EU4Environment is organising a panel discussion on developing eco-tourism and its benefits for local communities in Armenia within COP17. The event will take place on 29 October 2026, 16:30-17:30 (Yerevan time), Main Stage, Green Zone.
Please register for this event here: https://www.cop17yerevangreenzone.com/register-now/public-attendee?.
Ecotourism can support both nature conservation and local development. However, making it successful requires careful planning, active community participation, and strong cooperation between local authorities, businesses, and other partners.
This panel discussion will bring together experts, local leaders, and practitioners from the EU4Environment programme to explore how ecotourism can work in practice.
Drawing on experience from 8 pilot communities in Armenia, the discussion will share lessons learned from developing ecotourism management plans, including the challenges encountered, the opportunities identified, and the benefits that sustainable tourism can bring to local communities.
The conversation will feature perspectives from people directly involved in the process, including a mayor from one of the pilot communities. Together, they will discuss how nature-based tourism can help create new income opportunities, support local livelihoods, and protect valuable natural areas.
The session will also look at Armenia’s potential as an ecotourism destination and discuss what is needed to support its growth, including effective planning, strong partnerships, and a supportive policy environment.