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PRESS RELEASE
April 6, 2009

ATP Works with Yale’s Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry on New
Training Manual for Armenia

YEREVAN–Armenia Tree Project (ATP) recently completed a two-year project to
develop sustainable forestry training models for Armenia. Through a
collaborative effort with Yale University’s Global Institute of Sustainable
Forestry, ATP worked with Chadwick Oliver and Zachary Parisa to conduct an
analysis of the forests around the village of Margahovit.

"The degradation of forested areas in Armenia necessitates a new and bold
approach to forestry practices," stated ATP Executive Director Jeff
Masarjian. "With Yale’s expertise, ATP has been able to collaborate with
forestry officials to bring cutting edge forestry training to Armenia. It is
our hope that the project will literally reshape the nation’s landscape and
ensure a sustainable future for its population."

Working with students from the Agricultural Academy of Armenia, local
residents of Margahovit, and World Wildlife Fund, ATP planted a 20 hectare
model forest using indigenous tree species to be used for future sustainable
forestry training.

ATP also presented a new Sustainable Forestry Manual to stakeholders in
Armenia and developed a seminar training model to use as a guide. The manual
is currently being published in Eastern Armenian, and an English-language
version is available at the following link:
es/sfa_manual_20090228.pdf

Finally, ATP assisted the local community of Margahovit in identifying
non-timber forest products, bringing environmental education into the local
schools, and through stakeholder meetings that outlined the benefits and
challenges of community forestry. ATP is currently developing a plan to
conduct sustainable forestry training seminars throughout Armenia.

"The project was designed to evaluate the condition of the forests in
Northern Armenia, paying particular attention to the factors that are
limiting the ability for regeneration," explained Masarjian. "An assessment
was made of plants, herbs, and other non-timber products that may be
harvested for generating alternative income for residents living in
proximity to the forests. Additional trainings on rotational grazing will
also be held with livestock owners to prevent soil erosion and further
degradation of forests."

"The collaboration between ATP and Yale has been a great success. We worked
together to create an instructional manual designed specifically for
conditions in Armenia that will be used to train local stakeholders in
global best practices of forest management. We’re grateful for the vision
and generosity of Sandra and Jim Leitner, who introduced us in the hope of
creating a sustainable future for Armenia," concluded Dr. Oliver, director
of the Yale Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry.

This project was funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, a joint
program of l’Agence Francaise de Developpement, Conservation International,
the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the MacArthur
Foundation, and the World Bank.

Since 1994, Armenia Tree Project has planted and restored more than
2,500,000 trees and created hundreds of jobs for impoverished Armenians in
tree-regeneration programs. The organization’s three tiered initiatives are
tree planting, community development to reduce poverty and promote
self-sufficiency, and environmental education to protect Armenia’s precious
natural resources. For additional information, visit the web site

PHOTO CAPTION: Zachary Parisa (right) from Yale University gathered data on
the forests in the Lori region of Armenia with students from Yerevan’s
Agricultural Academy