In New York, Armenia’s Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan met with Carlos Rodriguez, Executive Director and President of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), inviting him to review preparations for COP17.
The two officials agreed to intensify cooperation, with particular focus on ensuring effective organizational work for the 2026 conference.
Matevosyan highlighted Armenia’s long-standing partnership with the GEF, outlining projects that have improved the management of protected areas, created new reserves, and advanced progress in energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agriculture, capacity building, and hazardous waste management.
He stressed that these initiatives not only strengthened Armenia’s environmental infrastructure but also raised public awareness and international cooperation on ecological challenges.
The minister expressed gratitude to Rodriguez for GEF’s consistent and significant support. Rodriguez reaffirmed the facility’s commitment to working closely with Armenia on new projects and initiatives.
The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity will be hosted in Armenia in 2026.
