

In the wake of recent border agreements with Azerbaijan, Armenia is setting its sights on launching cooperative environmental projects aimed at restoring ecological balance in the region. The Armenian Environment Minister, Hambardzum Matevosyan, highlighted the need for both countries, alongside others in the region, to address longstanding ecological issues. Key areas of concern include the environmental impacts of military actions, such as those in the Shikahogh reserve, and the destruction of natural habitats near Jermuk. Notably, the minister pointed to a silver lining in the border delimitation progress, which could pave the way for collaborative efforts in tackling these challenges head-on. Matevosyan appealed for unity in protecting the region's rich biodiversity and for developing joint mechanisms that could mitigate the adverse effects witnessed over the past decades. He stressed the importance of comprehensive regional dialogue in achieving these objectives, ensuring that natural treasures are preserved for future generations. Despite historical tensions, the potential for regional environmental co-management could serve as a beacon of hope and a critical step towards sustainable peace.