ABOUT

Vision and Mission

Our Vision

The Caucasus Ecoregion is a global lighthouse for harmony between nature and people, with a thriving biodiversity and the region’s varied human cultures living sustainably and in peace.

Our Mission

Ensure that national parks and other important protected areas in the Caucasus Ecoregion conserve and restore the unique flora, fauna and ecosystems for future generations – and in doing so contribute to the sustainability of the lives and livelihoods of local people who in turn support them. We do this by providing longterm financial and technical support to such protected areas in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia and financing and carrying out related activities, working in close cooperation with – and with respect for the diversity of – civil society, local communities, governments and other actors.

Tusheti Protected Areas, Georgia

OUR PEOPLE

TEAM

  • David Morrison

    David Morrison divides his time between two main activities: his charitable work for nature conservation his work on corporate boards. David’s work for nature…
    David Morrison, Chairman CNF
    David Morrison
    Executive Director

  • Tea Barbakadze

    Prior to joining CNF in 2012, Tea worked in a number of organizations in Georgia over a 15 year career that included, most recently,…
    Tea Barbakadze, National Program Coordinator Georgia CNF
    Tea Barbakadze
    Country Director Georgia

  • Arman Vermishyan

    Prior to joining CNF in 2012, Arman worked for various national and international organizations, including USAID, UNDP, MCA-Armenia, ADB,  and on various environmental projects…
    Arman Vermishyan
    Country Director Armenia

  • Tamar Pataridze

    Before joining CNF in 2017, Tamar worked in a number of governmental and non-governmental organisations focusing on a wide range of environmental issues, among…
    Tamar Pataridze
    Regional Conservation Director

  • Rusa Kvezereli-Kopadze

    Prior to joining CNF in 2023, Rusa worked in HR & Administration on Managerial positions in a number of local and international organizations in…
    Rusa Kvezereli-Kopadze
    Regional Financial & Administrative Director

  • Arman Avagyan

    Prior to joining CNF in 2023, Arman worked for Yerevan State University, the Forest State Monitoring Center, the State Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center and…
    Arman Avagyan
    Program Manager

  • Mariam Sulkhanishvili

    Before joining CNF in April 2023, Mariam worked in governmental and private organizations in field of biodiversity and environmental management. Her experience includes serving…
    Mariam Sulkhanishvili
    Conservation and Social Officer

  • Marine Karapetyan

    Marine has more than 20 years' professional experience as reporter and news anchor in different TV companies. Before joining the CNF team, she worked as…
    Marine Karapetyan
    PR and Communications Manager

  • Lia Kalmakhelidze

    Prior to joining CNF in 2021, Lia worked as short-term consultant in various projects mainly focused on eco-tourism and environmental issues. Before that she…
    Lia Kalmakhelidze
    Program Manager

  • Levan Tabunidze

    Levan Tabunidze joined CNF in February 2023. Levan has more than 18 years of experience in working biodiversity conservation and protected areas. Levan worked…
    Levan Tabunidze
    Program Manager

SUPERVISORY BOARD

  • Ronald Kent

    Ronald is an Independent Board Director, Advisor to corporate clients, foundations and family offices, and Investor. He has held senior positions in leading investment…
    Ronald Kent, Treasurer CNF
    Ronald Kent
    Chair

  • Kathrin Samson

    Kathrin Samson is a Chief Executive Conservation WWF Germany. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Forest Science & Resource Management at the Technical University…
    Kathrin Samson
    Vice-Chair

  • Thomas Eisenbach

    Thomas is Head of Division for Energy and Natural Resources in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia Department of KfW Development Bank, Germany.…
    Thomas Eisenbach, Board Member CNF
    Thomas Eisenbach
    Board Member

  • Ted Jonas

    A US-trained and educated lawyer licensed in Washington DC, Ted brings 40 years of relevant experience to CNF’s management structure. In addition to over…
    Ted Jonas, Board Member
    Ted Jonas
    Board Member

  • Hanna Loikkanen

    Hanna Loikkanen is an experienced investment professional specialising in emerging markets and impact investing. She currently serves as Chief Investment Officer at Finnfund, a…
    Hanna Loikkanen
    Hanna Loikkanen
    Board Member

DOCUMENTS

Annual Reports

Financial Statements

View previous years →

Governing Documents

Framework Agreements with Governments

Other Documents

 

Mtirala National Park, Image: Agency of Protected Areas, Georgia, 2024
Mtirala National Park, Image: Agency of Protected Areas, Georgia

Environmental and Social Management System

The Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) supports the development of Protected Areas in The Caucasus region. Although the organization is fully environmental, we recognize our responsibility towards society and The environment. We have recognized that our work might have social and, in some cases, environmental impacts. To ensure compliance with local and international environmental and social regulations, standards, and social responsibilities, CNF has elaborated an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), which enables CNF to identify, assess, and manage environmental and social risks associated with organizational activities and projects.

To learn more about CNF’s ESMS, please follow the links under Other Documents

OUR PARTNERS

Funders

GEF_logo_main_vertical_RGB

In addition to the above institutions, we gratefully acknowledge the support of dozens of individual donors.

Implementing Partners & Program Advisors

KfW Logo

Technical & Pro Bono Legal Support

Caucasus Nature Fund - About CNF