The kick-off workshop for the Biodiversity and Protected Areas component of the "Biodiversity and Sustainable Local Development in Armenia" project took place. This is the largest grant program in its field, with a current total budget of 26.2 million euros.
Today, Minister Hakob Simidyan met with Frank Mörschl, Senior Project Portfolio Manager at the German Reconstruction Loans Bank (KfW); Zara Chatinyan, KfW Representative in Armenia and Katrin Buder-Pelz, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Yerevan. They discussed the ongoing implementation of the project, reviewed the issues identified during the last visit, and outlined the next steps.
After welcoming his colleagues at the Ministry of Environment, Minister Simidyan once again highlighted the long-standing and effective cooperation between the German Reconstruction Loans Bank (KfW) and the Ministry.
The Minister briefed his colleagues on the recruitment process for the Ministry of Environment’s Eco-Patrol Service and invited them to the launch event for the Syunik Regional Department’s activities.
The bilateral agreements regarding the full implementation and establishment of the Eco-Patrol Service were discussed. 
The new management model for specially protected nature areas was also reviewed, with partners sharing their opinions on the best approach. The discussion helped clarify the key principles that the new model should be based on, incorporating the views and experiences of all stakeholders. Efforts are currently underway to clarify the main objectives, including the protection of natural ecosystems, conservation of biodiversity in these areas, the involvement of local communities, and balancing competing interests. 
The works will continue with international partners to carry out ongoing monitoring and evaluation to improve existing strategies.
At the end of the meeting, reference was made to the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), which will be held in Armenia in 2026.
The German side expressed its willingness to support the Government of Armenia with organizational matters and to share experience for the successful execution of the event.
The Minister mentioned that preparations are already underway at the highest level, with several events being developed to enhance the conference's effectiveness and create a broad impact on environmental policy.