Municipality of Yerevan joins IUCN
The Municipality of Yerevan becomes the fifth IUCN Member from Armenia, joining as a Subnational Government committed to advancing nature conservation and sustainable development in the urban context. As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan is now part of IUCN’s growing network of cities working together toward a greener future.
The Hrazdan Gorge, carved by the Hrazdan River, is a vital ecological corridor and recreational haven in Yerevan. The Municipality has launched efforts to grant it environmental status, highlighting its ecological and cultural significance.
“Our decision to join IUCN reflects our deep commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the integration of Nature-positive approaches within Yerevan’s urban ecosystem,” said Sirarpi Haykazyan, Head of the Environmental Department of Yerevan Municipality. “We believe that access to a global network of experts and knowledge will further empower us to build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city for future generations.”
By joining IUCN, Yerevan gains access to a global network with environmental, nature conservation and biodiversity expertise, offering opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange and city-to-city collaboration.
Driving green transformation
Yerevan’s environmental policy focuses on preserving and improving the natural environment to ensure the sustainable development of its economy and the well-being of its citizens. Recent achievements and initiatives include:
- Expansion of green areas: A new park at the end of Aragats Street and the ongoing environmental protection status for the Hrazdan Gorge.
- Innovative urban greening: Selecting pollutant-resistant, decorative, and evergreen tree species, and shifting to perennial shrubs for sustainable landscaping.
- Waste management: Expanding waste-sorting programs to reduce landfill impact.
- Air quality monitoring: Installing sensors to track nitrogen oxides and dust particles, with real-time updates on a public platform.
A key role of cities in global conservation
With over half of humanity living in urban areas, cities like Yerevan play a pivotal role in addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and social inequities. Sustainable governance of cities is essential for achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals, including Target 12, which aims to increase urban access to and benefits from nature.
By enhancing urban biodiversity through measures like rewilding, native species planting, and nature-inclusive design, Yerevan is contributing to a global vision of greener, more resilient cities.
For more information about the City of Yerevan visit the website.
To learn who can become an IUCN Member and how, please visit this page.
Further read
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