The 7th Science and Policy Forum on Biodiversity and the 10th International Conference on Sustainability Science opened in the Blue Zone at the Meridian Expo Centre as part of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).
Opening the events, RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Zhanna Andreasyan, emphasized that the forum serves as a reminder of a fundamental principle: to protect nature, we must first understand it.
Science and education reforms in Armenia
“Biodiversity, climate, natural resources, food security and health are all interconnected. Addressing these challenges requires joint efforts by the scientific community, policymakers and society,” Zhanna Andreasyan said, stressing that this approach also underpins Armenia’s ongoing reforms in science and education.
The Minister noted that the ‘Law on Higher Education and Science’, adopted in 2025, establishes a new framework for integrating education and research. The 2026–2030 Strategy for the Development of Science identifies 12 priority areas, including environmental and agricultural research and space technologies, particularly Earth observation, which can contribute to addressing environmental challenges. These priorities are backed by public investment.
Increased government funding for research
“In 2025, AMD 40.2 billion was allocated to research and development—approximately 2.8 times more than in 2018. Salaries for certified researchers have increased by up to 300%, while around AMD 20 billion has been allocated over five years to modernize scientific infrastructure. Approximately 20 grant programs have been implemented annually.
More than 40 scientists from leading research centres abroad have relocated to Armenia, while another 60 remotely lead new research units at Armenian universities and research institutions. The supercomputing centre launched at Yerevan State University also offers computing capacity that can be used to analyse environmental data and model climate processes,” Andreasyan said.
Environmental research initiatives
According to the ESCS Minister, environmental research is also supported through grant competitions organized by the Higher Education and Science Committee. These include funding for research aligned with the priorities of the European Union’s European Green Deal, as well as joint Armenia–Germany scientific programs.
Integrating sustainable development principles into educational programs
Turning to education, Zhanna Andreasyan stressed the importance of incorporating sustainable development principles into educational programs.
She noted that master’s programs in green economy and technologies have been developed through the Erasmus+ T-GREEN project. Meanwhile, planned cooperation with the international GLOBE program, supported by NASA, will give schoolchildren opportunities to participate in scientific observations of the natural environment from an early age.
“Sustainable development principles are also reflected in the ‘Academic City’ program, from water conservation to biodiversity protection,” Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized.
Policymaking based on the outcomes of scientific research
Concluding her remarks, the Minister highlighted the central key of education and science in biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the importance of studying changes in the natural environment and basing decisions on scientific evidence.
“It is critically important for us to have an education and research system that supports the implementation of our biodiversity and nature conservation agenda. Scientific research findings must serve as the basis for the decisions we make. Another key priority is fostering responsible behaviour across society, encouraging our citizens to demonstrate greater responsibility towards both nature and society,” the Minister said.
Zhanna Andreasyan expressed hope that the forum would provide an opportunity for expert discussions and the development of practical recommendations, reiterating Armenia’s willingness to apply the outcomes in its education and research sectors.
On the issues addressed at the science and policy forum
Opening remarks were also delivered by Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and representatives of UNESCO, the International Union of Biological Sciences, the University of Tokyo, the Humboldt Institute and the Smithsonian Institution.
The two-day forum features 17 thematic sessions addressing the interconnected challenges of biodiversity, climate change, natural resource management, food security and public health.
Discussions on October 24 will focus on ecosystem management and restoration, biodiversity monitoring, the responsible use of environmental data and artificial intelligence, and financing for environmental initiatives.
On October 25, participants will examine mechanisms for translating scientific evidence into policy decisions, expanding protected areas, strengthening international scientific cooperation, and restoring ecosystems following disasters and conflicts.
Declaration to be presented at COP17’s high-level plenary
The discussions will bring together internationally recognized researchers and experts, including Rutgers University Professor Pamela McElwee and University of Tokyo Professor Kensuke Fukushi, alongside representatives of Armenia’s scientific and academic communities.
The forum is being held in the context of collective efforts to assess progress towards implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
A concluding declaration outlining the forum’s key messages and practical recommendations is expected to be adopted and presented at the high-level plenary of COP17. A post-forum report will also be prepared, setting out the challenges identified and the priority actions needed.