Ruben KHACHATRYAN

Ruben Khachatryan is a conservation leader with over two decades of experience pioneering cross-sectoral solutions to biodiversity loss, species protection, and environmental education in the South Caucasus.

He is the founder and director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), one of Armenia’s most influential conservation organizations. Under his leadership, FPWC has launched groundbreaking initiatives such as the SunChild International Environmental Festival, a pioneering platform that uses film, art, and community engagement to empower youth and raise awareness of environmental challenges.

In 2010, Ruben spearheaded the creation of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR), a landmark private conservation area now protecting over 35,000 hectares of vital habitat and migratory corridors. The CWR bridges state-protected areas and supports cross-border protection of endangered species, including the Persian leopard and Bezoar goat, serving as a model for community-based and sustainable conservation across the region.

From 2011 to 2020, Ruben served as director of the Yerevan Zoo, where he led a complete transformation of the institution, aligning it with EAZA standards and turning it into a modern hub for conservation, education, and animal welfare.

He holds degrees in Global Environmental Management and Policy (Germany and Switzerland), as well as Fine Arts and Film Directing, a unique background that allows him to bridge science, storytelling, and community mobilization in powerful ways.

Ruben’s work has received international recognition. In 2014, he was awarded the Golden Medal of Armenia’s Ministry of Nature Protection, and in 2018, he received the Frankfurt Conservation Prize. His efforts to rescue and rehabilitate illegally held and abused wildlife, including bears kept in captivity, have been featured on Al Jazeera, further cementing his role as a committed advocate for animal rights and species protection.

With a deep commitment to collaborative and inclusive conservation, Ruben Khachatryan brings visionary leadership, grassroots experience, and a strong regional perspective to the IUCN mission.