Within the framework of the 7th Science-Policy Forum for Biodiversity, organised as part of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), GIZ Armenia contributed to the international session “Nature-Based Recovery for Resilient Cities: Biodiversity, Civic Ecology and Response Diversity in Times of Crisis.”

The session, led by the University of Tokyo and co-led by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, brought together international experts to discuss how nature-based solutions (NbS), biodiversity conservation and community engagement can strengthen urban resilience.

Representing GIZ Armenia, Hovik Sayadyan, Adviser for Demonstration Projects under the EU4ClimateResilience project, presented Armenia’s experience in implementing locally driven nature-based solutions, highlighting the Climate Bridge initiative in Tashir.

The initiative demonstrates how riverbank restoration, biodiversity protection and climate-resilient urban planning can be integrated to reduce environmental risks while improving public spaces and community well-being. Particular attention was given to cooperation between municipalities, civil society, researchers and local communities as a foundation for sustainable and long-term results.

The discussion also highlighted how such initiatives can contribute to the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly its targets related to ecosystem restoration, urban green and blue spaces, biodiversity-inclusive planning and community participation.