COP17 Week Dilijan: Dilijan to Become a Local Platform for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development for One Week
YEREVAN, September 23. /ARKA/. As Armenia prepares to host COP17 in October, Dilijan will become a local platform for the biodiversity and sustainable development agenda for one week. From September 19 to 25, Villa3 Community Hub in Dilijan will host COP17 Week Dilijan, bringing together ideas and discussions around biodiversity conservation, nature, and sustainable development.
COP17 Week Dilijan is an initiative of Green Rock that, ahead of COP17, brings the international environmental agenda to the community level, bringing together businesses, environmental organizations, experts, and the local community. The initiative is implemented by the partnership and with the financial support of the UNDP Armenia Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net Armenia) Project.
One Week, One Shared Agenda
As part of COP17 Week Dilijan, discussions in Dilijan will focus on the interconnection between biodiversity and business, ecosystem services, biodiversity data collection, environmental education, human–nature relations, and opportunities for sustainable development.
The programme brings together business representatives, environmental organizations, experts, and members of the local community to explore how global environmental priorities can be translated into concrete initiatives and practical action in Dilijan.
The programme has been officially approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia as a preparatory event for COP17.
According to Katerina Danekina, CEO of Green Rock, sustainable development is an important area of Green Rock’s work and is reflected across the company’s projects.
“For Green Rock, sustainable development is first and foremost about taking a responsible approach to how we develop places and what kind of value we create for people and future generations. This approach is also reflected in our projects: we follow international standards and, in particular, place strong emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact throughout the development of our projects.
Several Green Rock projects have received EDGE certification, which is an important part of our approach. With COP17 Week Dilijan, we wanted to create not simply an event, but a platform for exchanging ideas and creating new opportunities for cooperation. For Green Rock, COP17 Week Dilijan is an opportunity to contribute to the future of Dilijan and demonstrate that global sustainable development goals can start at the community level, through concrete initiatives and collaborative action,” said Katerina Danekina, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in cooperation with the UNDP BES-Net Armenia Project.
Biodiversity in the Context of Local Development
Dilijan was selected as the location for the programme due to the natural, community, and economic characteristics of the city and its surrounding areas. Dilijan National Park, the surrounding forest ecosystems, and the close relationship between nature and the local economy make the city a natural platform for dialogue on biodiversity, sustainable development, and sustainable tourism.
As part of COP17 Week Dilijan, environmental issues will also be explored in the context of community development, education, business, and community life.
The programme includes “Green Transition: Biodiversity Training,” a training programme for women entrepreneurs and civil society organizations. An art and painting competition focused on ecosystem services will also be held.
On September 21–22, in partnership with MelonPan, HOSQ, and Rien à Porter, the programme will feature innovative art and culture sessions, sustainable fashion and traditional recipe workshops, as well as competition rounds and practical workshops. Evocabank, a programme partner, will award cash prizes to five participants for the best works.
Nature Through Exploration and Hands-On Experience
As part of COP17 Week Dilijan, participants will have the opportunity to explore Dilijan’s natural environment and take part in biodiversity data collection. The programme includes a guided nature trail and field practice using the iNaturalist platform.
On September 24, the Biodiversity Data & BioBlitz event will give participants an opportunity to engage directly in biodiversity observation and data collection.
On September 23, Green Rock Foundation will also host an AI Video & Animation Training focused on the use of AI tools in relation to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Role of Business in the Sustainable Development Agenda
COP17 Week Dilijan also reflects Green Rock’s approach, which views economic development, environmental responsibility, and the interests of local communities as interconnected.
This approach is reflected across the company’s projects in Dilijan, spanning development, hospitality, tourism, culture, education, and public infrastructure.
As part of COP17, Green Rock will participate in the Blue Zone, while in the Green Zone it will organize a conference on the role of the private sector in biodiversity, sustainable development, and the green transition. The company will also take part in a field visit, during which it will present its approach to integrating environmental principles into territorial development and investment processes.
Ahead of COP17, Green Rock has begun a partnership with SOLUTON, an environmental consultancy. The partners plan to develop long-term biodiversity initiatives in Dilijan and beyond, as well as joint events and activities within the framework of COP17.
The partnership will also include a joint presence in the COP17 Blue Zone, as well as joint events held as part of and ahead of COP17, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the business community and environmental experts.
