In the TEDxYerevanSalon talk titled “Biodiversity Loss Is Not Reversible,” Arsen Gasparyan sheds light on the pressing issue of biodiversity decline and its irreversible consequences. Gasparyan emphasizes that the rapid loss of species and ecosystems due to human activities poses a critical threat to the planet’s ecological balance. He discusses the intricate interdependencies within ecosystems that sustain life and the potential catastrophes that can arise from their disruption.
Through compelling examples and data, he illustrates how biodiversity loss not only impacts wildlife but also fundamentally alters human livelihoods and the health of our environment. Gasparyan urges listeners to recognize the urgency of preserving our natural world, advocating for proactive measures that promote ecological resilience. His call to action serves as a reminder that safeguarding biodiversity is essential for the survival of both nature and humanity, underscoring the idea that once lost, these irreplaceable systems may never return. This powerful message challenges us to reconsider our relationship with nature and the responsibilities we hold to ensure a sustainable future.
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Author Video Description
At TEDxYerevan, Arsen Gasparyan explains why protecting nature before it’s destroyed is far more effective than trying to bring it back afterward. Using the example of the genetically engineered “dire wolf,” he reveals the limits of modern biotechnology and the irreplaceable value of natural ecosystems. Forests are not just collections of trees, they are complex systems where every organism plays a role. Arsen argues that real environmental protection begins not with planting trees or editing genes, but by changing our behavior, our consumption, and our relationship with nature.
Arsen Gasparyan is an Assistant Professor at the American University of Armenia’s Acopian Center for the Environment and a leading biodiversity expert. He holds a PhD in lichen diversity and conservation from Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2009, he has worked in nature conservation across Armenia, including roles with WWF and the Institute of Botany, where he leads the Lichen Research and Conservation Group. A graduate of the Klaus Toepfer Fellowship and UC Berkeley’s Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program, Arsen was honored in 2024 with the Distinguished Alumni Award from USG Alumni Armenia and the U.S. Embassy for his achievements in STEM and biodiversity conservation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “Biodiversity Loss Is Not Reversible | Arsen Gasparyan | TEDxYerevanSalon” was uploaded on 08/08/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks