AMCA, ADB and CLDF Organize International Event on Environmental Dispute Prevention and Resolution in the Framework of COP17

On 22 October 2026, the Arbitration and Mediation Center of Armenia (AMCA), in cooperation with the Center for Legislation Development Foundation (CLDF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organized an international event entitled “Making Peace with Nature: Environmental Disputes – From Prevention to Resolution” in the framework of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The event brought together local and international experts and practitioners in alternative dispute resolution, environmental law, and natural resource management to discuss practical mechanisms for preventing, managing at an early stage, and effectively resolving environmental disputes. Particular attention was given to biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and the reconciliation of competing interests.

The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks by Hayk Arakelyan, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Environment of Armenia; Tigran Dadunts, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Justice of Armenia; and Lyaziza Sabyrova, Country Director, Armenia Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank.

The keynote address was delivered by Michael Brown, Director of the Consensus Building Institute and Professor of Practice in Natural Resource Conflict Mediation and Global Governance at McGill University. His address focused on growing environmental risks and the importance of early dispute prevention.

The professional programme featured three panel discussions and an interactive case study dedicated to environmental dispute mediation.

The first panel discussion focused on “Conflict Prevention & Early Conflict Management.” It was moderated by Christina Pak, Assistant General Counsel (Law and Policy Reform), Asian Development Bank. The speakers included Beatrice Gomez, Artur Grigoryan, Genevieve O’Farrel, Nina Pindham, and Narine Avetisyan.

The discussion addressed tools for early conflict prevention in natural resource and biodiversity contexts, including community consultations, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and early warning systems. The panel also featured a presentation on the Asian Development Bank’s newly launched Management-Led Grievance Redress Service in relation to ADB-financed projects, aimed at anticipating and resolving grievances while preventing their escalation.

As part of the interactive case study, George Lim, Chairman of the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), delivered a keynote speech. Moderated by Christina Pak, the session used a hypothetical large-scale environmental dispute to examine how mediation could help communities, businesses, and other stakeholders address urgent needs while developing longer-term solutions. The discussion also explored the role of impartial facilitation and interest-based negotiation in achieving mutually acceptable outcomes.

The second panel discussion focused on “Mediated Solutions to Environmental Conflicts – Lessons on Mediation in Environmental Disputes.” It was moderated by Lilit Petrosyan, Secretary General and Director of the Arbitration and Mediation Center of Armenia (AMCA). The speakers included Wee Meng Chuan, CEO of the Singapore International Mediation Centre; Natalya Adamyan; Bryce Williams, Legal Counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration; and Judge Tenzin Leewan, Secretary General of the Bhutan ADR Centre.

The discussion examined the application of mediation in cross-border water disputes, conflicts between communities, and investor-state disputes. Particular attention was given to leveraging technical expertise, building trust, and ensuring the enforceability of mediated settlement agreements.

The third panel discussion addressed “International Arbitration in Support of Biodiversity Targets.” It was moderated by Annette Magnusson, Principal at Climate Change Counsel. The speakers included Professor Markus Gehring of the University of Cambridge; Professor Crenguta Leaua; Rafik Grigoryan, Founder and Managing Partner of Sigma Law Group; and Christoffer Coello Hedberg, Senior Associate at Kastell.

The discussion explored the role of international arbitration in supporting biodiversity conservation, the implications of environmental issues for international commercial and investment arbitration, and the use of scientific evidence in arbitral proceedings. The panel also addressed potential conflicts between obligations arising under international environmental treaties and international investment agreements, as well as possible approaches to resolving them.

The event concluded with closing reflections by Christina Pak and Michael Brown.