On July 22, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) had the opportunity to join a high-level meeting between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Armenia’s newly appointed Minister of Environment, Mr. Hambardzum Matevosyan. The meeting was part of the official IUCN mission to Yerevan, taking place from July 22 to 24, aimed at strengthening regional collaboration on climate action and biodiversity protection.

The IUCN delegation, led by Boris Erg, Director of the IUCN European Regional Office, and Oliver Avramoski, Regional Director for IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the importance of Armenia’s growing role in the global conservation agenda. As an IUCN Member, FPWC was pleased to contribute to the discussions through the participation of its Director, Ruben Khachatryan.

Key topics included Armenia’s preparation for hosting the CBD COP17 in Yerevan in October 2026, and its engagement in the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Both events represent significant platforms for Armenia to present its national environmental priorities and demonstrate leadership in regional and global conservation efforts.

The meeting also addressed Armenia’s potential involvement in the ENACT Partnership—an international initiative led by IUCN that promotes Nature-based Solutions to tackle interconnected challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

We thank the Ministry of Environment for the productive dialogue and warm reception. FPWC remains committed to working closely with IUCN, the Ministry, and other partners to support inclusive, science-based solutions for a more resilient and biodiverse future in Armenia and across the region.