All delegates on arrival for the first time will be required to present their Priority Pass and valid photo ID to be permitted to enter the venue to proceed to the registration counter for issuance of the conference badge.

For subsequent visits to the venue, once the conference badge has been issued, participants may access the venue directly through the security gates and do not need to pass by the registration counter.

For security reasons, the display of conference badges is mandatory at all times to gain access to the venue and meeting rooms.  Any loss of a conference badge should be reported immediately to the staff at the registration counter.

Registration will start on 14 October and continue until 30 October 2026. 

Information regarding the days and hours of operation of the Registration counter are listed below:

Important note:  To avoid inconveniences and delays at the registration desk, please ensure representatives are duly registered and have received a Priority Pass with barcode (issued by the Secretariat) before going to the venue.

Registered participants must present the Priority Pass, together with a government issued ID with photo, at the registration desk in the venue for badge issuance.

The venue of COP-17 will be accessible for participants with reduced mobility needs.

All participants are requested to make their own hotel arrangements.  

A limited number of rooms are available for all delegates, information was provided in the Secretariat's notification of 23 January 2026 at the following link : https://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2026/ntf-2026-012-cop17-en.pdf

Participants wishing to obtain accommodation information, options and bookings are invited to contact the accommodation service provider directly at the following e-mail address: booking@cop17yerevan.am .

The following information should be included in the message: 

• Subject line: name of country/organization

 • Name of contact person in charge of the group booking 

• Number of rooms required 

• Dates of stay (check-in, checkout) 

• Billing address 

Participants shall be responsible for all costs related to their accommodation, including applicable taxes, service charges, and any fees arising from cancellations or modifications. Participants are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their bookings at the time of reservation.

A range of catering options will be available at the venue throughout the meeting to meet the needs of participants, delegates, organizations and event organizers.

On-Site Dining & Food Services

The venue will offer a variety of food and beverage services, including:

• One large cafeteria offering a selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options;
• Two outdoor food areas with food stands offering a variety of meals, snacks and refreshments; and
• Several coffee-stands conveniently located throughout the venue.

Catering services will operate during extended hours throughout the meeting. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available daily, subject to the operating hours of the individual catering outlets.

Catering order for Private Pavilions and Commercial Offices

Participants hosting activities in Private Pavilions or Commercial Offices may arrange catering services directly through the online catering portal.

To place an order, users should:

1. Create an account or log in to the catering portal;
2. Select the relevant location from the drop-down menu;
3. Select the required food and beverage items;
4. Enter and confirm the required date(s) and delivery/service time(s); and
5. Review and confirm the order and proceed with payment (credit card or Wire transfer).  For wire transfer, you are required to upload your confirmation receipt.

Multiple orders and invoices: Participants can place multiple orders through the catering portal. Each order will be processed separately and can generate an individual invoice.

Catering Portal: Access the catering portal

Please note that all catering orders must be submitted and payment completed by 14 October (the deadline has been extended). Participants are strongly encouraged to place their orders as early as possible to ensure that their catering requirements can be accommodated.

Request for Private Official Functions (Banquet and Receptions)

Countries and organizations wishing to reserve the Banquet Hall or Reception Hall for an official function are requested to contact the Secretariat at secretariat@cbd.int.

Requests should include the following information:

• Name of the event and a brief concept note;
• Date and time of the event;
• Expected duration of the event; and
• Estimated number of invited guests.

Please note the following:

• The Banquet Hall is intended exclusively for seated dinners.
• The Reception Hall is intended for standing receptions or cocktail functions.
• The number of functions that can be accommodated in these spaces is limited and subject to availability and operational capacity.
• Deadline to submit request to the secretariat is 7 September.

Countries and organizations are encouraged to submit their requests as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the selection of catering options, coordination with the catering provider, and completion of full payment by 14 October. 

Please note that catering prices will vary between $40-$75 per person depending on event time and type.

