EU stepped up for nature: Delivering on global biodiversity targets at COP17 in Yerevan
As the world confronts unprecedented environmental challenges, global leaders and delegates have converged on Yerevan, Armenia, for the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP17), running from 19 to 30 October. Representing a critical juncture for the planet, COP17 focuses heavily on accelerating implementation, mobilising much-needed finance, and placing Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the heart of global nature conservation under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The pathway to COP17’s official opening was paved with high-level political commitments. Ahead of the summit, Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera represented the European Commission at the “Leaders for Nature” Summit on 16 October, hosted by the Armenian COP17 Presidency.
During this preliminary gathering, world leaders aligned to adopt the Yerevan Declaration, “Taking Action for Nature.” This landmark declaration reinforces a renewed, high-level political dedication to meeting global biodiversity targets, addressing systemic drivers of habitat loss, and bridging the massive biodiversity finance gap.
The European Union remains at the forefront of driving ambitious global action throughout the two-week conference․ Օn 16 October Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera attended the “Leaders for Nature” Summit, championing the adoption of the Yerevan Declaration. On 19 October is the official opening of COP17 in Yerevan. Concurrently, the EU Booth in the Green Zone opens its doors to the public, featuring interactive activities and inviting visitors to leave personal messages dedicated to protecting nature and biodiversity (#COP17Armenia). On 27–28 October Commissioner Jessika Roswall takes the helm during the conference’s High-Level Segment. Commissioner Roswall will lead the EU negotiating team, actively participate in high-level ministerial sessions, and launch a vital new coalition: the Friends of Credits for Nature and Biodiversity.
Healthy ecosystems are the baseline foundation of stable economies, sustainable jobs, poverty eradication, public health, and climate change resilience. With biodiversity loss threatening life support systems globally, COP17 serves as a vital reality check to ensure nations translate past frameworks into concrete, ground-level impact before the 2030 deadlines.
Whether you are attending the summit in person or following along globally, make sure to visit the EU booth at Green Zone starting 19 October to share your voice for nature.
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EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos’ message on the occasion of COP17 in Armenia
