In March 2025, Armenia embarked on a significant environmental journey with the official launch of the main phase of the "Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia" (FORACCA) project. Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), this ambitious initiative aims to rejuvenate Armenia's forests, foster climate resilience, and create sustainable economic opportunities until its completion in December 2028.

FPWC is proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative project by restoring 230 hectares of degraded land within Armenia's Vayots Dzor region. Utilizing the innovative Target Plant Concept methodology, FPWC will cultivate native tree species adapted to local ecological conditions. This large-scale reforestation effort is integral to enhancing biodiversity, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Crucially, the lands being reforested are communal territories within FPWC's Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR)—Armenia's only privately protected area, managed by FPWC to ensure long-term conservation success.

In partnership with FPWC, three other distinguished Armenian organizations—"Shen" NGO, "My Forest Armenia," and the Armenia Tree Project (ATP)—collectively form the Forest Alliance of Armenia, bringing a unified approach to forest landscape restoration. Each organization contributes uniquely: "Shen" NGO champions innovative agroforestry systems across five Armenian marzes; "My Forest Armenia" executes targeted afforestation, innovative drip irrigation, and forest transformation efforts; and ATP leads afforestation and pasture restoration initiatives, alongside community-supported nursery programs.

As an influential voice in international environmental policy discussions, FPWC’s involvement guarantees that FORACCA benefits from cutting-edge scientific knowledge and best practices from global conservation efforts. FPWC's established experience in conservation, from managing wildlife rescue operations to pioneering sustainable eco-tourism and environmental education programs, underscores the project's multifaceted impact.

Together, the Forest Alliance of Armenia, in collaboration with Swiss and international expertise from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), promises to deliver lasting benefits for Armenia's environment and communities.

The FORACCA project represents a landmark commitment to ecological restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, positioning Armenia on a path toward a more resilient and environmentally secure future.