The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and Sunchild NGO continue to spearhead reforestation efforts in Armenia. On November 1st, FPWC organized an extensive autumn tree planting event in the Vayots Dzor and Ararat regions. This year's initiative gained special significance due to the active participation of Ucom's Director, Ralph Yirikian, and his dedicated team.

Understanding the critical importance of environmental conservation, over 30 employees from Ucom volunteered their time to join FPWC and Arevordi NGO in this vital endeavor. They spent an entire day in the scenic mountains of Gnishik village, part of the Areni community in the Vayots Dzor region, planting more than 2000 trees. The volunteers also had the opportunity to learn about the forest landscape restoration program, the area's environmental challenges, and ways to participate in future volunteer activities.

"Green technologies and environmental care are central to Ucom's corporate responsibility," said Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom. "We have adopted this value not only at the company level but also share it individually. Today, we are happy to be here and contribute to Armenia's green future."

This collaborative effort exemplifies how partnerships between organizations can amplify the impact of environmental initiatives. The active involvement of Ucom's team added significant momentum to FPWC's ongoing mission to restore Armenia's natural landscapes. Volunteers from Ucom not only contributed physically by planting trees but also engaged in meaningful discussions about sustainable practices and future opportunities for environmental stewardship.

By uniting corporate responsibility with environmental activism,  Sunchild and Ucom demonstrate the powerful impact that can be achieved when organizations work together towards a common goal. The reforestation efforts in the Vayots Dzor and Ararat regions are a testament to what collective action can accomplish in the face of environmental challenges.

Sona Kalantaryan, Director of Sunchild NGO, emphasized the importance of employee involvement in such initiatives. "It is extremely important when employees are engaged within the framework of cooperation between two organizations, especially when it comes to environmental projects. We plan similar initiatives in our future cooperation as well. Tree planting is only the beginning of reforestation work, followed by years of care and maintenance," she noted.

FPWC employs the Target Plant Concept (TPC), an innovative methodology that enhances the success rate of reforestation projects. This concept focuses on the following key aspects:

• Utilization of Site-SpecificSeeds: By collecting and using seeds from native plant species, FPWC ensures the preservation of Armenia's unique biodiversity and promotes the growth of trees that are naturally adapted to the local environment.
• Cultivation of High-Quality Seedlings: The seedlings are grown using a closed root system, which encourages robust root development. This results in a higher survival rate once the seedlings are transplanted into the wild.
• Effective Adaptation to Local Conditions: The TPC methodology prepares seedlings to thrive in specific climatic and soil conditions, enhancing their resilience and longevity.

"Our focus on site-specific species and innovative cultivation techniques is what sets our reforestation efforts apart," explained Narek Adamyan, an FPWC specialist. "It's about quality as much as quantity."

FPWC's commitment to reforestation is evident in the substantial numbers associated with the project:

• Total Trees to be Planted This Year: 100,000 trees, scheduled for autumn and spring seasons.
• Number of Nurseries: Four nurseries located in Ushi village support the cultivation of seedlings, with a combined growth capacity of up to 150,000 seedlings.
• Historical Planting Achievement: From 2016 to 2024, FPWC has successfully planted 430,000 trees, significantly contributing to the restoration of Armenia's forests.

The tree planting initiative goes beyond reforestation; it has a multifaceted impact on the environment and local communities:

• Restoration of Forests: Rebuilding forested areas helps restore natural habitats, supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life.
• Providing Food for Wildlife: The newly planted trees offer essential food sources for wildlife, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.
• Mitigating Human-Nature Conflicts: By enhancing natural habitats and food availability, the initiative helps reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife, fostering a more harmonious coexistence.

"The trees we plant today will become the forests that sustain wildlife and communities tomorrow," noted Tsovinar Hovhannisyan, the wildlife conservation expert from FPWC.

FPWC remains dedicated to expanding its reforestation programs. Future plans include:

• Increasing Seedling Production: Enhancing the capacity of nurseries to produce more seedlings using the Target Plant Concept.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging more local communities and organizations to participate in tree planting events.
• Educational Programs: Implementing educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

How You Can Get Involved

FPWC invites individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in future tree planting events and support ongoing conservation efforts. By participating, you contribute to:

• Combating Climate Change: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of global warming.
• Preserving Biodiversity: Your support helps protect the habitats of numerous plant and animal species.
• Enhancing Community Well-being: Healthy forests contribute to cleaner air and water, benefiting local communities.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact us at info@fpwc.org.