On March 13, 2024 the WCF and FPWC teams invited the Armenian community of LA to an exclusive event. We met to explore and support impactful projects in Armenia, enjoyed the warmth of community and shared ideas that matter over wine, cheese and dried fruits.
In this article we share some impressions with you, and the words with wich WCF president Ruben Khachatryan addressed the audience:
Dear esteemed guests, With immense pleasure and gratitude, I extend a warm welcome to everyone gathered here today for the inaugural event of the Wilderness and Culture Fund. This charity holds a profound dedication to the preservation of nature and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in Armenia. While the Wilderness and Culture Fund may be a newly established charity, its roots trace back to the early 2000s with the establishment of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Culture in Armenia(FPWC). During this time, a group of individuals, including myself and my esteemed colleague Nils Engel from Germany, laid the foundations for what would become an Armenian institution dedicated to nature conservation. This institution is the cornerstone of the Wilderness and Culture Fund in the USA. The journey from a small Armenian organization called FPWC to the largest nature conservation entity in Armenia is filled with milestones and achievements. You will gain insight into this remarkable evolution through the films showcased on our screens and the information provided at our booths. The Wilderness and Culture Fund and its Armenian counterparts share a common vision and mission: to safeguard Armenia's cultural and natural heritage. This commitment is especially crucial now, given the vulnerability of our borders and the challenges faced by the people of Artsakh as they seek refuge in villages bordering Nakhichevan. While we do not engage in politics, we firmly believe that all Armenian organizations must contribute to strengthening our nation across all spheres, whether through advancements in science, education, environmental initiatives, or the sustainable management of natural resources. We are firm believers in the power of the global Armenian community to support and sustain our homeland. Today, we proudly present the culmination of 20 years of dedication and hard work by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). Together with the Wilderness and Culture Fund, FPWC will extend its reach to strategically important villages and lands in Armenia, furthering our conservation and sustainability efforts. Before proceeding further, I would like to thank my esteemed colleagues on the board: Harutiun Aquarian, Gevorg Gasparian, Karine Sargisyan, and Vahan Zanoyan. Although Vahan couldn't join us today due to prior commitments, their unwavering support has been instrumental in reaching this momentous occasion. Dear Guests, enjoy your evening with Armenian wines from KOOR and dry fruits directly from Armenia. Please be sure to also see the Organic products produced within our projects and jewelry made out of the pieces from the bear cages after the rescues. We will also appreciate your donations using QR codes near the screens and on booklets. But most of all, we will be glad to stay in touch with you and report on developments and projects of the Wilderness and Culture Fund. So be sure to leave your name and Email address in a journal at the entrance.
Since Glendale is considered the second most Armenian-populated city in the world, I would like to say a few words in Armenian as well. I am sure that, just like for you, the stability of our homeland is of utmost importance to me too, and with our collective effort, the new generation will achieve that goal. Again, I can only emphasize that in all of our projects, without exception, we prioritize supporting families living in border regions, reinforcing both the security of our borders and the development of local infrastructure.
There are many underlying points that, for well-known reasons, I cannot disclose, but believe me—it is possible to be part of an international environmental organization and still serve your nation and homeland in its most urgent needs.
If you have questions about specific programs, you are welcome to speak with my colleagues Sona Kalantaryan, Vardan Melikyan, and Nils Christian Engel, who have crossed the ocean with me for today’s event.
Thank you.