FPWC Participates in the 3rd Roundtable Discussion of the Armenia Forest Alliance

On November 20, 2024, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) participated in the 3rd roundtable discussion organized by the Armenia Forest Alliance. The event served as a crucial platform for stakeholders dedicated to safeguarding and revitalizing Armenia's forests. Attendees included high-ranking government officials, representatives from environmental organizations, and experts from leading academic institutions.

A Collaborative Approach to Forest Conservation

The meeting was graced by notable figures such as Hambardzum Matevosyan, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Hakob Simidyan, Minister of Environment. Both officials emphasized the Alliance's pivotal role in uniting efforts to achieve the nation's environmental objectives.

Hambardzum Matevosyan remarked:

“In addition to collective meetings, we hold individual ones to address urgent issues. I have visited the centers of member organizations, reviewed their work, and am inspired by the large-scale efforts made to achieve government-set benchmarks.”

Minister Simidyan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the direct impact of the Alliance's collaboration on Armenia fulfilling its international commitments. While acknowledging that progress has room for improvement, he expressed optimism that unified efforts would accelerate afforestation and restoration initiatives.

FPWC's Contributions and Innovations

Our very own Program Director, Sona Kalantaryan, presented the findings of the Alliance’s comprehensive study titled “The Current State of Forest Landscape Restoration Initiatives in Armenia.” The study identified key challenges such as irrigation issues, pests and diseases, droughts, fires, extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain, soil quality concerns, rodents, and greenhouse management.

Sona noted:

“Our goal in organizing this roundtable was to understand ongoing forestry restoration initiatives in Armenia comprehensively. This allows us to identify gaps and contribute more effectively to national objectives.”

FPWC Director Ruben Khachatryan showcased our foundation’s innovative Target Planting Concept (TPC) method. This approach involves cultivating seedlings from wild seeds and reintroducing them into their natural habitats, thereby enhancing forest restoration efforts and providing essential forage for wildlife.

Insights from Alliance Members

Other members of the Armenia Forest Alliance shared their unique strategies and successes:

• Hayk Minasyan, President of the "Shen" NGO Board, discussed their adoption of agroforestry. By integrating agricultural activities with forest restoration, they offer local communities immediate economic benefits while promoting long-term environmental sustainability.
• Ruzanna Arustamyan, Director of the ATP Charitable Foundation, highlighted their focus on greening public spaces, environmental education, and afforestation. Over the past 17 years, they have operated in 21 communities across four regions—Lori, Shirak, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik. With four nurseries in different climatic zones and 113 backyard nurseries, they've planted approximately 8.8 million trees and created around 400 jobs annually.
• André Gumuchdjian, founding director of “My Forest Armenia,” emphasized the importance of openness and transparency among stakeholders. He advocated for a focus on improving the quality of forest restoration efforts rather than merely achieving quantitative targets.

Unified Goals for a Greener Future

Sevak Markosyan, Director of the "HayAntar" SNCO, reported significant progress in afforestation efforts, with around 256 hectares completed this year and approximately 1,007 hectares over the past five years. He commended the Alliance's role, emphasizing that all parties share the common goal of increasing Armenia's forested areas.

About the Armenia Forest Alliance

Established in 2022, the Armenia Forest Alliance is a coalition of organizations including the ATP Charitable Foundation, “My Forest Armenia” NGO, “Shen” NGO, and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). The Alliance aims to consolidate efforts for forest creation, restoration, and preservation, while supporting governmental institutions.

Our Four Key Priorities:

1. Allocation of Land for Afforestation: Identifying and designating suitable lands for new forest growth.
2. Protection and Restoration of Natural Forests: Safeguarding existing forests and promoting their natural regeneration.
3. Preservation of Soviet-Era Forests: Maintaining and restoring forests planted during the Soviet period.
4. Prevention of Wildfires in Natural Areas: Implementing strategies to prevent and control wildfires.

The Alliance advocates for forest protection and sustainable management, supporting the Armenian government in tackling challenges related to forest preservation and new forest creation. We emphasize the vital role forests play for humanity—including climate regulation, water supply, soil erosion prevention, biodiversity conservation, air purification, and carbon absorption.