Environment Minister: Armenia, as a mountainous country, is  particularly vulnerable to effects of climate change

ArmInfo. Armenia, as a mountainous, landlocked country, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Armenian Minister of Environment  Hambardzum Matevosyan made this statement during a high-level  discussion in New York titled "Unlocking a Sustainable Future:  Connecting Climate and Nature on the Road to COP30" on the sidelines  of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and Colombia's Climate Week.

According to the press service of the Armenian Ministry of  Environment, the event took place during a period when New York is  hosting dozens of conferences and discussions focused on enhancing  national leadership and shared responsibility in  presenting and  implementing National Climate Action Plans (NDCs). During his speech,  the Minister emphasized that the country's geographical features  already have a significant impact on Armenia's agriculture, water  resources, healthcare, energy systems, infrastructure, and  biodiversity. However, he reaffirmed the country's determination to  pursue an ambitious climate policy despite the challenges it faces.  He stated that this policy is underpinned by the principles of  solidarity, equality, and international cooperation.

The Minister pointed out the significance of promoting solutions  aimed at preserving nature in response to climate challenges and  pathways to biodiversity conservation. He also noted the need for the  participation of civil society, academia, youth, women, local  communities, and the private sector as an essential component of  building effective and equitable policies.  Matevosyan further  recalled that in October 2026, Armenia will host the 17th Conference  of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).  It will serve as an important platform for aligning climate and  biodiversity agendas and strengthening cooperation under the three  main conventions adopted in Rio de Janeiro. In conclusion, the  minister reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to working closely with all  stakeholders and partner organizations to implement the  Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris  Agreement, as well as to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

The discussion was attended by Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary  of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity; Irene Velez, Chair of  COP-16 in Colombia, as well as ministers from various countries and  representatives of international organizations.