Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, met with Andrea Barbara Baumann, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Armenia; Ambassador Arno Wicki, Vice Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Head of the Asia and Americas Division; Barbara Boeni, Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation South Caucasus; Ursula Laubli, Deputy Head of Mission and Deputy Regional Director; and Hamazasp Danielyan, Senior National Program Officer for Governance and Climate Change.
During the meeting, the progress and development prospects of Armenian-Swiss cooperation in the environmental sector were discussed, emphasizing new program directions and jointly implemented initiatives.
Referring to the new regional “GEOPARKS” project, the parties underscored its potential to advance ecotourism, scientific and educational initiatives, and community engagement, while ensuring the conservation of natural resources.
The discussions also addressed activities under the “Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA) project, aimed at enhancing Armenia’s climate resilience and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.
Minister Matevosyan highly appreciated the efforts to expand cooperation with the Green Climate Fund, emphasizing the importance of programs focused on mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and enhancing resilience. During the meeting, the Minister briefed his colleagues on Armenia’s preparatory work for the upcoming COP17, particularly regarding the promotion of national proposals, the deepening of international cooperation, and the modernization of expert capacities.
The Minister expressed gratitude to Switzerland for its comprehensive and sustained support of Armenia’s environmental agenda, highlighting that joint programs significantly contribute to strengthening institutional capacities, empowering communities, and addressing climate-related challenges.