On October 20, as part of COP17, a workshop initiated by the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia (CTUA) was held at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex. The workshop focused on the strategic role of trade unions in reducing the overall risks posed by pesticides, in line with Target 7 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The workshop presented the findings of a study underpinning the trade union position paper entitled “Sustainable Agriculture and Workers’ Protection: Effective Management and Responsible Use of Pesticides in Agriculture.” The study was conducted through the cooperation of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung’s Office in Armenia, and the JUSTUS Research and Consulting Foundation. Speakers included Elen Manaseryan, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Armenia; Liana Badalyan, Programme Manager at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office in Armenia; and Dr. Emil Gevorgyan, representative of the JUSTUS Foundation. The discussions addressed challenges associated with pesticide use, ways to protect workers’ health and safety, and opportunities for trade unions to participate in the development of agricultural and environmental policies. The study’s findings raise serious concerns about the misuse of pesticides and the risks that already exist.

To read the study, click here.