On October 16, participants of the closing session of the Leaders for Nature Summit in Yerevan approved the Yerevan Declaration – Taking Action for Nature.
The declaration was adopted ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). Through the document, international leaders reaffirmed their commitment to halting and reversing the ongoing loss of biodiversity by 2030. They also established a longer-term objective of achieving, by 2050, a global vision centered on harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan presented and read out the adopted document, highlighting its central message. The minister emphasized that the international community must prioritize moving beyond political commitments toward concrete, measurable actions capable of delivering visible and practical results.
The declaration places particular emphasis on expanding financial resources allocated to biodiversity conservation. It also highlights the importance of stepping up efforts to protect and restore natural ecosystems, making effective use of scientific advances and innovative technologies, and strengthening international partnerships to address environmental challenges.
The document attaches special significance to ensuring the participation of different groups in society in nature conservation efforts. In particular, it stresses the need for the full and meaningful involvement of young people, women, Indigenous peoples, local communities and all other segments of society.
The adopted declaration also addresses progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It underscores the importance of the first global review of its implementation, which will help identify existing gaps, strengthen accountability for fulfilling commitments and accelerate progress toward the 23 targets set for 2030.
The document adopted in Yerevan sends a political message to the international community, emphasizing that further delays in protecting nature are unacceptable. Joint commitments must be reflected not only in declarations but also in concrete, results-oriented actions.
These approaches, outlined during the Yerevan summit, have established an important political foundation for COP17, which begins on October 19. Through the declaration, world leaders reaffirmed their determination to work collectively to advance the international biodiversity conservation agenda and achieve tangible progress in its practical implementation.
