Published on 01/10/2024
By Ruben Khachatryan, Founder and Director of FPWC
On October 1st, 2024, Ruben Khachatryan, Founder and Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), delivered a powerful address on the importance of safeguarding civic space in conservation during the IUCN's discussion on illegal wildlife trafficking.
Ruben Khachatryan emphasized the role civic space plays as a cornerstone of global conservation efforts. In his speech, he noted that the ability for conservationists, NGOs, and local communities to operate freely and without fear is essential for the success of protecting the planet’s biodiversity.
“Civic space is more than just a platform for dialogue—it is the foundation upon which our collective efforts are built,” Khachatryan stated. He highlighted that without an open and secure environment, conservation efforts can be compromised by external pressures, and bold, effective action is hampered.
As the world’s largest environmental network, the IUCN has a responsibility to ensure its members, especially those working in high-risk areas like Armenia, feel secure and supported. Khachatryan called upon the IUCN to stand against attempts to undermine conservation efforts, noting that “Bad actors thrive in environments where civic spaces are weak. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that such vulnerabilities do not exist within the IUCN and its broader networks.”
Khachatryan praised the establishment of IUCN’s Global Civic Space Task Force, describing it as an important step toward addressing the risks faced by conservationists and organizations working in high-pressure environments. However, he urged the community to go further, advocating for the creation of a new motion to ensure long-term protection and the expansion of civic space.
He invited the IUCN community to contribute to the development of this motion, which will be shared on IUCN Engage, encouraging a collaborative approach to creating a lasting framework for protecting civic space.
As we approach the World Conservation Congress, Khachatryan’s speech is a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and freedom of those on the front lines of conservation. His call for collective accountability resonates throughout the IUCN network, reinforcing the message that protecting civic space is essential to safeguarding the integrity of the conservation movement itself.
“We must use the strength of the IUCN network to lead by example, ensuring that civic space remains a cornerstone of our global efforts,” Khachatryan concluded.