Catering for Side Events

Side-event organizers are kindly advised that only food and beverages provided by the official catering supplier “Hayr Ev Vordi Yeremyanner LLC” of the Blue Zone will be permitted inside the Blue Zone.

If you wish to arrange catering for your event, please follow the procedure below to place your order.

Catering Portal: Access the Catering Portal

1. Create an account or log in to the catering portal.
2. Select Side-Event.
3. Select the dates of your event.
4. Select the required food and beverage items for your event.
5. Enter your “SIDE-EVENT NUMBER”, confirm the required date and delivery service time.
6. Review and confirm your order, then proceed with payment by credit card or wire transfer. For wire transfer payments, you will be required to upload the payment confirmation receipt.

Multiple Orders and Invoices

Participants may place multiple catering orders through the portal. Each order will be processed separately and may generate a separate invoice.

To ensure that your catering requirements can be accommodated, participants are strongly encouraged to place their orders as early as possible, particularly for larger or more specialized requests.

Important Deadline

1 October – Deadline for submitting catering orders and completing full payment.

Early submission is strongly recommended, particularly for official functions, Private Pavilions and Commercial Offices, to ensure the availability of the requested catering services and adequate time for coordination.

Sole Service provider letter can be found here.

The “2026 UN Biodiversity Conference” will be held in Yerevan, Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026. The official opening of meetings will take place on 18 October 2026.  This comprises:

• The Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-17), 
• The Twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CP-MOP-12)  
• The Sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (NP-MOP-6),
• The High-Level Segment of COP-17 will take place from 27-28 October 2026. 

Pre-session and in-session documents as well as documents for COP-17, CP-MOP-12 and NP‑MOP-6 are posted as they become available on the Conference Home page at:  https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2026 or through the each meeting’s link on the www.cbd.int/meetings page.

In order to minimize the negative environmental impact of the Meetings, Meetings will be held paperless (i.e. there will be no hard copies of documents available at the venue).  

Pavilions and exhibition spaces, as well as country offices, can be rented on a commercial basis for the duration of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026. 

Detailed information on the options available, room dimensions, inclusions and costs (in US dollars) can be found in the brochure available at the following link: https://www.cbd.int/cop/cop-17/cop-17-brochure-en.pdf. 

An expression of interest to rent space for exhibition, pavilions or country offices can be made by completing the online request form available here. Due to the high demand for spaces, the expression of interest should be sent as soon as possible and no later than 25 May 2026.

After the deadline, the Secretariat will begin selection and allocation of the eligible applications with the aim to complete the confirmation by 5 June 2026. While the Secretariat will endeavour to consider all requests made, please note that it may also have to decline some of the applications due to space limitations at the venue. 

Selected applicants will receive a confirmation of their acceptance by e-mail that will include contact details of the assigned Service Provider/Designer for COP-17. 

Individual designers will assist the selected applicants with their allotted space, as well as provide payment procedures and timelines.

Sole Service provider letter can be found here.

The Government of Armenia will convene a high-level segment from 27 to 28 October 2026 to galvanize leadership and political momentum in support for the effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and other decisions expected to be adopted at the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026. 

Further information on the organization and modalities of this important high-level segment will be made available in due course. 

All enquiries related to the High-Level Segment should be made to the following email address: cbdarmeniafocalpoint@env.am with copy to cbd-cop17-hls@un.org.  

Information on the High-Level Segment is available on COP-17 webpage at the following link: https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2026/cop-17-hls 

The Government of Armenia is planning to host a Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan on 16 October 2026, with a possibility of high-level featured engagements also taking place on 17 October 2026, just ahead of the opening of the Conference. 

The Leaders’ Summit aims to convene Heads of State and Government, globally acclaimed prominent figures, indigenous peoples and local communities’ leaders and heads of international organizations to politically anchor and set the tone for increased ambition for the Conference. Once available, more information on the Leaders’ Summit will be provided by the Government of Armenia through diplomatic channels.

