According to Iran’s Department of Environment, deputy head for natural environment and biodiversity Hamid Zahrabi conveyed the Islamic Republic’s interest in the initiatives in a letter to Armenia’s environment minister, who chairs CBD COP 17.
One initiative proposes a Yerevan Biodiversity Technology and Monitoring Hub to help countries access monitoring tools and promote closer cooperation among participating countries. A second seeks to establish a Mountain and Freshwater Platform, highlighting mountain habitats and their role in supplying freshwater.
The third initiative concerns an Action Hub for Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). These are areas managed for purposes other than biodiversity protection but whose safeguards also benefit nature. Examples include the surroundings of historical sites and certain agricultural and livestock areas.
In his letter, Zahrabi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to Target 18 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The target calls on countries, in line with national circumstances and priorities, to reduce subsidies harmful to biodiversity and redirect them toward supportive activities.
COP17 takes place in Yerevan from October 18 to 31, 2026. Participants assess progress under the framework and discuss ways to accelerate conservation, mobilize funding, and strengthen international cooperation.
