Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan received Claude Gascon, Interim CEO, Head of Regional Mission and Director of Strategy and Operations of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of strategic issues related to environmental policy, biodiversity conservation, environmental financing and the preparatory work for COP17.
They also referred to projects implemented in Armenia with GEF support in the areas of biodiversity conservation, protected natural area management, sustainable land use, forest restoration, climate change adaptation and the development of environmental management systems.
The parties further discussed the GEF-9 replenishment process and opportunities for cooperation within the framework of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). The Minister emphasized the need to reduce biodiversity financing gaps, promote the use of innovative investment instruments and expand public-private partnerships.
The Minister stressed that Armenia, as the country presiding over COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, attaches importance to the practical implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the expansion of effective environmental financing mechanisms. In this context, the GEF continues to serve as a key financial partner in the field of biodiversity.
The Minister reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to continue and deepen cooperation with the GEF for the effective implementation of joint initiatives in the areas of biodiversity conservation and environmental financing.