Early registration is encouraged for the COP-17, CP-MOP-12 and NP‑MOP-6. Parties and observers may wish to follow the sessions of the meetings, they will be livestreamed on UN Web TV.  Please note that participation at the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 will be in‑person only. 

1.  Registration and accreditation of Parties 

Registration of representatives from Contracting Parties is subject to the receipt by the Secretariat of an official letter of nomination.  The official letter of nomination shall be submitted to the Secretariat by e-mail to: secretariat@cbd.int, as soon as possible and preferably by 15 September 2026. 

The letter of nomination, which must indicate the names and contact details of their delegation, and clearly indicating the title of the meeting or meetings they wish to attend, should be sent to the attention of:

Ms. Astrid Schomaker

Executive Secretary

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

World Trade Centre

413 St. Jacques Street, Suite 800

Montreal, Quebec

H2Y 1N9, Canada

E-mail: secretariat@cbd.int

Credentials

In accordance with rule 18 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties, which also applies, mutatis mutandis, to the MOPs of the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols, credentials of representatives of States Parties to the Convention and the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols, as well as the names of alternate representatives and advisers, must be submitted to the Secretariat no later than twenty-four hours after the opening of the meetings (i.e. 20 October) in order to confirm that delegates have been duly appointed, authorized and empowered to represent their country at the Meetings.  To facilitate the smooth proceedings of the Meetings, Parties are strongly encouraged to provide their credentials well in advance of the Meetings.

Credentials shall be delivered in their original form.  Some representatives of Parties might face difficulties in obtaining credentials in a timely manner.  Parties are requested to initiate national processes well in advance.  A sample format of appropriate credentials is available here. 

The credentials must be signed by the Head of State or Government or by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, except in the case of a regional economic integration organization, in which case it should be signed by the competent authority of that organization. A credential should indicate the date and place where it was issued, be signed by the competent authority and indicate the title of the signatory. In the case of a person acting ad interim, as the Head of State or Government or as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the title must indicate that the person is exercising such powers ad interim.  In this respect, the Secretariat will accept the following formulations: Acting President, Acting Prime Minister, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, President ad interim, Prime Minister ad interim and Minister of Foreign Affairs ad interim. 

Parties to the Convention that are also Parties to Cartagena Protocol and/or Nagoya Protocol may submit one set of credentials covering the participation of their representatives in COP-17 and/or CP-MOP-12 of the Cartagena Protocol and/or NP-MOP-6 of the Nagoya Protocol.

Original credentials, duly signed as indicated above, and prepared in one of the six official languages of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish) should be scanned and sent to the Secretariat by e-mail prior to the meeting on an exceptional basis, with the originals sent by courier or mail to the Secretariat office in Montreal or deposited during the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 with the staff of the Secretariat at the Registration area of the venue.  If the credentials have been executed in another language, a courtesy translation in English would be appreciated to facilitate the examination of credentials.  

In accordance with rule 19 of the rules of procedure, the Bureau will examine the credentials and submit its report to the COP and the COP-MOPs. 

States that are not Parties to the Convention or to any of the Protocols are not required to provide their representatives with credentials. 

Queries regarding credentials should be directed to Ms. Inonge Kwenda Mweene, Senior Legal Officer (at:  secretariat@cbd.int).

2.  Observers

2.1  Observer States

Rule 6.1 of the rules of procedure applies to States not Party to the Convention that wish to be represented as observers in the meeting.

The registration of these representatives is subject to the receipt by the Secretariat of an official letter of nomination.  The official letter of nomination must be received as soon as possible and preferably by 15 September 2026, and must indicate the names, titles and contact details of the delegates to the meeting.  The letter should also clearly indicate the meeting or meetings that each nominee is designated to attend, i.e. COP-17, CP-MOP-12 of the Cartagena Protocol or NP-MOP-6 of the Nagoya Protocol or all three meetings.

