Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets

FPWC was established as a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental education in Armenia. FPWC was founded in response to accelerating biodiversity loss, landscape degradation, and the need for long-term, locally grounded conservation models. The organisation’s core purpose is to conserve and restore Armenia’s natural and cultural landscapes while strengthening environmental stewardship, community resilience, and sustainable land use. FPWC applies a science-based and adaptive management approach, combining hands-on field implementation with research, education, and policy engagement. FPWC’s flagship conservation initiative is the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR)—the largest privately protected area in the South Caucasus—where the organisation leads forest landscape restoration, habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and sustainable land-use planning. FPWC also implements large-scale reforestation and afforestation programmes using native, climate-resilient species; restores riparian and riverine ecosystems; manages pastures and rangelands; and conducts applied ecological research and restoration trials. Environmental education and public engagement are central to FPWC’s mission. Through the SunChild EcoClubs operating in rural and urban communities, FPWC empowers children and youth to understand biodiversity, climate change, and civic responsibility through experiential learning. FPWC is also the founder and organiser of the SunChild International Environmental Festival, the only environmental film festival in the South Caucasus, which uses cinema, arts, and dialogue to raise public awareness and inspire environmental action. Across all activities, FPWC works closely with communities, government institutions, and private-sector partners, contributing to national and international biodiversity goals and fostering long-term ecological and social impact.