PRESS RELEASE
June 4, 2007
American University of Armenia
40 Marshal Baghramian
Yerevan 0019 ARMENIA
Tel: (37410) 512-522
Fax: (37410) 512-523
Contact: Diana ManukyanE-mail: [email protected] UK Conservation award
Dr. Karen Aghababyan’s research on Armenian wetlands has been recognized
by the United Kingdom with its top conservation award. Dr. Aghababyan is
Coordinator of the Environmental Conservation and Research Center at the
American University of Armenia and leads research projects for the
University’s Birds of Armenia program.
"Receiving the Whitley Award will draw attention to environmental issues
involved in wetland habitat degradation," said Karen Aghababyan, "But
moreover important it will let us train the next generation on how to do
conservation in Armenia and protect the remainder of our wonderful
nature and environment".
Dr. Aghababyan received the Whitley Award, donated by the Friends of the
Whitley Fund for Nature, from HRH The Royal Princess Anneand Sir David
Attenborough at London’s Royal Geographical Society May 10. Dr.
Aghababyan is the first Armenian to win the £30,000 research award.
"We are extremely pleased to know that Dr. Aghababyan’s important work –
scientific research that contributes directly to Armenia’s development
— has been recognized internationally with the Whitley Fund award, and
the whole University joins me in congratulating Dr. Aghababyan," said
AUA President Haroutune Armenian.
Dr, Aghababyan’s research on wetlands focuses on white storks and the
use of nesting for species and habitat conservation. Armenia is of
great importance to birds. More than 350 species have been recorded
including endangered wetland birds. For centuries the white stork has
been regarded with great affection in Europe. Although they were once
prolific, the intensification of agriculture and draining of wetlands
has resulted in a decline in the populations. Although many Armenians
feel indifferently towards wetlands, white storks are seen as a cultural
icon.
As Edward Whitley, Founder and Chairman of the Whitley Fund for Nature
explained, "Using an iconic species like the White Stork is a great way
of drawing attention to the drainage of wetlands, too often a neglected
habitat. Working under quite difficult conditions, Karen is getting
local people involved in conservation and interested in protecting
Armenia’s remaining wetlands, which are so important for birds."
———————————— —
The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered as a
non-profit organization in the United States and the American University
of Armenia Fund (AUAF) in Armenia. The American University of Armenia
(AUA) is affiliated through AUAC with the Regents of the University of
California. Receiving major support from the AGBU, USAID and private
donors, AUA offers instruction leading to the Master’s degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA visit