Nature conservation and the restoration of degraded ecosystems are no longer merely local initiatives, but a primary global challenge facing humanity.

Traditional reforestation methods often face low seedling survival rates when local ecological characteristics are overlooked. FPWC applies the internationally recognized Target Plant Concept (TPC) methodology, which is grounded in the following scientific principles:

Local Genetic Memory: Seeds are collected exclusively from the target restoration sites (wild fruit and native forest species). These species are already adapted to the specific climatic, soil, and hydrological stresses of the region.
High Survival Rate (80–90%): Thanks to the TPC methodology, the use of local seed sources, and the targeted development of root systems in greenhouses, seedlings achieve a record-high survival rate of 80–90% upon transfer to natural conditions.
Ecosystem Restoration and Forage Base: The restoration of wild fruit species not only prevents soil erosion but also restores the natural forage base for wild animals and birds, contributing to the preservation of the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), sets clear targets for the international community:

Target 2: Ensure that by 2030 at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine ecosystems are under effective restoration.

Target 4: Halt human-induced extinction of known threatened species and maintain the genetic diversity of wild species.

In October 2026, Armenia will host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). This positions Armenia in a leadership role on the global environmental stage. Achieving effective forest restoration requires more than just tree planting—it demands scientifically backed approaches that ensure long-term ecosystem resilience.

At this stage, tens of thousands of wild seedlings are being cultivated and hardened under expert supervision in FPWC's greenhouses in Urtsadzor and Ushi. Each seedling undergoes specialized physiological conditioning to ensure it is ready to replenish forest restoration sites this autumn. FPWC's practical model demonstrates that international environmental commitments (CBD, KMGBF) become reality through precise, science-based, and consistent action on the ground.

The “Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and co-funded by the four implementing organizations under the Forest Alliance of Armenia, including Shen NGO, Armenia Tree Project NGO (ATP), My Forest Armenia NGO (MFA), and Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). The project is implemented in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)․