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