Armenian Biodiversity Information and Education Center (Ecoepicenter) is a part of the Department of Conservation of Genetic Resources of Armenian Flora, Institute of Botany after A.Takhtajyan of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. It is located on the territory of Yerevan Botanical Garden. The main goals of the Ecoepicenter are: education and awareness raising on biodiversity and the importance of its conservation, research and ex situ conservation of native plant species of Armenia.
The Center for conservation of the biodiversity of Armenia was established in 1994 in the unique UFO shaped glasshouse type construction (built in 1979) on the territory of Yerevan Botanical Garden. The architect of the unique building is Suren Shahsuvaryan, the constructor is John Hovakimyan. As far as ex-situ (off site) conservation of plant species of Armenian flora was one of the main aims of the Ecoepicenter, the original idea appeared to create small model biotopes that will host native plant species characteristic to the particular habitats. It was expected that the exposition of the biotopes will serve as an educational public space and at the same time could be used for conservation of threatened plant species.
So, to create conditions close to the natural ones, the soil, rocks and gravel for the model biotopes have been brought from the natural habitats. Ponds and streams in some areas created specific microclimate for water and moisture loving plants. Due to the many-year efforts of the staff of the Institute of Botany the model biotopes got inhabited and became home to more than 350 native plant species, about 50 of which are rare and threatened ones.
The ornamental plants section with huge vivid lianas interlacing with the architectural elements of the Center creates a very unusual, exotic atmosphere. For many years from February-March to late autumn the visitors of the Center have had an opportunity to see the beautiful blooming herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs.
But some intriguing changes happened to the Center since it closed to public in May of 2020 to renovation works and organization of a new exhibition sponsored correspondingly by WWF Armenia and GIZ. Very soon it will open to public again as The Armenian Biodiversity Information and Education Center (Ecoepicenter).