The letter should be addressed to the Executive Secretary at the address indicated in item 1 above.

2.2   Observers from the United Nations and its specialized agencies

Rule 6.1 of the rules of procedure also applies to the United Nations, its specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency, that wish to be represented as observers in the meeting.

The registration of these representatives is subject to the receipt by the Secretariat of an official letter of nomination.  The official letter of nomination must be received as soon as possible and preferably by 15 September 2026, and must indicate the names, titles and contact details of the delegates to the meeting, and the meeting or meetings that each delegate is officially designated to attend. 

The letter should be sent to the attention of the Executive Secretary at the address indicated in item 1 above.

Please note that pursuant to rule 6.2 of the rules of procedure, these observers may participate in the meeting, without the right to vote, unless at least one third of the Parties present at the meeting object.

2.3   Bodies or agencies qualified in the fields of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use 

Rule 7.1 of the rules of procedure applies to bodies or agencies qualified in the fields of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use wishing to be represented as observers in the meetings.

Organizations already accredited as observers to CBD meetings - nominations

For organizations already accredited as observers to CBD meetings:  The registration of these representatives is subject to the receipt of an official letter of nomination, addressed to the Executive Secretary, providing the names and contact details of their delegation, and clearly indicating the title of the meeting or meetings they wish to attend.  The letter and should be sent to the Secretariat by e‑mail to: secretariat@cbd.int as soon as possible and preferably by 15 September 2026.

The letter must take the form of an official letter from the Chief Executive or Head of the organization, and must indicate the names, titles and contact details of the delegates, and clearly indicating the title of the meeting or meetings that each nominee is officially designated to attend. 

New organizations requesting admission as observer 

Registration of representatives from new organizations requesting admission as an observer should include the following documents with their request:

1. Expression of interest in the form of an official letter (on organization’s letterhead), signed by head of organization, providing a statement demonstrating the organization's qualifications in fields relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The letter should indicate a clear request for the organization to be represented at the meeting (name of meeting or meetings should be stated), as well as the name and full contact details of the organization's representatives to participate;

2. A copy of the organization’s statutes/by-laws or terms of reference demonstrating the organization's legitimacy as a bona fide organization constituted in its home country; 

3. A copy of the organization’s certificate of registration/incorporation, as issued by a government authority where organization is located;

4. Any other relevant information.

The letter and supporting documentation should be submitted to the Secretariat by e-mail to: secretariat@cbd.int by 31 August 2026. Please note that only complete applications will be given due consideration. Further details on CBD observer admission process can be found at: https://www.cbd.int/ngo/meetings.shtml

Please note that pursuant to rule 7.2 of the rules of procedure, these observers may participate, without the right to vote, in the proceedings of any meeting in matters of direct concern to the body or agency they represent unless at least one third of the Parties present at the meeting object.

Customs and Transportation Guidelines for CBD COP17

Shipping Requirements

All international shipments of equipment, technical materials, exhibition items, and related goods intended for use at CBD COP17 in Armenia must comply with the following shipping, labelling, and customs requirements outlined below.

These guidelines should be shared with all relevant teams, contractors, exhibitors, logistics providers, freight forwarders, and shipping companies involved in the coordination of shipments.

Delivery to the Venue

All shipments must be arranged on a door-to-door delivery basis. Participants may use any shipping company or freight forwarder of their choice.

Delivery Address

Operational and Event-Related Use for CBD COP17 Yerevan 2026

Meridian Expo and Event Center

1 Voskerichneri Street

Yerevan 0015, Armenia

Shipment Labelling Requirements

Each package must be clearly labelled and include the following information:

• Operational and Event-Related Use for CBD COP17 Yerevan 2026
• Consignee name and organisation
• Sender name and organisation
• Air Waybill (AWB) or tracking number
• Total number of packages within the shipment
• Package sequence number (e.g. 1 of 5, 2 of 5, 3 of 5)

Proper labelling will facilitate customs clearance, cargo tracking, and on-site handling.

