Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, received Marieke Monroy-Winter, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, at the Ministry of Environment.
During the meeting, the parties discussed organizational and agenda-related issues of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). The Minister emphasized that Armenia demonstrates a consistent and committed approach to the biodiversity conservation agenda, considering it one of the priorities of state policy.
The Ambassador highly appreciated the important legislative initiatives recently implemented by the Ministry, in particular the adoption of a draft law prohibiting the sale and circulation of polyethylene bags and pouches, as well as single-use tableware made of plastic or foam plastic, the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol, and the Framework Agreement on the International Big Cat Alliance.
The parties also discussed ongoing reforms in the field of waste management. The Minister presented the process of introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility system, emphasizing the importance of studying and applying Dutch best practices in this area.
Water resources management, environmental protection, and a number of other areas of bilateral cooperation were also addressed.
The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue active and effective cooperation in the field of environmental protection.