Another 3 hectares of forest in Dzoraglukh
How it all started
The project to establish a forest in Dzoraglukh community of Aragatsotn marz, Armenia, started in 2021 with the financial support of the French organization A Tree for You. The goal of the project was to plant 5 ha of multi-cultural forest. We completed the project's first phase in 2021, planting 10.400 trees on 2 ha of the specified 5 ha.
We also built a 431 meters long irrigation system according to the community's request. Thus, we reduced the inefficient loss of irrigation water to deep soil layers or the river. Instead of the planned half-pipes with a diameter of 500 mm, we installed half-pipes with a diameter of 530 mm. It is essential to mention that the community members carried out the main works of transportation and installation.
In addition, the plantation area, with a total length of 1200 m, was fenced. The parts of the plantation, which are natural barriers, were not fenced because here, the access of animals to the territory of the plantation was not possible.
Planning to plant 15.000 trees
For 2022, we planned to plant 15.000 trees on 3 hectares. This area allocated by the community was situated next to the previous one. It had northern exposure, which was an advantage from the point of view of moisture preservation. However, the relief here was uneven, and the slope was 30-40°, which made it impossible to perform mechanized earthworks for planting. Fortunately, the community expressed willingness to do the work by hand.
From August to September, we held meetings with different groups of community members regarding the solution of community project problems, organization of works, and implementation. And afterward, we also had an environmental-cognitive lecture for the community's youth. As a result of the meetings, we formed initiative groups for the planting works that had already prepared the holes for planting in October. At first, they were doing the work by hand, then we bought a gasoline engine, thanks to which it was possible to do the work faster and more efficiently.
Ensuring biodiversity-rich forests
We started the planting works at the end of October again with the efforts of the locals. They planted a total of 16.000 seedlings grown with closed and open root systems. Since the goal was to create a multi-cultural and rich biodiversity forest, they planted birch, pine, wild pear, apple trees, and berries. In total, we planted 26,400 saplings in 5 hectares of forest plantations.
The community created its forest
Throughout the project implementation, the community members did all the work. It is noteworthy that they showed a conscientious and responsible attitude. In December, "Shen" NGO specialists visited the afforestation area. They noticed that the holes, planting, maintenance of the planting scheme given by the professional consultant, and fencing were made with quality and as accurately as possible.
As a result of this project, the Dzoraglukh forest is a reality that would not be possible without the generous support of A Tree for You donors.