Shipment Arrival and Storage

The venue will accept shipments between 15 September and 9 October 2026.

Shipments arriving outside this period may experience delays in processing and delivery to the venue.

Stored shipments will be available for collection from 14 October 2026 at 14:00.

Customs Clearance

The Government of Armenia has approved a customs waiver for eligible goods imported by organizers for use, distribution, or consumption within the COP17 Blue Zone.

Use of the prescribed delivery address will facilitate customs processing and delivery to the venue.

Customs Assistance

Should you require customs clearance assistance, please send the following documents before shipping to:

TVK Max – Customs Clearance
Email: customs@cop17yerevan.am

Required documents:

• Non-commercial invoice
• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Tracking number

• Temporary or permanent import information (if applicable)

   

To avoid custom-related delays, you are strongly encouraged to provide these instructions and required documentation to your freight forwarder or shipping company.

Important Customs Information

Participants remain responsible for ensuring that shipments comply with all applicable customs, transportation, and import regulations. 

Incomplete documentation, incorrect labelling, or failure to submit customs information in advance may result in delays, additional charges, or refusal of entry by customs authorities.

Restricted Items

Shipments must not contain medicines, pharmaceutical products, narcotic substances, weapons, ammunition, or any other prohibited or controlled items.

Shipments containing restricted goods without the required authorizations may be delayed, confiscated, or refused by customs.

Medicines, pharmaceuticals, and other items requiring special authorization should be transported personally and accompanied by the necessary documentation.

A list of restricted and controlled items is available here: [Link will be available shortly].

A separate Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) decision establishing simplified customs procedures for goods imported for CBD COP17 is currently being finalized and will be circulated once adopted.

The side-events for the COP-17, CP-MOP-12 and NP-MOP-6 have been allocated on the CBD Secretariat’s web site at:  https://www.cbd.int/side-events/.  We would like to thank everyone for their interest in hosting a side‑event at the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026.  We received close to 1,000 requests and have a limited amount of space available for allocations and therefore, have allocated a small number of side-events.  It was a difficult task for the committee to select and allocate the side-events and have attempted to accommodate as many side-events as we could by doing the following:

We have created three new side-event time slots outlined below to respond to the high demand, those additional timings are allocated in Side-Event rooms 1, 2, and 3 (in addition to the usual 13:15-14:45 and 18:15-19:45 times scheduled in these 3 rooms):

• 11:30-13:00
• 15:00-16:20
• 16:30-18:00

Important information:  Please note that all side-event organizers, speakers, special guests need to be pre‑registered to access the venue/attend the meetings (as observers by your delegation if not already registered).  Please note that no external participants/guests will be permitted entry without proper registration nor will be permitted entry at the last minute).  For information on registration kindly consult the ‘registration’ tab of the information note for participants above.

Side-event Rooms, capacities, and technical setup

Please note that no changes can be made to the set-up of any of the meeting rooms.

Below are the names, locations and approximate capacities of side-events rooms at the COP-17 venue Meridian Expo and Event centre – Blue Zone.  Please note that all rooms are equipped with a computer/laptop with internet connection, projection with sound/audio and microphones.  

Catering Order Procedure for Side Events

Side-event organizers are kindly advised that only food and beverages provided by the official catering supplier “Hayr Ev Vordi Yeremyanner LLC” of the Blue Zone will be permitted inside the Blue Zone.

If you wish to arrange catering for your event, please follow the procedure below to place your order.

Catering Portal: Access the Catering Portal

1. Create an account or log in to the catering portal.
2. Select Side-Event.
3. Select the dates of your event.
4. Select the required food and beverage items for your event.
5. Enter your “SIDE EVENT NUMBER”, confirm the required date and delivery service time.
6. Review and confirm your order, then proceed with payment by credit card or wire transfer. For wire transfer payments, you will be required to upload the payment confirmation receipt.

