Introduction
The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets in the Republic of Armenia (FPWC) was found in 2001 by the wildlife filmmaker Khachatryan. Since then, one of the main aims of the foundation is to raise local and international public awareness of environmental issues, the unique nature conservation and cultural heritage of Armenia. In pursuit of this goal, FPWC develops and implements its own environmental education, community outreach, wildlife, and habitat preservation projects (FPWC Profile).
The foundation established SunChild Eco-Clubs in several regions of Armenia to provide environmental education. FPWC’s curriculum allows youth to develop a dignified identity characterized by respect and protection for their home country’s cultural heritage. With the help of professionals FPWC organizes different environmental events, festivals and campaigns, as well as various environmental projects. They cooperate with journalists, filmmakers, photographers, ecologists, biologists, zoologists, environmental law specialists, regional developers, tourism and community specialists, and international experts.
The production of documentary films dedicated to Armenian exclusive nature and wildlife, is one of the most outstanding environmental projects that FPWC is involved since 2001. In the last few years they have produced a series of thirty films that were not only broadcast by local Armenian TV channels, but also participated in international environmental film festivals and got a number of awards (Barbara). Pan-Armenian Nature Painting Competition is an event to involve all Armenian children and youth to participate in a contest for the most beautiful nature paintings. The contest is part of an initiative to encourage Armenians worldwide to unite and raise their voices for the preservation of their motherland’s unique natural heritage.
FPWC wants to raise awareness for the unique treasures of South Caucasian nature not only in Armenia, but also in abroad. The foundation implements its projects with support of various Armenian and international organizations (among them: GTZ, OSCE, UNICEF). The yearly Green Generation Campaign is dedicated to Earth Day (FPWC is an official partner of Earth Day Network in Washington). During this event with the help of volunteers of foreign missions, international organizations and international companies approximately 2000 trees are being planted and several tons of waste is being collected from the Armenian countryside (Green). FPWC closely work with local stakeholders in all regions of Armenia, as well as with the private sectors. They are in partnership with VivaCell MTC Company, which is very involved in all the programs and projects held by FPWC. They also work with Armenian governmental institutions such as the National Institute for Education and the Ministry for Nature Protection (Barbara).
SunChild Eco-clubs
Under the name SunChild, FPWC bundles all its’ educational and awareness-raising initiatives. The main project in this field is the SunChild Eco-club Network which was established in 2006 to provide environmental education to the youth of Armenia. The project was launched in different regions of Armenia. Currently, there are nine SunChild Eco-clubs throughout Armenia (in Vanadzor, Urtsadzor, Dilijan, Garni, Yeregnadzor, Yerevan, Sisan, Noratus) and in Stepanakert (Nagorno Karabakh). Approximately six hundred members, teenagers between the ages of twelve to sixteen, are enrolled in the environmental education program. SunChild Eco-clubs are independent institutions offering after-school education. The courses are free. FPWC’s task in the field of education is to bring up a new generation with the skills and motivation to recognize environmental problems and to find solutions for them. Through education FPWC wants to achieve a reorientation of Armenia’s youngsters and break the years of cycle of mere consumerism and ignorance towards nature (Barbara).
The SunChild Eco-club Network introduced a new educational approach in Armenia. The core of the program is to teach youngsters to observe and study their local natural environment and its problems through photo and video cameras; therefore, photography and filmmaking are the vital pedagogical tools used. The members of Eco-clubs learn wildlife photography then express their concerns and demands in self-made films. Those self-made films are accomplished under the supervision of specialists (professional teachers hired by FPWC). The films are dedicated to the local environmental issues. While making films they closely investigate the environmental problems, and find out why, who and what is endangering Armenia’s natural heritage. It encourages them to take responsibility for the environmental improvements of their local community. And through a variety of projects, the young members of SunChild Eco-clubs become strong advocates for their home-country’s unique biodiversity (SunChild Curriculum).
FPWC’s unique approach in educating the young generation is strongly attracting more and more youth to join the SunChild Eco-clubs. In addition to the film making and photography lessons, the SunChild Eco-clubs offer many other subjects, such as environmental law, ecology, journalism, English and computer skills. SunChild Eco-clubs want to strengthen the young members’ self esteem by encouraging creativity, independent-critical thinking and freedom of expression. The goal is to help the youth to become well trained professionals and serious citizens who will participate in democratic decision processes and help manage Armenia’s natural resources in the future (SunChild Curriculum).
