Armenia has officially unveiled the logo for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity. At the centre of the emblem is a rare blue butterfly Polyommatus eriwanensis, commonly known as the Erivan Anomalous Blue, a species found only in and around Yerevan. The logo is accompanied by the slogan “Taking action for nature”, sets the tone for COP17, which will be hosted by Armenia in October 2026.
Why a Butterfly Was Chosen
- The Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly is endemic to Armenia, making it a powerful local symbol with global relevance.
- Endemic species are highly sensitive to environmental changes such as habitat loss, climate change, and disruptions in plant diversity.
- Butterflies are widely used by scientists as indicators of ecosystem health because their populations respond quickly to environmental stress.
- By featuring this butterfly, Armenia has linked global biodiversity goals with a tangible, local species.
Symbolism in the COP17 Logo
The COP17 logo incorporates 23 blended colours, symbolising the 23 targets of the global biodiversity framework. The design conveys that progress on one target depends on collective action across all others.
The butterfly represents,
- Fragility of ecosystems
- Interdependence of species
- The need for implementation, not just pledges
The message reinforces that biodiversity protection requires coordinated efforts at global, national, and local levels.
About the Erivan Anomalous Blue
- The Erivan Anomalous Blue inhabits calcareous grasslands in Armenia.
- Interestingly scientists have not yet identified the host plant of the species, highlighting gaps in ecological knowledge even for locally known organisms.
- The species is currently not listed in the Global or European Red Lists, but its restricted range makes it vulnerable to environmental changes.
Link to Previous COPs
- The choice of a butterfly follows a growing trend of COP hosts using locally endemic species as symbols.
- COP16 in Colombia, for instance, featured the Inirida flower native to the Guaviare region.
- Over time COP logos have evolved from generic environmental imagery to ecologically meaningful symbols reflecting a shift from awareness-building to accountability and action.
Background of COP17
- COP17 will be a crucial global biodiversity summit as it will host the first global review of implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- The framework contains 23 global targets, ranging from habitat protection and species conservation to reforming subsidies that harm biodiversity. COP17 will assess how effectively countries are translating commitments into on-ground action.
Key Takeaways
- COP17 will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, in October 2026.
- The COP17 logo features the Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly.
- The butterfly is endemic to Armenia and sensitive to environmental change.
- COP17 will review implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- The framework has 23 global biodiversity targets.
- Butterflies are used as indicators of ecosystem health.
Question
Q. Which species is featured in the official COP17 logo?
A. Inirida flower
B. Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly
C. Monarch butterfly
D. Siberian Tiger