Multiple Orders and Invoices

Participants may place multiple catering orders through the portal. Each order will be processed separately and may generate a separate invoice.

Important Deadline

Please note that deadline has been extended and that all catering orders must be submitted and payment completed no later than 14 October. Missing the deadline may risk the ability to have catering at your event. 

To ensure that your catering requirements can be accommodated, participants are strongly encouraged to place their orders as early as possible, particularly for larger or more specialized requests.

The Sole Service provider letter can be found here.

Booking online Interpretation service procedure.

Before proceeding ensure that you have been assigned a room equipped with remote Interpretation from the rooming list above.

For side-event organizers wishing to provide interpretation services for their events, we have contracted Vision Translation, a Dubai-based company, to manage the contractual arrangements and technical requirements throughout the duration of COP-17.

Requests may be submitted through the online portal by clicking here or by visiting the Vision Translation request form.

Alternatively, requests may be submitted by email to rawan@visiontranslation.com.

Upon receipt of a request, the Vision Translation team will review the requirements and provide confirmation, together with an invoice and the relevant payment instructions.

Payment and Booking Terms

Kindly note that payment must be made in full no later than 14 October 2026 or one week prior to event. Payment may be completed by bank transfer using the account details provided on the invoice.

Please also note the following terms and conditions:

1. Requests must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled session.
2. Once a booking is confirmed, payment must be completed at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled session.
3. In the event of cancellation of a confirmed booking, all amounts paid are non-refundable.

Interpretation Arrangements

Interpreters will provide their services remotely. Each side event requiring interpretation will be assigned a room equipped with a complimentary Zoom connection.

The Zoom link will allow virtual participants to listen to the interpretation and view the presenter. Access to cameras or microphones will not be available unless specifically authorized by the event organizer and coordinated in advance with the relevant online presenter.

Please note that two interpreters are required for each additional language, as interpreters will work between the respective language and English.

For example:

• If you require French and English interpretation for your event, you will need two interpreters.
• If you require French, English, and Spanish interpretation, you will need four interpreters.

Please find below the applicable rates for each language.

Please note that all interpreters servicing side-events must be recruited through the assigned service provider.  The secretariat will not be able to facilitate any externally recruited online interpreters servicing side-events.

Onsite Interpretation

If you have been assigned a meeting room equipped with a physical interpretation booth and wish to bring your own on-site professional interpreters, please ensure they are trained to use the consoles and inform the secretariat in advance so that the appropriate technician is available in the room.

Live streaming for your event

• Rooms designated for streaming and remote interpretation will be assigned a unique Zoom link for each event. The use of other platforms will not be permitted (applicable only to rooms marked YES above). Zoom links will be shared with each side event organizer by email 10 days prior to the meeting.
• Only interpreters recruited through “Vision Translation” will be permitted to remotely connect and service the side events. Please ensure that your recruitment is completed by the deadline of 14 October for contractual and logistical work. External remote interpreters will not be permitted to join or service the unique Zoom link.

Publications and shipments

We encourage side-event organizers to post their publications, pamphlets, pictures, videos and related information within the side-event itself, there are 4 tabs to add your information: “publications”, “links”, “images” and “videos”.  

Also available is the Virtual Display Table where all publications, information materials and events on display will be related to the issues being addressed by COP-17, CP-MOP-12 and NP-MOP-6.

The announcements placed on the virtual display table will convey brief information on the publications, information materials or events, and will bring the reader to the organization's own website from where the materials can be found or the event accessed. On an exceptional basis, the Secretariat may agree to post a publication directly on the web page of the virtual display table.  The registration form for the virtual display table is available at the ‘share your content’ tab above. 

For information on shipment procedure, please consult the COP-17 Information note for participants under the ‘shipments’ tab above. 

