ARMENIA’S FORESTS COULD DISAPEAR

United Press International
Nov 30 2006

YEREVAN, Armenia, Nov. 30 (UPI) — Armenia faces its worst
environmental crisis in its history. At current rates of deforestation,
World Bank estimates it will be a desert in about 20 years.

If nothing is done, the impact of severe deforestation on the country’s
forests and natural resources will be irreversible. Even worse, 40
percent of Armenians — primarily the rural poor — will be forced
from their villages and will face possible starvation and exposure
to freezing temperatures.

To solve today’s global environmental crises, the Armenia Tree
Project, based in Yerevan and Boston, delivers on-the-ground,
practical solutions to empower the rural poor. ATP’s work includes
restoring forests, planting trees in local communities, reducing
poverty and providing environmental education throughout Armenia. ATP
has successfully planted nearly 1.5 million trees and established
programs with the ability to produce two million new trees a year.