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From 19 to 30 October 2026, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) will bring countries together in Yerevan, Armenia. A key focus is reviewing progress towards the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which sets the international framework for conserving and restoring biodiversity. Jan Peters, Succow Foundation, Partner of the Greifswald Mire Centre, will contribute a presentation on “Global Peatland Action” and share perspectives on peatland conservation and restoration.
The Michael Succow Foundation is contributing through expert input, events of its own and activities with international partners.
Integrating peatlands and wetlands into biodiversity conservation
On 21 October, the event “From the Caucasus to the World: From Local Action to Global Biodiversity Goals for Wetlands and Peatlands” will explore how peatlands and wetlands can be better integrated into national biodiversity strategies. Topics include their conservation, restoration and sustainable use, as well as the links between biodiversity, climate and water policies.
>> 21 October 2026 | 19:15–20:45 (Yerevan time, UTC+4) | Armenian Pavilion, Blue Zone, COP17
On 24 October, Jan Peters will contribute to the Science-Policy Forum. His presentation, “Sustainable Peats for People,” is part of a session on ecosystem restoration and the challenges of achieving global biodiversity targets.
>> 24 October 2026 | 2:30 pm | Blue Zone, Room Contact Group 5
Biosphere reserves linking conservation and sustainable development
In the Southern Caucasus, the Foundation supports the development of biosphere reserves. On 26 October, it will participate in the launch of the initiative to establish a biosphere reserve in Dilijan, Armenia.
On 27 October, the side event “Beyond Protected Areas: Biosphere Reserves as Tools for KMGBF Implementation” will explore how biosphere reserves can connect nature conservation with sustainable local development. Drawing on experience from two designated biosphere reserves in Georgia, the event will also highlight the ongoing initiative in Dilijan, which aims to establish Armenia’s first biosphere reserve.
>> 27 October 2026 | 1:15 pm | Lastiver – Youth Group meeting room
World Heritage contributing to biodiversity conservation
On 28 October, the Michael Succow Foundation will host the side event “World Heritage as a Tool for Biodiversity Conservation” together with IUCN and UNEP-WCMC. The event will explore how natural World Heritage Sites can support global biodiversity targets and how nomination processes can help improve the management of protected areas. The discussion will draw on the Foundation’s experience supporting World Heritage nominations in the Southern Caucasus and Central Asia.
>> 28 October 2026 | 6:15 pm | Ljevan – GRULAC meeting room, COP17
Strengthening international cooperation
Exchanges with German and international partners are also part of the programme. These include a delegation visit, an event at the German Embassy in Yerevan marking 35 years of nature conservation cooperation between Germany and the Caucasus, and a delegation visit with Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider.
Through its participation, the Michael Succow Foundation brings practical experience in nature conservation and ecosystem restoration to international discussions. Its aim is to strengthen links between regional initiatives and global biodiversity goals and to advance cooperation for the long-term conservation of biodiversity.
