Armenia hosts COP17: The Amulsar gold mine undermines its biodiversity credentials
November 9, 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.
A permit to operate must not become a licence to destroy nature
November 3, 2026
Earlier this year, a proposal was put forward in the Latvian Parliament to transpose the EU Environmental Crime Directive. But industry interests lobbied for a loophole that threatened to further weaken protection for species and habitats. With nature in Latvia already under severe pressure, joint advocacy by environmental organisations and constructive engagement from members of Parliament helped secure a last-minute compromise that was adopted in early October.
Еcological networks in Montenegro: Strategic Roadmap to achieve the targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Bern Convention and the EU Biodiversity Strategy
October 21, 2026
Montenegro has made substantial progress toward achieving the target under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) by proposing a comprehensive Natura 2000 network.
Dighomi Meadows: Years of institutional failure risk erasing last floodplain forest in Tbilisi, Georgia
October 21, 2026
The Dighomi Meadows, a once rich and varied natural habitat and an internationally recognised Emerald Network site, have been in danger since 2014 due to encroaching development, unregulated and illegal gravel extraction, and illegal waste dumping. In 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a strategy and action plan to rehabilitate the meadows. However, the restoration never materialised.
Armenia hosts COP17: Its ‘action for nature’ stops at Amulsar
October 20, 2026
Armenia is set to host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) from 19 to 30 October. Hosting this high-profile environmental summit has drawn scrutiny to the government’s simultaneous backing of the controversial Amulsar gold mine project at home. At COP17, progress towards the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will be reviewed for the first time. The summit’s slogan is ‘Taking action for nature’, yet the Amulsar case illustrates how countries and international investors are ‘taking action against nature’.
Dighomi Meadows: An uncertain future for Tbilisi’s last floodplain forest
October 19, 2026
Dighomi Meadows is the last surviving floodplain forest in Tbilisi. A refuge for otters, kingfishers, pond turtles and more than 40 other species protected by the Bern Convention, it was meant to be restored under a rehabilitation strategy drawn up in 2024 with support from the Asian Development Bank.
The Commission’s ‘do no significant harm’ concept paper: Clearer approach welcome but major loopholes must be closed
September 14, 2026
This position paper examines the European Commission’s concept paper on the ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH) principle under the next EU long-term budget.
Ukraine’s Mount Runa at risk: Oschadbank’s compliance with EBRD environmental standards while financing a wind power plant
August 27, 2026
This issue paper examines the environmental and social risks associated with the planned 156-megawatt Mount Runa wind farm in the Ukrainian Carpathians and the role of financing by Oschadbank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)’s financial intermediary. The paper also details the environmental and social risk requirements applicable to EBRD intermediary financing.
Clear rules on nature and water benefit renewable energy development and biodiversity: Joint civil society position paper on the inclusion of the EU Habitats, Birds and Water Framework Directives in the Energy Community Treaty
June 30, 2026
This joint civil society position paper, supported by 78 civil society organisations, provides an insight into why it is crucial to include the relevant provisions of the EU Habitats, Birds and Water Framework Directives in the Energy Community Treaty.
Unlocking nature financing: National cost estimates for effective nature restoration
June 11, 2026
To support national planning, CEE Bankwatch Network and EuroNatur, in cooperation with national partners, led a study in five Member States – Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary and Croatia – to estimate financing needs for effective nature restoration.
