YEREVAN — From river restoration and biodiversity protection to youth education and climate readiness, environmental actors across Armenia put forward a wide range of proposals this quarter. After reviewing 37 full applications from an exceptionally strong pool, the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation has selected nine projects to receive more than $290,000 in support through its third-quarter 2025 environmental grant cycle.
The grant recipients can contribute to the country’s preparations for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). Armenia will host COP17 at the Meridian Expo Center in Yerevan from October 18 to 30, 2026, bringing together nations to advance global biodiversity conservation, restore ecosystems, and implement the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Preparatory activities are already underway across the country.
Two of the selected projects focus directly on environmental education and public engagement during COP17.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities (ISSD) will implement a two-part initiative: producing 25,000 pins from recycled plastic waste and demonstrating the process at a Mini Recycling Lab in the COP17 Green Zone. In parallel, the program will bring together 20 to 30 young environmental leaders from Armenia and abroad for guided tours focused on biodiversity, recycling systems, and collaborative problem-solving. Their work will culminate in a youth-led presentation on actionable solutions to biodiversity loss and waste challenges. All materials and equipment developed through this grant will remain in long-term use within the Eco-Schools program.
My Forest Armenia will design an immersive installation for COP17 that simulates a forest both above and below ground. Visitors will experience the interconnected world of roots, fungi, and trees, fostering emotional and educational connections to Armenia’s ecosystems. Approximately 3,000 international visitors are expected at COP17 each day, along with a large number of local guests.
The Sisian Adult Education Center will lead a one-year effort to restore the ecosystem of the Vorotan River, which flows through the city of Sisian and serves roughly 20,000 residents. Algae overgrowth, pollution, and years of mismanagement have led to recurring environmental and public health concerns. The project includes purchasing an aquatic weed harvester, introducing a modern water quality monitoring system, creating youth-led “Guardians of Vorotan” activities, and developing a community water resource management strategy with the municipality. Local authorities, schools, youth groups, and the Ministry of the Environment’s regional office will participate. The effort is co-funded by the Sisian Municipality and the Center.
