Rousanne Arustamyan Honored with "Climate Change and Women in Armenia 2024" Award for Climate Change Mitigation Solutions

In a moment of both personal triumph and broader significance for Armenia’s environmental future, Rousanne Arustamyan, the Director of Armenia Tree Project (ATP) in Armenia, has been recognized with the prestigious "Climate Change and Women in Armenia 2024" Award. This honor, bestowed by the Women in Climate and Energy NGO, in collaboration with the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Environment, the UNDP, and the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, highlights her exceptional contributions to climate change mitigation solutions.


The award ceremony, designed to celebrate and empower Armenian women’s roles in sustainable development and women-led solutions, marked a pivotal moment for Arustamyan and Armenia Tree Project, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The event featured multiple categories recognizing women across various facets of climate action, including Climate Change Adaptation Solutions, Climate Community Actions and Policies, Climate Issues and Solutions Coverage, Climate Education for All, Climate Finance and Innovation Solutions, and Youth in Climate Action. However, it was Arustamyan’s work in Climate Change Mitigation Solutions that earned her this distinguished accolade.


Rousanne Arustamyan’s journey with Armenia Tree Project began on June 1, 1998, when she joined the organization as an Admin and Finance Assistant. Over the years, her role evolved, as she steadily climbed the ranks within the organization. From gaining valuable experience in finance and administrative tasks, Arustamyan moved on to become the Finance Manager, where she took on greater responsibility in overseeing ATP’s financial operations and strategy. In her current role as Director of Armenia Tree Project in Armenia, Arustamyan has been instrumental in leading broader initiatives and shaping the overall direction of the organization. Each stage of Arustamyan’s career has presented unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and she has met them with resilience, dedication, and a commitment to the mission of Armenia Tree Project.


As a woman in a leadership position, Arustamyan’s achievement is particularly significant. In a field where female leadership is often underrepresented, her recognition sets a powerful example for other women in Armenia and beyond. It underscores the vital role women play in the fight against climate change and in shaping sustainable development strategies for a better future. Winning the "Climate Change and Women in Armenia 2024" award in the category of Climate Change Mitigation Solutions is a testament to her hard work and unwavering belief in the power of community-driven environmental initiatives.

This award is also a tribute to Armenia Tree Project’s legacy as an organization founded by a woman, Carolyn Mugar, and currently led by another woman, Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian. The organization’s commitment to empowering women in environmental leadership is exemplified by Arustamyan’s success. Beyond her role as director at ATP, Arustamyan also helped found Armenia’s Forest Alliance, a coalition of environmental NGOs that advocates for forest protection, restoration, and afforestation in Armenia. Her participation on behalf of ATP in this alliance further demonstrates her deep commitment to preserving Armenia’s natural landscapes for future generations.


As ATP reflects on its 30 years of work in the region, Arustamyan’s recognition comes at a pivotal time. Over the past three decades, ATP has been a cornerstone in Armenia’s environmental efforts, planting millions of trees and working to restore the country’s degraded landscapes. The organization has not only focused on reforestation but has also adapted its strategies to address the evolving needs of both the land and the people of Armenia. From empowering local communities to implement sustainable practices to advocating for policies that protect Armenia’s natural resources, ATP continues to make significant strides in environmental conservation.


The "Climate Change and Women in Armenia 2024" Award is not just a recognition of Arustamyan’s past accomplishments but also a beacon of encouragement for her future endeavors. As Armenia Tree Project looks ahead to its next chapter, Arustamyan’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire innovative solutions to the pressing environmental challenges facing Armenia and the world.


Arustamyan said, “I could not have won this award without the teamwork and hard work of my ATP colleagues over the past 30 years.”


In receiving this award, Rousanne Arustamyan has once again proven that the synergy between strong leadership, community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship can yield powerful results. Her journey serves as a reminder of the critical role that women play in building a sustainable future, one tree at a time.

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.
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