In Rome, within the framework of the sixth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 6) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, participated in the High‑Level Roundtable on “Agrifood Systems Taking Action for Nature.”
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also attended the evnt. Minister Matevosyan delivered opening remarks.
In his speech, the Minister noted that Armenia is at a pivotal stage. COP17, to be held in Armenia in 2026, marks the midpoint toward achieving the 2030 targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. He stressed that national and global commitments must now be turned into measurable results for the benefit of nature and people.
The Minister emphasized that food security, land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change are deeply interconnected. Biodiversity conservation does not contradict food security; rather, it underpins resilient food systems and sustainable production.
He highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and inclusive approaches, ensuring the full participation of farmers, local communities, women and youth. He also underscored the need to integrate biodiversity considerations into national strategies, particularly in the areas of sustainable land use, agroecology, conservation of genetic resources and the reduction of harmful subsidies.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister stated that Armenia will approach COP17 under the guiding principle of “Taking Action for Nature,” promoting science-based monitoring, strengthened policy coordination and sustainable investment to ensure that commitments are turned into concrete reforms and tangible outcomes.