EcoContact presents Moldova’s experience in biodiversity conservation at regional event in Armenia

EcoContact Public Association participated on 23-27 October in the EMERALD BRIDGE regional experience-sharing visit held in Gavar and Yerevan, Armenia. The event brought together civil society organizations from Armenia, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova to discuss opportunities for cooperation in biodiversity conservation and combating climate change.

The visit took place in the context of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) and received financial support from the European Union. The program included working meetings, participation in conference events, and a visit to the Green Zone.

During the experience-sharing exchange, EcoContact representatives presented national measures and policies on biodiversity conservation, focusing on the Biodiversity Program for 2026–2030, its objectives, and implementation prospects.

According to the organization, EcoContact supported the Ministry of Environment in developing this program, the Environmental Strategy for 2024–2030, and the draft Nature Protection Law.

The organization also contributes to drafting the management plan for Lower Dniester National Park and identifying sites that could be included in the European Natura 2000 network. Its activities also include supporting the development of two roadmaps on the transition from the Emerald Network to Natura 2000 and the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation.

Another area of activity involves informing the public and facilitating citizens’ participation in environmental decision-making through the Aarhus Centre within EcoContact.

During the visit to Armenia, possible joint initiatives in biodiversity research and habitat restoration were also discussed. The proposals focused on exchanging experience in field research, habitat mapping, and data quality verification, as well as testing ecological restoration and habitat management solutions, while monitoring their effectiveness and costs, according to EcoContact.

Participants also discussed ways to involve local communities in conservation measures so that decisions on nature protection take into account the interests of people who use the relevant land and natural resources.

COP17 is reviewing progress in implementing Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, which establishes 23 targets for 2030.