Armenia: Biodiversity Host, Environmental Laggard?

Armenia, host of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), aims to showcase environmental leadership. This marks the first time a former Soviet republic hosts the event, intended to highlight the nation's environmental ambitions.

Despite the celebratory occasion, Armenia's environmental record is a concern. The country ranks 75th out of 177 nations on Yale's 2026 Environmental Performance Index, struggling particularly with waste management and wastewater treatment.

A significant challenge stems from Armenia's economy, where mining operations like Zangezur and Agarak contribute heavily but also generate substantial pollution. The World Bank has identified mining as a major pollution source, with specific concerns regarding the Artsvanik tailings reservoir.

Further complicating environmental efforts is Armenia's economic dependence on Russian-linked businesses in key industrial sectors. These entities, major investors and employers, create incentives for the government to overlook environmental regulations, as seen with the controversial Amulsar gold mine inauguration.

Armenia's commitment to environmental protection faces scrutiny as it seeks closer ties with the EU, which emphasizes stronger environmental legislation and pollution control. The COP17 summit, focused on halting biodiversity loss by 2030, is expected to finalize a 'Yerevan Pathway.'

However, global progress on biodiversity targets is already lagging, with significant shortfalls in international biodiversity finance. As host, Armenia faces pressure to align its domestic practices, including its mining industry and treatment of activists, with the global commitments being discussed.