As spring blossoms across Armenia, Armenia Tree Project has launched its ambitious initiative to mark its 30th anniversary by greening the landscapes of the country and uplifting the livelihoods of its rural communities.
A highlight of the season - Earth Day - brought together Armenia’s leading environmentalists, diplomats, and investors.
With Zvartnots Cathedral as a backdrop, ATP celebrated Earth Day true to its institutional culture, by honoring the past by planting seeds for the future.
The tree planting event featured remarks from ambassadors from the United States, European Union, and the Czech Republic all of whom shared remarks about the impact and partnership between their countries and ATP over the past 30 years.
"I am proud of the Armenia Tree Project's ties with the United States and the generous Armenian-American diaspora," said United States Ambassador Kristina Kvien. "It's an example of our citizens working together to safeguard the future - not just for Armenia - but for the entire planet."
Honorable guests also included representatives from Shen NGO, FPWC, Peace Corps Armenia, National Erasmus Office Armenia, Republic of Armenia Head of Tourism Sisian Boghossian.
European Union Ambassador Vassilis Maragos underscored the significance of the three-decade long cooperation, by sharing the impact in numbers. “We have reforested more than 100 hectares. We have planted more than 300,000 trees. We have helped to develop tree areas in 50 school territories, 13 community parks and 9 community forests. We have also developed 150 backyard nursery micro-enterprises and 50 eco clubs,” Maragos said. “Somebody might think of it as a small contribution, actually it is really important to invest in the future of forest planting, tree planting, and in the nursery business.”
ATP Spring Planting Fundraising Campaign, featuring a generous anonymous donor match of up to $10,000, is well underway.
ATP will plant a staggering 800,000 trees across 200 hectares of land in the Shirak, Lori, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik regions, but we are also dedicated to empowering over 150 seasonal workers from rural villages by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.
This initiative goes beyond just planting trees; it's about transforming landscapes and livelihoods. By hiring seasonal workers from rural communities, ATP is not only revitalizing Armenia's ecosystems but also injecting economic vitality into these often underserved regions. The seasonal workers play a crucial role in our efforts, nurturing saplings, preparing planting sites, and ensuring the success of each tree planted.
More than 400,000 of the trees ATP is planting this spring is part of our afforestation and supplementary reforestation program. These trees are not only combating deforestation but are also restoring biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating climate change impacts.
