered abandonment of hydrocarbons could lead to more serious negative consequences in the foreseeable future than global climate change itself.

We are ready to discuss how to transition to low-emission development, but we insist that the primary objective must be to ensure the socioeconomic development of all countries, regardless of whether they possess what are known as traditional energy resources, namely hydrocarbons.

All types of energy resources must be used, including coal, oil and natural gas, as well as renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, and nuclear energy.

The EU Youth and Sustainability Forum was held in the COP17 Green Zone in Yerevan.

The forum brought together young people, policymakers, experts, and representatives of Armenian and European institutions.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, EUNIC Armenia, and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to the EU Delegation in Armenia.

The speakers at the discussion were Krystyna Tatarian, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia; Václav Štěrba, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Armenia; Annet Kragt, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Armenia; European Young Ambassador (YEA) Lia Kalforian; and Youth Advisory Council (YAC) member Madlen Dokhoyan.

Tatarian emphasized the need to change public attitudes toward nature and biodiversity conservation, stressing the importance of fostering a responsible approach to the environment, the ministry said in a press release.

“We must learn to take seriously everything that we often take for granted. There are things that are given to us for free, yet their value is immeasurable. Sometimes we confuse price with value. Nature, however ordinary it may seem, is actually an extremely complex and valuable system, and we must recognize the importance of preserving it,” the deputy minister said.

Addressing ways to expand youth participation, Tatarian stressed the importance of establishing the necessary legal and institutional foundations. According to her, Armenia’s Law on Youth Policy lays the groundwork for developing young people’s capacities, ensuring their voices are heard, and enabling them to participate in decision-making processes.

The deputy minister noted that youth centers and the continuous development of youth workers’ capacities are important for encouraging young people’s initiative and ensuring their participation. She also emphasized that the profession of youth worker has been formally recognized under the new law.

Tatarian placed particular emphasis on the principle of “For youth, by youth,” stressing that young people should have the opportunity to determine their own priorities, develop the necessary skills, and implement their own initiatives. Addressing biodiversity conservation, she noted that youth centers had also become involved in environmental initiatives. According to her, protecting nature and biodiversity is now one of the priorities of the younger generation, and continued support is needed for programs in this area, including after COP17.

The forum was held in an interactive “Fishbowl” format, allowing participants to engage directly in discussions and exchange ideas. Topics included biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, raising young people’s environmental awareness, developing green skills, and Armenia–EU cooperation to ensure more active youth participation in environmental initiatives.

HayPost has held a cancellation ceremony and put into circulation a new souvenir sheet containing one stamp dedicated to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).

The stamp, with a face value of AMD 950, features the COP17 logo and the conference slogan, “Taking Action for Nature”, in Armenian and English.

The souvenir sheet depicts butterfly wings featuring Armenia’s flora and fauna. The inscription “17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity” appears at the top in Armenian and English.

The cancellation ceremony was performed by COP17 President and Armenian Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan; Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence Gevorg Mantashyan; Convention on Biological Diversity Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker; and HayPost CEO Shushan Aleksanyan.

Welcoming those present, Matevosyan stressed that a stamp carries great significance despite its small size. It represents a country, tells the story of its values and important events, and passes that story on to future generations.

“This stamp will also become part of the memory of COP17 in Armenia, symbolising our country’s commitment to nature conservation and international cooperation.

“At the heart of the discussions in Yerevan is the recognition that commitments to conserve biodiversity must translate into concrete action and visible results.

“Armenia’s rich natural heritage reminds us of this responsibility every day. I am confident that, as this stamp reaches different corners of the world, it will also carry Yerevan’s message: to act together for nature and a shared future,” Matevosyan said.

The minister thanked all partners who had contributed to creating and issuing the stamp for commemorating this important event in a lasting form.

“I would also note that our secretariat in Montreal, in Ms Astrid Schomaker’s office, has many similar stamps from around the world. I am confident that this stamp will also find its own special place at the secretariat,” Matevosyan concluded.

Schomaker welcomed the opportunity to step away briefly from the intensive work, gather together and mark this beautiful occasion.

“As a child, I spent a great deal of time beside my mother in the kitchen. We had envelopes from all corners of the world with beautiful stamps on them. We would soak them in water, carefully remove the stamps from the envelopes and then dry them with care. For a young child living in Hamburg, Germany, those stamps represented a connection with the rest of the world.

“I think stamps still carry that meaning today. And this is also the idea that has brought us together at this conference: to connect with different people, unite and move forward together. This stamp is truly beautiful. Today, I am also discovering another beautiful Armenian tradition: issuing stamps to mark important and special occasions,” Schomaker said.

She noted that this was another small but valuable legacy the COP conference could leave behind. Years later, people could revisit this legacy, remember the conference and appreciate the event anew.

HayPost CEO Shushan Aleksanyan said it was a great honour to issue the beautiful stamp, one of the year’s most anticipated releases in the philatelic world.

“We were all looking forward to this stamp. I want to emphasise that stamps are issued only for exceptional occasions, and this is precisely such an example. This stamp will travel around the world and tell the story of this momentous event, the commitments made within its framework and its mission,” she said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar described the first joint meeting of the Czech and Hungarian governments as historic, praising cooperation within the Visegrád Group, Euronews reported.

The two leaders confirmed that a second round of intergovernmental consultations would take place in Budapest in the spring.

At a press conference following the consultations, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the two sides had agreed to hold joint meetings regularly, enabling them to address specific issues important to the people of both countries.

Babiš added that Hungary and Czechia should work together to secure substantial support under the EU’s next seven-year budget for a high-speed railway project costing more than €10 billion.

The Baltic states have already received EU funding for a similar project. Moving from the planning stage to implementation of the investment project could take 10–12 years.

Shortly after several Armenian officials warned about fake social media accounts impersonating them, Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan also warned about a fake Telegram account using her name and photo to message citizens.

The office of the Human Rights Defender said the account, @Dokto111, has no connection to Manasyan or her office.

“We urge citizens not to respond to the messages, not to share personal information, and to report and block the fake account,” the office said.

Earlier, Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan, and Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan had also warned about fake social media accounts created using their names and photos to spread disinformation.

The Central Bank of Armenia has also warned about fake powers of attorney, certificates, and other documents being circulated in its name.