Growing a Greener Armenia: ATP’s 2024 Planting Milestone

Armenia Tree Project’s fall planting season has now been finalized, bringing the total number of trees planted this year to 869,228 across its Forestry and Community Tree Planting programs.

More than 500 acres of land were dedicated to forest restoration in four regions—Kotayk, Shirak, Lori, and Gegharkunik. The trees planted in these areas—including pine, oak, ash, maple, apple, pear, birch, and linden—are part of efforts to restore ecosystems, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife. The remaining trees were planted in local communities, where they will provide long-term benefits to families and the environment.

In addition to the planting efforts, ATP distributed 9,315 fruit trees—such as apples, pears, apricots, plums, cherries, and nuts—to 1,054 families in border villages across Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Ararat, and Gegharkunik.

Though the fall planting season is over, the work continues. Some of the seasonal workers, who were part of the planting process, are still on the hillsides working hard. They are helping with fire prevention, as well as tasks like mowing, cleaning, and soil mineralization to protect the newly planted forests. These measures are key to ensuring the long-term success of the planting efforts.

This year, ATP created 468 seasonal jobs, providing valuable work opportunities for local communities. These workers, many of whom are planting trees alongside their families, are not only involved in the planting process but also in the care of the trees throughout the summer.

ATP’s commitment to reforestation is already showing results. Monitoring has shown a survival rate of 80 to 85 percent for the spring plantings, thanks to favorable weather conditions and the careful attention given to the trees. ATP’s thoughtful planning and close collaboration with local communities have set these trees up for long-term success.

What makes ATP’s approach unique is its focus on working with communities to create sustainable solutions. Beyond planting trees, ATP is planning to expand its programs in the coming years, focusing on improving degraded pastures and working with local people to restore the land and improve their livelihoods. ATP’s goal is to help create a greener, more resilient Armenia, one where both the environment and the communities thrive.

With 869,228 trees planted this year, ATP is making a lasting difference in Armenia’s landscape, and there’s much more to come in the years ahead.

Armenia Tree Project, established in 1994, is a non-profit organization that revitalizes Armenia’s most vulnerable communities through tree-planting initiatives, and provides socio-economic support and growth. It is based in Yerevan, Armenia and has an office in Woburn, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit the website or email info@armeniatree.org.