Armenia hosts COP17: The Amulsar gold mine undermines its biodiversity credentials

Briefing    |    9 November 2026

In 2026, Armenia will host the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 17), presenting itself as a global leader in biodiversity protection. However, just one week before the conference began, operations at the controversial Amulsar gold mine were launched, threatening the region’s biodiversity, including endangered species of wildlife, rivers and the Lake Sevan.