A Green Legacy: ATP’s 8 Millionth Tree Planting Marks the Beginning of the 30th Anniversary Celebrations

Armenia Tree Project (ATP) reached an extraordinary milestone on December 1, 2023, as it planted its eight millionth tree at the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School in Yerevan's Malatia Sebastia District. As ATP approaches its 30th anniversary, this event stands as a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to the greening and reforestation of Armenia.

The celebration at the Avedisian School was a vibrant showcase of unity, youth-leadership, and the invaluable support of ATP's partners. Synopsys Armenia, the Armenian Missionary Association of America, and Fuller Center for Housing Armenia were among the distinguished guests who joined school administrators and students for this momentous occasion.

Elen Baghdasaryan, a student representative from Artsakh, delivered a heartfelt welcome speech alongside Hamlet Varpetyants from Armenia. They emphasized the symbolic significance of tree planting as a gesture of love and hope for Armenia's future. Elen shared, "This is the first time I'm planting a tree, and it symbolizes new beginnings as we [Artsakhsis] have to start our lives again here in Armenia."

The celebration continued with traditional Armenian music and dance, including the energetic Yarkhushta, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the Armenian people. Students orchestrated a human figure-eight, representing the eternal nature of Armenia and the unity of our cultural past, present, and future.

ATP's choice to plant the eight millionth tree at the Avedisian School reflects the deep appreciation for their longstanding partnership. Over two decades, the school has actively participated in ATP's environmental education and tree planting initiatives, eco-club activities, and greenhouse projects.

Rousanne Arustamyan, ATP’s Yerevan Coordinator, expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners, and volunteers, acknowledging their indispensable role in making the eight millionth tree a reality. "With your help, we’ve been able to expand our planting efforts, implement community projects, educational initiatives, and partnerships across Armenia and beyond," she emphasized.

The eight millionth tree serves as a poignant reflection of the organization's impactful year in 2023. This year alone, ATP planted 712,481 trees, established over 200 hectares of new forests, and distributed fruit trees to over 1,200 families in border villages.

As ATP approaches its 30th anniversary in 2024, the leading environmental organization in Armenia is proud to know that each of those eight million trees have found homes in cities, towns, villages, schools and forests. Throughout 2024, ATP will host a series of events across the U.S. and Armenia to celebrate the 30th anniversary, and looks forward to solidifying its green legacy for years to come.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Armenia Tree Project Celebrates 30 Years with Exclusive Commemorative Trip to Armenia

April 15, 2025

Armenia Tree Project Celebrates 30 Years with Exclusive Commemorative Trip to Armenia

From Seed to Soil: Rebuilding Armenia’s Green Future

March 25, 2025

As winter recedes, a new season of hope takes root in Armenia. In ATP’s tree nurseries, a quiet urgency fills the air as thousands of seedlings are carefully nurtured, each one a promise of renewal. The forestry team watches closely as the snow melts, knowing that the perfect window for planting is just around the corner. This year, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) will plant an astounding one million trees across Armenia. With this initiative, ATP will surpass a major milestone—9 million trees planted since its inception. To put that into perspective, this is enough to cover an area larger than 1,000 football fields. These plantings are not just about trees; they are about resilience, sustainability, and restoring Armenia’s natural heritage. The spring planting season kicks off in the villages of Bovadzor and Urasar in Lori, then expands to Tsaghkaber, Mets Sariar, Lernakert, and Pemzashen in Shirak, before concluding in Leranist in Kotayk. These regions have been carefully selected for their need for reforestation and their potential to thrive as part of Armenia’s green future. At the heart of this movement are the people who make it possible. Last year, 500 seasonal workers joined ATP’s efforts, many of whom return each year. This spring, 200 tree planters will take on the responsibility of planting half a million trees. Among them are cousins Marine and Armine Gogoryan from Lori, who have dedicated years to tree planting. “Planting trees is like planting hope,” says Marine. “We’ve seen forests rise where there was once nothing. It makes us believe in the future.” Their passion, alongside the tireless efforts of ATP’s forestry teams, has transformed barren lands into thriving forests. Looking back at past plantings—the Hrant Dink Memorial Forest, the Sose and Allen Forest, and the Koghes Forest—it’s clear how far this initiative has come. Once desolate landscapes are now home to lush, growing canopies, proof that long-term commitment yields extraordinary results. Yet, the urgency of reforestation in Armenia has never been greater. Climate change, deforestation, and the displacement of communities have intensified the need for green spaces. Forests act as natural shields against soil erosion, provide oxygen, and help regulate the climate. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable Armenia. ATP’s mission is gaining recognition beyond Armenia. Environmental organizations worldwide have praised its reforestation model, and global conservation leaders are taking note. With continued support, the impact of these efforts will extend far beyond national borders. You can be part of this transformation. Whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, every contribution helps secure Armenia’s green future. Help ATP plant the seeds of change together by visiting ArmeniaTree.org.