Vahe Davtyan, Deputy Minister of Environment of the RA, participated in the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) held in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Presenting Armenia’s position, Vahe Davtyan delivered a speech entitled “From Policy to Practice: Monitoring, Financing and Action for Regulated Wildlife Trade.” He emphasized that the conference agenda is fully aligned with the priorities guiding both international and national efforts aimed at translating political commitments into real, measurable and sustainable outcomes.
According to the Deputy Minister, CITES operates in a unique environment where trade, environment and development intersect to ensure biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. In this context, innovation, modern monitoring tools, and effective financing mechanisms play a critical role in turning political decisions into action.
One of the key innovative solutions highlighted in the speech was the eCITES system, an electronic platform for permit application and issuance, which supports the digitalization of procedures, increases transparency, and strengthens oversight. Vahe Davtyan noted that the 2021–2026 Programme of the Government of the RA already envisages the introduction of electronic systems for permits and licenses. For this purpose, the RA National Single Window for Foreign Trade platform has been launched, enabling the electronic issuance of import, export and transit permits.
The Deputy Minister also addressed ongoing legislative and institutional reforms, emphasizing that as a result of the changes implemented in recent years, in November 2023 Armenia’s CITES compliance status improved, moving from Category 3 to Category 2. This progress demonstrates Armenia’s readiness to ensure a legal framework and an effective management system that fully meet international standards.
Concluding his speech, the Deputy Minister invited all partners and conference participants to attend the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD CoP17), which will be held in Armenia. The event will serve as a significant international platform for sharing experiences, enhancing cooperation and advancing the global biodiversity conservation agenda.