ATP's 30th Anniversary Kickstarts with a Green Revolution: 800,000 Trees to be Planted, 500 Jobs Created in Rural Armenia
As spring paints Armenia with its vibrant hues, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is poised to embark on its most ambitious endeavor yet. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, ATP is gearing up to plant a staggering 800,000 trees across 200 hectares of land in Shirak, Lori, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik Regions. More than 400,000 of those trees are projected to be planted through afforestation and supplementary reforestation plantings this spring. But this initiative is more than just about trees – it's about transforming landscapes and livelihoods.
Creating Jobs, Sustaining Communities
In a bid to rejuvenate rural Armenia, ATP's mission extends beyond environmental conservation. By initiating this vast tree-planting campaign, ATP is set to create 500 seasonal jobs in rural areas, breathing new life into communities that have long grappled with economic challenges. Each year, villagers from rural Armenia look forward to ATP’s spring and fall plantings for much-needed income, and for the easy accessibility to their homes. These temporary workers return year after year, and bring with them their family and friends to assist in the plantings. As ATP expands its tree-planting initiatives, it hopes to create more economic opportunities for the people of Armenia.
This isn't just about planting trees; it's about planting seeds of opportunity and growth.
Reviving Forests, Restoring Hope
The heart of ATP's operation lies in regions like Lori, where forestry sites serve as beacons of hope amidst the greenery. Despite facing challenges like low tree survival rates, ATP's commitment to restoring forests remains unwavering. Through supplementary reforestation efforts, areas like Tashir, Urut, Koghes, and Mikhaylovka are poised for transformation, promising a brighter, greener future. To select the right trees for our forests, our specialists try to introduce only native species, including rare and endangered trees such as pine, maple, oak, ash, and birch, as well as wild apple and pear.
Bridging Gaps, Fostering Unity
In Gegharkunik, the largest region in Armenia, ATP's efforts transcend mere tree-planting. By establishing a new forest in Gegharkunik Village, ATP is bridging geographical divides and fostering unity. This isn't just about trees; it's about building connections and safeguarding Armenia's natural heritage for generations to come.
From Degradation to Regeneration
Every tree planted by ATP represents a beacon of hope in a landscape marred by degradation. These trees aren't just symbols of environmental stewardship; they're guardians of the land, protecting against soil erosion, climate change, and habitat loss. By transforming degraded agricultural lands into lush forests, ATP is rewriting the story of rural Armenia, one tree at a time. ATP is committed to guaranteeing the forests’ long-term growth. After a forest is planted,
ATP monitors, protects and supports that forest for 25 years, until it is mature enough to be returned to the community.
Beyond Boundaries, Into Communities
ATP's impact extends far beyond the forests. Through its Community Tree Planting initiative, ATP is sowing the seeds of change in schools, parks, and historical sites across Armenia. By distributing fruit trees to rural and border villages, ATP isn't just greening landscapes; they're nourishing communities and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in Armenia's natural heritage.
As ATP embarks on its 30th anniversary journey, the message is clear: this isn't just about planting trees; it's about planting dreams, forging partnerships, and building a sustainable future for Armenia and beyond. Join ATP as they turn embark on a green revolution that promises to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
