Rural Reforestation Program in Armenia
By Bella Avetisyan and Jason Sohigian

“Caucasus Environment” Magazine
Issue 1(14) (2006)

In October 2005, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) started a unique reforestation
project in the Getik River Valley of northeastern Armenia. Nearly 120,000
tree seedlings were planted to begin the process of restoring the region’s
forest ecosystems, which are home to many endangered plant and animal
species. Residents of the villages of Aghavnavank, Dzoravank, and Aygut,
most of whom are Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, directly participated in
the process, by growing and planting the seedlings, which hold their hopes
for the future.

As a result of unsustainable tree cutting for basic heating and cooking
needs in the Getik River Valley, the villages are facing problems caused by
severe erosion, landslides, and flooding. To address the issue, ATP
established a unique backyard nursery pilot project in 2003 in Aygut
village. Working closely with the community and local officials, ATP entered
into agreements with families interested in growing tree seedlings to be
sold to ATP for reforesting the mountainous areas surrounding their village.

Seventeen nurseries were established in the first year, which produced
20,000 seedlings. As a result of the success of the pilot program, the
number of participating families grew to 153 in 2005. The program now
includes two other villages where families agreed to develop these
micro-enterprises in collaboration with ATP. Due to the expansion and
success of this rural economic development program, the 153 backyard
nurseries produced 120,000 seedlings ready for planting in 2005, and more
than 40 workers were employed by ATP in the reforesting activity.

This, in combination with ATP’s Community Tree Planting program, resulted in
the planting of over 170,000 trees, far exceeding the number of trees
planted by ATP in a single year since its founding in 1994. After signing
contracts with ATP, each backyard nursery owner was provided with a variety
of seeds from nearby forests as well as the necessary tools and equipment.

In addition, ATP agro-specialists regularly visited the nurseries to provide
technical assistance and training to the farmers. Participants were taught
how to maintain soil and properly nurture their seedlings, which needed to
achieve a threshold height of 30 cm before being eligible for purchase by
ATP. Local children were introduced to environmental issues through a new
curriculum ATP developed for the schools.

According to a household survey conducted by ATP in 2003, the average annual
income of rural villagers in Aygut was only $280, so the money earned by the
families and workers involved in this project has provided a desperately
needed source of income.

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