Ucom will participate in the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity — COP17, as part of its strategic partnership with the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), — showcasing years of work and new initiatives in nature conservation, renewable energy, and technology-driven solutions.
Ucom’s participation will include a range of environmental, professional, and public events. Ahead of COP17, the first Yerevan Conservation Symposium 2026 will take place on October 17–18, with Ucom serving as a strategic partner. The platform is expected to bring together a broad international community of conservation and business leaders and is intended to evolve into part of the wider COP format in the future.
“COP17 does not mark the beginning of a new environmental agenda for Ucom. It is an opportunity to continue the work we have been carrying out with our partners for many years and to present it on a broader, including international, platform. As a technology company, we see our responsibility not only in providing people with high-quality connectivity, but also in applying technological capabilities to address issues that matter to Armenia. Nature conservation is one of those areas,” said Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom.
Starting from October 19, with the opening of COP17, Ucom will have a presence and take part in activities across the Green and Blue Zones. With Ucom’s support, the SunChild International Environmental Film Festival will open during COP17. Ralph Yirikian will also take part in professional discussions in the Green and Blue Zones, while a presentation of an illustrated children’s book on Armenia’s biodiversity is also planned.
The partnership between Ucom and FPWC began years before COP17 and includes a range of initiatives in nature conservation, renewable energy, and technological solutions.
“COP17 is an exceptional and historic opportunity for Armenia to demonstrate to the world how modern technologies and environmental action can come together to protect ecosystems. Our long-standing and trusted partnership with Ucom is clear evidence that technological solutions — from artificial intelligence to renewable energy — are indispensable tools for wildlife conservation. Together, we are not only protecting Armenia’s biodiversity, but also creating a successful model for a sustainable future that we are ready to proudly present to the international community,” said Ruben Khachatryan, Founder and Director of FPWC.
Key Areas of Cooperation Between Ucom and FPWC
As part of the cooperation between Ucom and FPWC, 18 solar power stations have been installed in communities across Armenia, while around 40,000 trees have been planted in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge with the participation of Ucom employees. In addition, 10 smart birdwatching camera-feeders have been installed in schools, along with six solar-powered electric fences in Vayots Dzor to protect beehives from bears.
In Vedi and Urtsadzor, Ucom has provided the internet connectivity required for thermal imaging monitoring systems. To ensure uninterrupted monitoring in hard-to-reach areas, two autonomous solar-powered stations have also been installed. In addition, two all-terrain vehicles were provided to the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge to support conservation activities.
The technological dimension of the partnership has continued with the introduction of new solutions. An AI-powered monitoring camera has been installed in the Twin Lakes area, enabling round-the-clock monitoring of environmentally sensitive territories and observation of wildlife without interfering with animals’ natural behaviour.
For many years, Ucom has also supported the SunChild International Environmental Film Festival. As part of the company’s broader environmental agenda, a comprehensive assessment of the carbon footprint of Ucom’s headquarters has also been carried out to identify further opportunities for reducing emissions.