The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) actively participated in the 2026 Annual Conference of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). This six-day, large-scale event brought together not only representatives of EAZA member and non-member zoos, but also the scientific sectors of various countries, specialized animal transport logistics organizations, and leading experts in the fields of education and technology.

Participation in the conference was of key importance for FPWC, both in terms of localizing international standards for endangered species conservation and animal welfare in Armenia, and ensuring the exchange of experience with the foundation's ongoing projects (Caucasus Wildlife Refuge - CWR, Wildlife Rescue Center - WRC).

One of the most important focus areas of the conference was the discussion of modern approaches to animal welfare and health monitoring. Special sessions addressed the care, proper feeding formulas, and diets for bears and other animals.

In his speech, the founder and director of the Foundation, Ruben Khachatryan, emphasized that keeping an animal well does not mean simply feeding it abundantly; excessive fattening harms the animal's health, so it is necessary to be guided by scientifically calculated diets. This directly relates to the work of FPWC's Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC), where special rehabilitation regimes are applied for sheltered bears and other rescued animals.

Innovative equipment, toys, and items designed to stimulate animal activity and behavior, which ensure the physical and psychological health of animals, were presented in the exhibition booths.

During the conference, special emphasis was placed on the importance of species conservation in their natural habitat (in-situ). Approaches were discussed where, instead of transferring animals to zoos, funding and support are directed toward organizing conservation and reproduction directly in their natural habitats.

This model is fully aligned with FPWC's strategy, which expands protected areas through the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR), ensuring the safety of local endemic species, large mammals, and migratory birds in their native habitats. Projects on creating genetic banks and protecting special areas that require international cooperation were also presented.

During the meetings, FPWC representatives held discussions and raised targeted questions regarding European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) coordination and management mechanisms. The discussions covered endangered mammals and birds as well as small invertebrate species. It was specially emphasized that although invertebrates are not "flagship" species, they are of fundamental importance to biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Bird species conservation topics complement the work of FPWC as the official Armenian partner of BirdLife International, including global flyway protection initiatives.

The EAZA 2026 conference was another important step for FPWC toward strengthening international partnerships and bringing state-of-the-art technologies and environmental methodology to Armenia. FPWC continues its mission, combining local and international efforts for wildlife conservation and raising public awareness.