ArmInfo. The Asian Development Bank is ready to support Armenia in successfully holding the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-17), which will be held in the country in 2026.
This was stated yesterday during a meeting with the RA Minister of Environment Hakob Simidyan by the Head of the Permanent Mission of the Bank in Armenia Don Lambert.
As reported by the press service of the Ministry of Environment, during the meeting the interlocutors discussed issues of preparation for the conference, as well as problems that may arise during its holding.
The Minister noted that COP-17 is an opportunity for the Republic of Armenia to advance international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and an important step in promoting and implementing the country's environmental strategy. He emphasized that during the conference, special attention will be paid to the formation of the environmental agenda, as well as the implementation of measures in accordance with the sustainable development goals.
Don Lambert, in turn, highly appreciated the efforts of the Armenian authorities in the field of biodiversity conservation and emphasized that ADB is ready to support the holding of this important event.
During the meeting, jointly implemented programs were discussed, as well as a number of new initiatives that can support sustainable environmental development in the country.
ADB is currently implementing environmental protection programs in Armenia. In particular, this concerns the sustainable development of Lake Sevan in the context of a strategic approach to spatial planning. With ADB support, the Ararat Valley Water Intake Management Plan for 2025-2031 is being developed. Work is also underway to develop monitoring and measurement mechanisms for reporting on commitments undertaken under the Paris Agreement. ADB is actively involved in improving the hazardous waste management system in Armenia, and a climate change adaptation program for the transport sector is being developed.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the programs and added that the Ministry is actively cooperating with both international organizations and local partners, seeking to promote reforms in the environmental sector.
