As a transit country, Armenia’s international image has suffered due to increased levels of wildlife trafficking – fourth largest illegal business type in the world and a major threat to the extinction of species worldwide.

On February 23, the opening of the “Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking Training Workshop” took place in Yerevan, organized by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), in collaboration with RA Ministry of Nature Protection (MNP) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

The objective of the 5-day training, led by IFAW experts, is to combat illegal wildlife trade in Armenia with a focus on the provision of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which Armenia joined in 2009. The 2008-2013 CITES database shows presence of illegal trade of wild animals in Armenia.

The workshop is participated by RA Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Shirak and Ararat Custom Clearance Offices, Zvartnots Airport, National University of Architecture and Construction, Georgian Ministry of Nature Protection, Hetq News Agency, Yerevan Zoo, and FPWC.

On the first day, the trainers stressed the importance of institutional cooperation in the fight against wildlife trafficking. In the next four days, both theoretical and practical workshops will take place to increase knowledge and skills for effectively preventing illegal wildlife trade and enforcing conventions.