Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, met with Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, in Kunming.
The meeting had particular symbolic significance: the process of developing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework began in Kunming, while the first global review of collective progress in its implementation will take place in Yerevan within the framework of COP17.
The results of the “Kunming Dialogue” and their contribution to the COP17 process were discussed with Minister Huang Runqiu, as well as the importance of ensuring political continuity from Kunming to Yerevan.
Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan emphasised that the first global review should not only record achievements and existing gaps, but also provide a clear impetus to accelerate action by 2030 and turn the commitments made into measurable results.
They also discussed key issues on the COP17 negotiation agenda, including biodiversity financing and means of implementation, monitoring and accountability mechanisms, ecosystem restoration, protected areas, and strengthening international cooperation.
Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan highly appreciated China’s leading role in the global biodiversity agenda and the personal contribution of Huang Runqiu, as President of COP15, to the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
They also discussed the financing of programmes of the Republic of Armenia within the framework of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund. Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan presented the programme proposal developed by Armenia for the restoration of Lake Sevan and mountain water ecosystems.
Hambardzum Matevosyan invited Huang Runqiu to participate in COP17 and the High-Level Segment to be held in Yerevan, and also presented the main outcomes and messages of the “Kunming Dialogue.”