In September and October, 142 schoolchildren aged 13–16 from communities around Lake Sevan took part in the initiative, organised under the EU-funded, UNDP-implemented project “EU for Sevan’s Biodiversity: Improving the Restoration of Lake Sevan’s Ecosystem”.

The young participants explored Lake Sevan’s biodiversity and the importance of its conservation, using art to express how they would like to see the lake in 2050.

Fifty pictures, ten from each community, were selected for display during COP17, allowing visitors to see how schoolchildren living around Lake Sevan perceive the lake today and envision its future.

In his remarks, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, stressed the need to conserve Lake Sevan, highlighting the importance of protecting its biodiversity, water resources and local livelihoods.

Addressing the young participants, he said: “Through your pictures and artistic ideas, you remind us that biodiversity conservation is more than a scientific or political issue. It is also a human issue, reflecting the future we want to build and the world we want to leave behind. Art has a special power. It helps us see nature with our eyes and feel it with our hearts. It can inspire people to think, feel and act, while the voice of your art speaks for Lake Sevan—its beauty, vulnerability and future.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili also praised the young participants’ achievements and stressed the importance of involving them in environmental initiatives and ensuring their participation in building a more sustainable future.

“You have shown that young people are more than future beneficiaries of environmental programmes: they already play an important role in implementing these initiatives today. I hope you will continue to ask questions, propose ideas and contribute to conserving Lake Sevan. The lake’s future will depend both on the commitments we make today and on the dedication, creativity and leadership of young people like you, who will continue to bring the vision for Sevan’s future to life,” Natsvlishvili said.

The event provided another reminder that conserving Lake Sevan is a shared responsibility across generations. By bringing young people’s voices to COP17, the initiative highlighted the importance of involving the younger generation in discussions and decision-making about the future of Armenia’s natural heritage.

A short video screened during the event summarised the initiative and presented the participating schoolchildren’s perspectives on Lake Sevan.

The creators of the three highest-rated works then took to the stage to receive their prizes from Vassilis Maragos and Natia Natsvlishvili. First prize went to 13-year-old Nare Matosyan of Gavar School No. 3. Second prize was awarded to 13-year-old Sona Mikayelyan, also of Gavar School No. 3, while third prize went to 13-year-old Susanna Khachatryan of School No. 1 in Karmir village, Gegharkunik region.

The project aims to support the long-term restoration and sustainable management of Lake Sevan’s ecosystem by improving biodiversity conservation, strengthening institutional capacity and introducing sustainable financing approaches. Alongside ecosystem restoration measures, it promotes environmental awareness and community engagement, encouraging local residents and young people to play an active role in preserving Lake Sevan’s natural heritage.

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1263247

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1263247

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1263247

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1263247