If you require any changes to title, description, organizer or contact information, add your logo or any information to your side‑event, you may log into your account online and make the changes.  If you encounter difficulties, you may send the changes to Lisa Pedicelli (lisa.pedicelli@un.org) to upload (kindly add your four‑digit reference number to the subject line).

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin will be in Armenia for CBD COP 17. In addition to coverage of the main negotiations, ENB is providing coverage of side-events during the COP. If you are hosting a side event and would like a report and photos from your event published on the ENB website at https://enb.iisd.org/, please contact Brett Wertz (brett@iisd.net). We are also able to provide coverage of other events (half day, full day, off site, etc.).

Event organizers can choose between two different coverage packages:

1. written & photo coverage, or
2. written & photo coverage with video.

For written & photos coverage, ENB will send a writer and a photographer to attend your event in person, and they will prepare a web page that will be published on the ENB website by the end of the day. In addition, ENB will post to social media from your event and share a link to the web page with the ENB Update email list of sustainable development professionals (~ 40,000 subscribers).

For those who choose video coverage in addition to the written coverage, ENB will also send a videographer and video producer to attend the event and produce a short video with footage of key moments and interviews with selected panelists. The finished video will be online within 48 hours of the conclusion of your event.

Examples of ENB's written & photo coverage from CBD COP 16 include:

• High-Level Thematic Ministerial Dialogue “Peace with Nature”
• Ocean Day: Ocean as the Great Connector
• Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (FERI): Taking forward a decade of ecosystem recovery

Examples of ENB videos from CBD COP 16 include:

• Ecosystem Resilience in Focus: Developing Science-based Approaches for Coral and Biodiversity
• ABS Around the World - The Brogota Platform and the Pan Amazonian Debate
• Target 18: Creating the Right Incentives for a Nature-Positive Future

For further information or to book coverage please contact Mr. Brett Wertz at brett@iisd.net

Welcome Desk

The Welcome Desk will be set-up at the exit of the International Arrivals Hall of the Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) (https://www.zvartnots.aero/EN/index).  The Welcome Desk will be operational from the 15-29 October 2026.  Delegates are requested to follow the COP-17 signage upon arrival to easily locate the desk, which will be clearly marked with the COP-17 branding.

The Welcome Desk will operate in line with all international arrival flights. Staff will be available to provide guidance on airport procedures, assist with general enquiries, and direct participants to onward transportation options.

Airport

At the airport, delegates will also have access to essential services, including currency exchange offices, ATMs, free WiFi, SIM card providers, and refreshment facilities within the arrivals area. In case of delayed or lost baggage, participants should contact their airline’s service desk or the airport Lost & Found office located in the arrivals hall.

Transportation

The Government of the Republic of Armenia will generously provide delegates with scheduled bus transfer options into the city centre for arrivals between 15-20 October, and 24-27 October.  The return transfers from city centre to Airport will operate from  30 October to 1 November.  Assistance will also be available for participants requiring special support, including those with reduced mobility needs.  Taxis, Yandex-Go and GG ride services are also available at the airport as needed. 

Complimentary transport will be available to UN Biodiversity accredited delegates. To access these services, delegates will be required to present either their Priority Pass or conference badge.

AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN (REPUBLIC SQUARE)
Please note that airport-to-downtown (Republic Square) transport will be limited to 17–20 October.

BUS ROUTES AND SERVICES TO THE MERIDIAN EXPO CENTER (venue)
Please note that buses will not provide direct service to individual hotels. Instead, designated bus routes will cover various areas around the city, with multiple stops serving different zones of the city.

Please find below the available routes and their respective destinations.

In addition, there will be a continuous shuttle service operating between the meeting The Meridian Expo, and Republic Square.

A continuous shuttle service will also operate between The Meridian Expo Center and the Green Zone – Karen Complex.

The exact bus schedules will be published a few days before the meeting.

Please see below for the route map and stop addresses.

