From Waste to Nature: Building a Nature-Positive Waste Transition

The global biodiversity crisis is closely linked to how we extract, use and dispose of natural resources. Reducing reliance on virgin materials, keeping materials and nutrients in productive use, and preventing waste-related pollution are essential steps towards a nature-positive future. 

This session will explore how countries can tackle the environmental damage caused by existing waste practices while building systems that prevent future harm. Discussions will focus on practical opportunities to divert organic waste from disposal, recover valuable resources and reduce pollution. 

Armenia offers a relevant setting for this discussion. The country faces continuing challenges with waste disposal and environmental protection, alongside significant opportunities for resource recovery, particularly given the high share of organic waste in its waste stream. 

Drawing on Swedish–Armenian cooperation, including two new waste projects in Armenia, speakers will examine how waste investments can deliver benefits for both people and nature. The discussion will also consider the role of public participation, environmental and social safeguards, and financing in supporting this transition. 

Key discussion topics 

• Addressing existing harm: Reducing pollution and environmental damage associated with current waste disposal practices. 

• Keeping resources in use: Diverting organic waste from disposal and recovering materials and nutrients. 

• Putting people and nature first: Integrating public participation and environmental and social safeguards into waste planning and investment. 

• Financing the transition: Exploring how financing can support waste systems that protect and restore nature

Participants will leave with practical ideas for linking waste management and circular solutions to biodiversity protection, informed by experience from Armenia and Swedish-Armenian cooperation. 

Welcome remarks 

Klas Waldernstrom Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Yerevan 

Eeva Primmer, SEI Executive Director

Speakers 

Tomas Thernström Senior Expert for Waste Management and Circular Economy, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) 

Harutyun Alpetyan Waste Management Expert, Acopian Center for the Environment, American University of Armenia 

Anoud Allouzi Principal, Nature Finance and Policy, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD 

Evgeniya Tasheva Cities for People Campaign Leader, CEE Bankwatch Network 

Moderation 

Sasa Solujic, Team Leader, Environmental Policy and Strategy, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) 

Join the discussion 

Attendance: This in-person event takes place in the COP17 Blue Zone and is open to participants with valid Blue Zone accreditation.