Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in a discussion titled "A Political Imperative: Nature Conservation for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development," held as part of the Leaders' Summit on Biodiversity in Yerevan.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister noted: "It is symbolic that we are hosting the COP17 biodiversity conference at a time when, following a conflict spanning more than 30 years, we are finally entering the era of peace. Throughout this entire period, we have also witnessed, through our own experience, the impact of conflict and war on biodiversity, as well as the outcomes that can emerge during times of peace."
Nikol Pashinyan added that the impact of the conflict on biodiversity was clearly evident to us: an energy crisis, the felling of forests, and issues concerning fish stocks in Lake Sevan.
Referring to the transboundary effects of the conflict, the Prime Minister emphasized that the unplanned and uncontrolled construction of defense and fortification structures on the borders also causes big problems, including from the point of view of biodiversity. "Conflicts last for decades and during that time a lot of damage is done to biodiversity, this damage is not registered and thus becomes uncontrollable. And we just record at one point that certain species of animals, certain parts of nature were simply destroyed. But it is very important to understand one thing, which is also the most important emphasis of the COP format, that it is not possible to register success in the issues of nature and biodiversity in a single country."
Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that conflicts not only cause harm but, in many instances, also preclude cooperation between countries within the context of biodiversity. "Peace and biodiversity are of great significance, both domestically and across borders. I am pleased that peace has been established in our region today, and that environmental issues are being addressed as part of this peace-building process. Following the signing and ratification of the peace agreement, which has already been initialed with Azerbaijan, these matters will be explored in greater depth," the Prime Minister noted. He added that the environment and biodiversity serve to connect nations, creating a sphere of shared interests that offers significant opportunities and potential for cooperation. In this context, the Prime Minister noted that more and more attention will be devoted to these issues together with neighboring countries in the period ahead.
"In today’s world, governments face very complex agendas; even under normal circumstances, environmental issues do not always, or frequently enough, take center stage in government attention. In this regard, the COP on biodiversity is particularly significant, as engaging with such international platforms naturally prompts governments to pay greater attention to environmental matters. Furthermore, by sharing information within these forums, we gain a better understanding of the common challenges we face and the critical importance of the issues discussed during this conference. This is a vital mission," said Nikol Pashinyan.
Referring to the positive changes expected in the region, the Prime Minister noted that projects will be implemented in the near future, and that the unblocking of the region, as well as the delimitation and demarcation of borders, will take place. According to Nikol Pashinyan, within the framework of these processes, special attention must be paid to environmental issues. "These are agendas that should logically bring neighbors closer together, because environmental challenges are shared. And most importantly, I want to emphasize this again, issues related to environmental biodiversity cannot be solved in any single country on its own. This is precisely where the need for a global effort arises; I am pleased that we have adopted the Yerevan Declaration—the text has been approved. This is a message from the leaders to the COP17 conference—an expression of our political will and a call to the participants to exert every possible effort to reach solutions that will bring about real-life changes, tangible improvements on the ground. Ultimately, it is a call for the challenges we face regarding the environment and biodiversity to receive greater attention and budgetary support; for it is clear and indisputable that investments made in biodiversity and environmental protection are more than justified."
Concluding his remarks, the Head of Government emphasized that the level of awareness fostered by the COP format within the international community generates an energy that cannot simply vanish: "This energy must find expression and will, without a doubt, yield results. On behalf of the Republic of Armenia and our Government, I would like to emphasize and reaffirm our readiness to follow this path, hand in hand with our international partners. And I believe that our political decision to host this important conference is the most tangible expression of that.”
