As part of Armenia's National Biodiversity Week 2025, on 21 May, "United for Nature: International Cooperation Day" event took place in Boo Mountain Bike Park in Vanadzor, Lori region, which was hosted through a close collaboration between UNDP Biodiversity Finance Plan Armenia (BIOFIN) project and the Ministry of Environment. 

The event highlighted a successful community-led initiative in eco-tourism and environmental restoration initially supported by the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme and subsequently expanded through partnerships with the European Union and GIZ.

 This event aimed to foster collaboration, raise awareness, and celebrate the collective efforts towards a more sustainable and biodiverse future for Armenia by bringing together representatives from government, international organizations, local communities, and the media. 

In her opening speech, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili noted that the event perfectly aligns with the spirit of Armenia's Biodiversity Week and this year’s powerful theme for International Biodiversity Day, as proclaimed by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): “Harmony with Nature.” 

“Harmony with Nature is more than a slogan—it is a call to action. It reflects our collective commitment to balancing human development with the urgent need to protect and restore the natural world. It underscores the fundamental truth that our well-being is intrinsically tied to the health of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

Deputy Minister of Environment Aram Meymaryan emphasized that the success of green businesses like Boo Mountain Bike Park relies on the ecosystem services nature provides, such as clean air, water, wildlife and the recreational value of beautiful natural landscapes. He noted that environmental protection and business interests are not opposing goals but can align to create mutually beneficial, sustainable solutions.

Opening speeches were also delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, as well as local self-government and partner NGOs.

After the opening speeches, the official opening of the Boo Mountain Bike Park and pump track took place, after which the visitors participated in guided hiking tour.