10/27/2026

Stronger together for biodiversity: IKI networking evening in Yerevan

Large group of people in a conference room, some sitting and others standing, all facing the camera

Around 70 members of the IKI community came together at the IKI networking event held on the sidelines of CBD COP17 – to exchange ideas, share experiences and build strong partnerships for biodiversity.

On 22 October 2026, the IKI community gathered in the heart of Yerevan. Held on the occasion of CBD COP17 in Armenia, the event brought together representatives from numerous IKI projects and members of the IKI biodiversity team at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). The evening provided a lively platform for networking and the exchange of experiences.

Key role of the IKI

Inka Gnittke, Head of the Directorate for Nature Conservation at the BMUKN, offered insights into the key issues being addressed at CBD COP17 in her speech. For the first time, the parties are conducting a global review of progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at this year’s conference. Gaps in both ambition and implementation of the GBF need to be addressed. The IKI is a key component of Germany’s efforts to help close these gaps.

Woman with short gray hair and glasses speaking at a microphone in front of a screen with text.
The IKI plays a key role in global efforts to implement the GBF, addressing the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. It is a powerful tool through which Germany contributes to international action.
Inka Gnittke, Head of the Directorate for Nature Conservation at the BMUKN

Three new funding calls

Audience sitting in rows in a conference room applauding
The presentation of the new IKI funding calls was met with applause.

Gnittke also introduced three new IKI funding calls. The IKI Small Grants Call was announced, with the call opening on 1 November 2026. It is aimed at smaller-scale projects that can be implemented quickly. The IKI Medium Grants Call 2026 is already open, and project outlines can be submitted until 12 January 2027.

In addition, she outlined the four biodiversity-related thematic priorities of the new IKI Large Grants Call 2026. The official launch of the full IKI Large Grants funding call will take place at the IKI High-Level Event during the UN Climate Change Conference in Türkiye on 17 November 2026.

From connections to partnerships

The team members present from the BMUKN’s International Cooperation on Biodiversity Division then introduced themselves and shared insights into their respective areas of work. During the buffet that followed, participants had the opportunity to get to know one another, make new contacts and exchange ideas about their work in an informal setting.

The lively exchange demonstrated the strength and potential of the IKI community. The connections made and experiences shared provide a valuable foundation for new collaborations and strong partnerships. These, in turn, help protect biodiversity, tackle climate change and safeguard people’s livelihoods. We would like to thank everyone who attended for their participation and commitment.

Discover more impressions in our photo gallery:

Woman with bun and pearl necklace talking to a man, surrounded by other people indoors
A relaxed atmosphere at the IKI networking evening in Yerevan.
Woman with short gray hair and glasses standing at a podium next to a banner reading 'Conserving Biological Diversity' with an image of water and plants.
Inka Gnittke, Head of the Directorate for Nature Conservation at the BMUKN, gave a speech.
Group of people sitting in a room holding up smartphones
The new IKI funding calls attracted considerable interest.
Rear view of several people in a room, some holding up smartphones to take photos or videos.
Three new IKI calls for proposals were presented.
Several people sit in a room, a woman wearing glasses holds up a smartphone to take a photo or video.
Participants listened with great interest to the presentation of the new IKI funding calls.
Woman with glasses and dark blazer holding a microphone speaking in front of a banner with nature imagery and text about biological diversity
Elke Steinmetz, Head of the division International Cooperation on Biodiversity at BMUKN, was also present.
Woman holding microphone and note card speaking in front of green plants
The event was moderated by Teresa Reubel.
Several people are talking at high tables in a modern, well-lit room
The evening in Yerevan was all about personal exchange.
Several people are talking at high tables in a modern, well-lit room
Meaningful conversations and new connections made the evening special.
Two women talking at a table with two other people blurred in the background.
New ideas and engaging conversations emerged in an informal setting.
Three people in conversation, one person gesturing with hands, blurred screen with blue design in the background
The networking evening provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and get to know one another.
Group of people wearing name tags talking in front of a white wall
Engaging conversations helped strengthen the IKI network.

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