Global cooperation network between IUCN members set in Armenia

From June 13th to 17th FPWC hosted the Dutch member organizations of IUCN for knowledge exchange trip to the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR). The representatives of the Society for the Study and Conservation of Mammals, the Butterfly Foundation (De Vlinderstichting), the Het Zeeuwse Landschap, the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, AVALON and SOVON foundations had exchanged their vast experience on biodiversity monitoring and advanced analyzing techniques currently used all over Europe. One of the objectives of the meeting was to define the priorities of biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Europe as well as to compare the conservation strategy on the monitoring of red listed species.

The Dutch representatives of IUCN NL had a three day intensive trip to CWR remote areas, Khosrov Forest State Reserve and Armash lakes to get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of Armenia and identify the possible frameworks of cooperation. The members emphasized the importance of promoting the models of privately protected areas within Armenia noting the successful existence of such models in Europe for biodiversity conservation. At the end of the trip the members agreed to work over unified conservation strategy and action plan for the conservation of red listed species, as well as conduct biodiversity monitoring for mammals, birds, butterflies and other animals occurring in CWR thus expanding the network of cooperation among Dutch and Armenian universities as well.

FPWC is a member of IUCN since 2012.