The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) is proud to announce a vital new phase in its conservation efforts through an exciting collaboration with World Land Trust. This week, we are honored to host Dr. Richard Cuthbert, Conservation Director of World Land Trust, as he joins our team in Armenia to work on enhancing the Management Plan for the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR).

Located adjacent to the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, CWR is Armenia’s only privately protected area and a flagship initiative of FPWC. Spanning over 30,000 hectares, it safeguards critical habitats for endangered species such as the Persian leopard, Bezoar goat, and Armenian mouflon. The refuge stands as a pioneering example of private conservation in the region, drawing international recognition for its innovative model.

Dr. Cuthbert’s visit is conducted within the framework of the UK Government’s Darwin Initiative, a program that supports projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment through capacity building and knowledge exchange. His collaboration with FPWC's conservation team will contribute to:

• Integrating international best practices into local conservation planning
• Co-developing strategic approaches for long-term ecological sustainability
• Enhancing habitat protection and adaptive management within CWR

This partnership reaffirms FPWC’s commitment to aligning Armenia’s biodiversity protection with global standards and demonstrates the power of cross-border cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.

“We are thrilled to work side by side with Dr. Cuthbert and to benefit from the deep expertise of World Land Trust. Such collaboration not only strengthens our conservation efforts on the ground but also connects Armenia’s unique ecosystems to global ecological networks,” said Ruben Khachatryan, FPWC's Founding Director.

As Armenia continues to face the impacts of climate change, habitat fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict, initiatives like these are critical for ensuring the resilience of its natural landscapes.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to World Land Trust and the Darwin Initiative for supporting this mission. Together, we are building a future where nature and communities thrive side by side.