On June 25, the FPWC Eco-Center in Urtsadzor welcomed partners and collaborators for the very first meeting of the Steering Committee of the Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia (FORACCA) project.

The gathering brought together a wide range of voices—government representatives, donors, civil society members, and scientists—all united by one goal: restoring Armenia’s forests and building a more resilient, greener future. It was a moment to take stock of what’s been achieved so far, share experiences, and set a clear path forward.

The committee acts as a collaborative platform where decisions are made through open discussion and joint effort. The project’s main donor, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), plays a central role, working closely with Armenia’s Ministry of Environment and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) to guide the project’s direction.

FORACCA is being implemented by four organizations that form the Forest Alliance of Armenia:

·         Shen NGO

·         My Forest Armenia (MFA)

·         Armenia Tree Project (ATP)

·         Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)

FPWC, in particular, will take the lead on restoring 250 hectares of forest in the Yeghegis and Areni communities, and will build a new greenhouse in the village of Ushi. This greenhouse will play a key role in growing native seedlings and supporting long-term reforestation across the country.

One of the most important topics of the day was the real-world challenges faced by the implementing organizations—especially legal and tax-related barriers that complicate land use and long-term planning. That’s why a dedicated working group will now be formed to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, aiming to draft practical legal reforms that make it easier for organizations to plant and protect forests.

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, My Forest Armenia NGO (MFA), Armenia Tree Project NGO (ATP), 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)․