In 2008 FPWC published the first environmental tell stories “Arevi Hetqerov” written in Armenian by SunChild Eco-club members. The book is designed by beautiful environmental pictures and all the tell stories are about nature and its concerns. The short stories end with a question that makes the reader think critically and write the answer. The best answers will be chosen to publish the second book.
Utilizing its enormous experience in environmental education, FPWC also created the first Armenian manual for practical environmental education. This manual was developed by FPWC in cooperation with UNICEF and is approved by the National Institute for Education. In 2011 UNICEF will distribute the manual to all Armenian schools (Barbara).
SunChild International Environmental Festival
In addition to the SunChild Eco-club Network, FPWC established the SunChild International Environmental Festival in 2007. It is the only environmental festival in the entire Caucasus region. The event serves as a huge platform for open discussions, conferences, workshops and trainings about nature protection and environmental issues, and encourages joint projects by promoting creative solutions for environmental problems.
In 2007, from October 24th to 28th, FPWC organized and held the first SunChild Regional Environmental Festival in Yerevan. The aim of the festival was to raise public knowledge of existing environmental problems among Armenian citizens, especially among children and youths, and promote efficient solutions to those problems in the regions. The agenda of the festival included number of different environmental activities, such as tree planting, greening, scavenging (garbage collecting) in seven regions of Armenia. Besides those activities, the festival program included a competitive environmental and an international film programs for young filmmakers, action-concerts, workshops, nature photo exhibitions and an exhibition of GarbageArt created by the young members of SunChild Eco-clubs. The children art exhibitions and other environmental activities for children are very essential for the festival (fpwc.org).
The films made by the young film makers in the SunChild Eco-clubs are not only presented in the Children Program of SunChild Festival but also at many Environmental Film Festivals abroad. They have already won awards at several international festivals, including the Wildlife Vaasa International Nature Film Festival in Finland and the Greenscreen Filmfestival in Germany. The film "Eha" of SunChild Eco-club Garni was nominated for a Panda Award at Wildscreen Festival in Bristol, UK. To be nominated in this festival is like an Oscar Nomination in the field of environmental film making (SunChild TV).
SunChild TV
Due to FPWC’s strong experience in film and media the organization set up SunChild TV in 2010. By creating the SunChild TV, FPWC takes an important and critical step in its educational efforts. SunChild TV is the first participatory and interactive environmental television program in the whole Caucasus region. Through educational programs the young viewers will be able to discover their country’s exclusive environmental and cultural heritage, take pride and protect the natural treasures and the basic roots of Armenian culture. The program is available once a week in Armenian Public TV as well as via a webpage and satellite. FPWC hopes to create an opportunity for young Diaspora Armenians to stay in contact with their peers in Armenia, as well as to get familiarized with their homeland’s unique natural and cultural heritage and develop emotional ties to their native country (fpwc.org).

Nature Conservation and Buffer Zone Project
In order to improve nature conservation in Armenia, FPWC has taken over the responsibility for 500 hectares of pristine land in the vicinity of Khosrov Reserve. The area, which forms a neutral buffer zone for the reserve, is a true haven for South Caucasian biodiversity. The region is valued as one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots. The protection of Armenia’s unique flora and fauna is of highest importance. Unfortunately, the law enforcement in Armenian nature reserves is not managed according to international standards.
FPWC is the first organization in the entire region to set up a privately managed and monitored nature reserve. By closely working with local community stakeholders, currently, FPWC has taken the first steps to protect the territory from negative human impacts like hunting, overgrazing and over-consumption of wild. As of now, botanical and zoological surveys of the area are being conducted. FPWC is preparing to sign an agreement with the British organization, World Land Trust (WLT), which will join the project as counseling and supporting partner (Barbara).  
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barbara Siebert: Program Director of Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). Email:
FPWC Profile: Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC):

Green Generation Campaign: SunChild Campaigns and Events.
SunChild Curriculum: < http://www.fpwc.org/index.php?id=1842&L=0>

SunChild TV: SunChild Eco-club’s film Chosen as a Finalist for the Panda Award 2010!