• Yerevan shuttle routes overview
• Routes

Bus shuttles operation: days/hours/routes

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORT ROUTES & STOPS

Route 1

Route 2

Route 3

Route 4

Route 5

Due to traffic congestion and single access roads leading to the venue, all delegates are strongly encouraged to use the official COP17 transport system or public transportation.

For security reasons, special vehicle access permits will be issued only for delegations and VIP vehicles requiring access to the venue to drop off delegates. Please note that private vehicles will not be permitted to enter the Blue Zone at all times.

A limited number of vehicle permits will be available as follows:

• Private buses (20–45 passengers) transporting delegations: A limited number of vehicle access permits will be issued for the duration of COP17 (17–30 October).

• Private vehicles for ministers only (one vehicle per country): A limited number of vehicle access permits will be issued for ministerial vehicles to drop off ministers at designated venue entrances during:
• the Heads of State Meeting on 16 October; and

• the High-Level Segment from 26–30 October.

   

Should you require a vehicle access permit, please complete the form below and return it by email to: cbd-cop17-vehicle@un.org no later than 10th October 2026.

Please note that permits will be distributed at the COP-17 registration tent at the Meridian Expo between 10 and 13 October 2026 from 14:00 - 18:00.

Approved Car Rental Companies for Blue Zone Access

Should a delegation wish to rent a vehicle, we encourage you to use one of the two following companies. 

1. Jan Armenia
   • Email: cop17@janarmenia.com
   • Contact: Lilit Papikyan
2. Enterprise Cars
   • Email: Operations@ehiglobal.am
   • Contact: Narek Melkonyan

The UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 will take place at the following venue:

Meridian Expo and Event Centre

1 Voskerichneri Street

Yerevan 0015, Armenia

Tel:  +374 10 529977

Website:  https://www.meridianexpo.am/home/ 

All queries related to the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 should be directed to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity at:  secretariat@cbd.int

UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 

COP17 - CP/MOP12 - NP/MOP6 

19-30 October 2026

Yerevan, Armenia

Visa requirements for participants

Participants are advised to check whether they require a visa to enter Armenia through the following link:

https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/

Exemptions: Kindly note that persons holding a valid United Nations Laissez-Passer may enter and stay in Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days. Information on other visa exemptions is provided in the link above. 

Visa facilitation measures and platform

For participants who are nationals of countries requiring a visa, Armenia has introduced simplified and participant-oriented procedures, including:

• Priority access to electronic visa system through selection of the “EVENTS COP17” option,

• A simplified visa application form,

• Reduced documentation requirements,

• Exemption from visa fee. 

Participants requiring a visa may obtain an electronic visa (E-Visa) in advance, with a validity of 21 days from date of entry in Armenia, through the following platform:

https://evisa.mfa.am/

Reduced documentation requirements

Only the following documents are required to be attached to the visa application form:

• Passport copy

• Digital passport-size photo

Important: Applicants will need to enter their COP registration Priority Pass code in the online application form.  When prompted, please do not include the dash (-) in between the numbers.

It is recommended to apply for the E-Visa at least one week after receiving the confirmation of registration from the CBD Secretariat to ensure smooth processing of visa application. 

Note 1: The CBD Secretariat and host country government disclaim all responsibility for medical, accident and travel insurance, for compensation for death or disability compensation, for loss of or damage to personal property and for any other loss that may be incurred during travel time or the period of participation. In this context, it is strongly recommended to secure international medical, accident and travel insurance for the period of participation prior to departure.

Note 2: To facilitate process at the airport in Yerevan, please ensure to also bring a hard copy of the E-Visa.

In Yerevan, average daily temperatures in October typically range from +7°C to +21°C. Participants are advised to bring warm outerwear and an umbrella to accommodate variable fall weather conditions.

More information can be found at the following links:   

https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=66   

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/city/am/erevan/yerevan/current