On 12 February 2025, the Republic of Armenia received the Statement of Claim filed by the Republic of Azerbaijan in an arbitration initiated under the 1979 Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. This follows a procedural calendar issued by the arbitral tribunal after the first procedural hearing on 12 April 2024, during which Armenia achieved several favourable rulings.
Armenia will continue to vigorously defend its position in these proceedings. Azerbaijan’s legal case is based on an interpretation and application of the Bern Convention that does not comport with its object and purpose which is to promote cooperation among States to conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats.
Contrary to what Azerbaijan suggests, reports by the United Nations Environment Programme and other independent bodies, in fact, make clear that it is Azerbaijan that has engaged in environmental damage in recent years. Armenia will refute Azerbaijan’s baseless claims as well as its demand for compensation.
Since becoming a State party to the Bern Convention, Armenia has remained committed to upholding its commitment to the conservation of the region’s wildlife and preservation of the environment. This is reflected, inter alia, in Armenia’s environmental record and its active engagement with the Bern Convention’s Standing Committee.
