COP17 puts Armenia’s environmental record in the spotlight
Summary
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) recently took place in Yerevan, Armenia, marking the first time the event was held in a former Soviet republic. Although Armenia was chosen to host the conference as a sign of its environmental ambitions, the country faces serious problems with pollution, waste management, and industrial mining that challenge its role as an environmental leader.Key Facts
- COP17 was held in Yerevan, Armenia, for the first time in a former Soviet republic.
- Armenia ranks 75th out of 177 countries in Yale University’s 2026 Environmental Performance Index.
- The country ranks very low in waste management (164th) and wastewater treatment (165th).
- Mining, especially open-pit copper-molybdenum and gold mining, causes major environmental pollution in Armenia.
- Mining operations have led to water contamination and reduced national park areas.
- Forests cover only 11.1% of Armenia, and air pollution in Yerevan is five times above WHO limits.
- Russian-linked companies have large stakes in Armenia’s mining industry and are major investors and taxpayers.
- The Armenian government promoted the controversial Amulsar gold mine for economic benefit despite environmental concerns.
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