Ahead of COP17: State–Civil Society Cooperation for the Environmental Protection

Head of the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia, Hovhannes Martirosyan, received Ruben Khachatryan, Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).

The meeting was held to discuss the main directions of a new environmental program planned by the Foundation in the Vayots Dzor region. In particular, the parties addressed issues related to the restoration of the Yeghegis River ecosystem, sustainable management of the natural environment, as well as the impact of small hydropower plants operating on the river.

The discussion also covered the processes of strengthening control over the keeping of wild animals in captivity and semi-captivity, improving oversight mechanisms, and steps aimed at enhancing the care, temporary, and permanent housing conditions for rescued wild animals.

Mr. Martirosyan emphasized that such initiatives are especially important ahead of the COP17 international conference, when nature protection and biodiversity conservation become key priorities of state policy. He noted that effective cooperation between state authorities and civil society plays a decisive role in fulfilling international commitments, advancing environmental reforms, and positioning Armenia as a responsible country committed to nature conservation.