Armenia has become the newest State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the announcement, made during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, underscores Armenia’s growing commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
“Through IUCN, Armenia will gain access to global expertise, innovative tools and international partnerships that will help us accelerate our conservation goals,” said Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of Armenia. “This membership also supports our preparations for hosting COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026, a landmark moment for Armenia to showcase its role in advancing biodiversity and sustainability.”
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia is home to diverse habitats ranging from alpine meadows and mountain forests to semi-deserts and freshwater ecosystems. These landscapes support several rare and threatened species, including the Critically Endangered Caucasian leopard, the endemic Bezoar goat, and the Sevan trout, found only in Lake Sevan.
Armenia has made significant progress in biodiversity policy and legislation through initiatives such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the Red Book of Armenia. However, challenges remain in strengthening biodiversity monitoring systems, legal frameworks, and financing for long-term conservation.
Welcoming Armenia, IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar said, “This decision comes at a moment as Armenia expands its protected areas, restores forests, and aligns its environmental laws with global standards. IUCN stands ready to support these efforts through our science-based tools and partnerships.”
Armenia’s IUCN membership aligns with its broader green transition goals, including restoring forests across 12.9% of its territory by 2030, protecting freshwater ecosystems, and integrating Nature-based Solutions into national policy,marking a new chapter in the country’s environmental leadership.
