WWF-Armenia Team

Mr. Karen Manvelyan, PhD

Director

Karen Manvelyan joined WWF in May 2002. He graduated from Yerevan Zoo-Veterinary Institute and holds a PhD in animal physiology. Prior to joining WWF, he worked as a Head of Department of Biodiversity Conservation at the Institute of Botany as well as Scientific Director of the Yerevan Zoo.

Karen holds a Diploma in Endangered Species Management from the University of Kent and completed training courses on Endangered Species Management at Gerald Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and on Wetlands Management in Yerevan. He specialized in the conservation of endangered species of plants and animals, as well as protected area management.

Karen speaks his native Armenian, as well as Russian and English. He enjoys traveling, music, sports, hiking and driving.

Arthur Khoyetsyan, PhD

Communications/Fundraising Officer

Arthur Khoyetsyan joined WWF as Communications Officer in September 2006. He studied Linguistics & Political Science and holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies & Rhetoric from Yerevan State Linguistic University (YSLU, Armenia).

Prior to joining WWF, Arthur worked as a Chief Specialist in the International Relations Department for the Ministry of Labour and Social Issues, RA. In the past, he worked for various international organizations in Armenia (TACIS, SDC) and in 2004 took up the post of Director of Studies at YSLU for almost 2 years.

As a visiting scholar, he spent 4 months conducting research in Public Policy Analysis Writing in the US Syracuse University, NY. As an Associate Professor at YSLU, he teaches 'Public Speaking' and 'Argument Writing' courses at the University level.

He speaks his native Armenian, as well as Russian, English and basic French. He enjoys traveling, sports, and driving.

Mrs. Siranush Galstyan, MSc

Conservation Officer

Siranush Galstyan joined WWF Armenia in March 2006 and is currently the Conservation Officer. In 2002, she gained her Master's degree in Environmental Sciences and Policy from the Central European University in Budapest.

Upon returning from her studies in Europe, Siranush worked in Armenia in a forestry related project dealing with different aspects of the forestry sector including institutional and legal issues, as well as capacity building. In that context, she was involved in a number of participatory processes for the development of forest policy and strategy, the national forest program, forestry legislation and others.

As a core team member, she also participated in the organization and implementation of workshops and trainings. In 2004, Siranush coordinated a CBD related project including the preparation and publication of a guide on biodiversity for lecturers and students. This publication includes general information about biodiversity as well as an Armenian translation of the Convention.

Siranush speaks Armenian, Russian and English. She also teaches various environmental courses at the University level.

Meline Manukyan

Office Administrator

Since January 2007, Meline Manukyan has been working as an Office Administrator for WWF Armenia and is responsible for the overall management of the WWF Armenian branch office, in addition to providing administrative assistance.

Before joining WWF Armenia, Meline worked as a Program Assistant for various projects implemented by the International Research Exchange Board (Internet Access and Training Program - IATP), the Core Media Support Program (CMSP) and the Academy for Educational Development/Armenia Office.

Meline obtained her Master's degree in Economics from Yerevan State University, Department of Economics. She also participated in Banking Courses organized by Central Bank of Republic of Armenia.

Her interests include but are not limited to fashion, travelling, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys various international cuisines, particularly Chinese and Mexican.