We are proud to share that our Founder and Director, and IUCN ICENCA Steering Committee member, Ruben Khachatryan, participated in an influential discussion titled "Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: How is the EU Coping?" The event was held in Bruges, Belgium, during the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North, and Central Asia (RCF).

The panel featured esteemed conservation leaders, including Maud Lelièvre, President of the French Committee of IUCN; Mia Crnojevic-Cherrier, Campaigns Officer at the International Fund for Animal Welfare; and Bakytbek Tokubekuulu, Research Fellow at the University of Central Asia.

As a member of CITES, the European Union has established an ambitious legislative framework to combat illegal wildlife trade. However, despite these efforts, Europe remains the third-largest importer of illegal wildlife. The discussion delved into this paradox, exploring the challenges and examining innovative scientific and legal measures being implemented by IUCN members in both countries of origin and destination.

Ruben Khachatryan shared insights from FPWC's initiatives, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and community engagement in addressing illegal wildlife trafficking. The event underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts to effectively combat this global issue.

We are honored to have been part of this significant conversation and remain committed to contributing to the fight against illegal wildlife trade.