Yerevan:The Thai government is gearing up for participation in the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17), emphasizing the promotion of biodiversity conservation and nature restoration. The conference is scheduled to take place from October 19-30, 2026, in Yerevan, Armenia.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed Thailand's negotiating position for Cabinet approval. This position is aimed at ensuring Thailand plays a significant role in the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources while safeguarding national interests.
COP17 will serve as a key global platform to monitor progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), which focuses on tangible outcomes in conservation and restoration efforts. The event will include official meetings from October 19-30 and ministerial meetings on October 27-28. Additionally, sessions under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to and Benefit-Sharing of Genetic Resources will be held.
Thailand's approach will prioritize fairness, sustainable development, and respect for sovereign rights over biological and genetic resources. The country aims to enhance international cooperation and consensus-based decision-making. Thailand's agenda includes resource mobilization, financial mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, progress in natural restoration, equitable access to genetic data, and the integration of biodiversity with agriculture, wildlife management, marine and coastal ecosystems, climate change, and public health.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that the meeting offers Thailand a chance to influence international decisions and develop national biodiversity policies. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will lead the Thai delegation at this crucial event, which is seen as an opportunity to foster cooperation and support mechanisms that benefit communities, farmers, and the public in the long run.
She further clarified that the proposed negotiating framework serves as a guideline for international negotiations, not a binding agreement, with the aim to achieve ecosystem restoration and balanced biodiversity use for the sustainable benefit of Thailand and its citizens.