Story
28 September 2026
COP17: What You Need to Know
Global biodiversity efforts are anchored in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted in 1992 and ratified by 196 countries. The Conference of the Parties (COP) governs the CBD and drives implementation through its decisions.In 2022, the CBD adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, setting 23 targets for 2030 - including halving nutrient and plastic pollution, conserving 30% of land and sea, and redirecting $500 billion in harmful subsidies.At COP16 in 2024, countries launched the Cali Fund, a benefit-sharing mechanism financed by companies using digital sequence information (DSI) from genetic resources.Armenia’s Moment: Shaping a LegacyCOP17 marks the halfway point to 2030 and offers a strategic moment to assess progress and raise ambition. It’s a chance to:Link biodiversity, education and sustainable development across sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, urban development and mining.Showcase Armenia's natural heritage as a model for how small states can address interconnected environmental and development-related challenges through practical and inclusive approaches.Attract partnerships, funding, and technical expertise through well-designed, integrated project proposals that combine biodiversity, education, and community benefits.Amplify regional solutions and underrepresented voices from the Caucasus, with a focus on youth engagement and shared learning across borders.For the latest official information, programme updates, participation opportunities and practical details, please visit:Official COP17 Armenia website - the main source for information on COP17 in Armenia.CBD COP17 official website - for official updates, agenda, documents and information related to the Convention on Biological Diversity.The event will draw thousands of delegates, policymakers, business leaders, and environmental advocates - boosting the local economy and potentially sparking long term investments in renewable energy, sustainable food systems, and nature-based urban solutions. Armenia aims to host an inclusive COP, engaging civil society, academia, and the private sector, while promoting a positive, action-oriented narrative.