Launch of the Main Phase of the FORACCA Project
The main phase of "Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia" (FORACCA) project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), was launched in March 2025, marking a significant step towards enhancing Armenia’s forest landscapes and strengthening climate resilience. The duration of this project phase will be until December 2028.
The project is implemented by the four members of the Forest Alliance of Armenia.
“Shen” charitable non-governmental organisation, as the project lead, aims at advancing innovative agroforestry practices in Armenia. Within the project “Shen” NGO will establish 60 hectares of agroforestry systems and windbreaks across five marzes, RA. These areas include Mets Mantash in Shirak, Ttujur in Aragatsotn, Lernavan in Lori, Balak in Syunik, and settlements within the Vedi consolidated community in Ararat. The agroforestry system has been successfully pioneered by “Shen” NGO on a 7-hectare site in Shenavan village, Lori marz, in 2024.
By combining the planting of trees and other woody plants with sustainable agricultural production, agroforestry will enhance ecosystem resilience while generating economic opportunities for local communities. As Shen NGO’s experience has shown, this approach creates a win-win situation. Communities are more willing to allocate previously uncultivated land for forest restoration when it aligns with economic benefits.
“My Forest Armenia” environmental non-governmental organization will implement three different components: starting this spring, the organization will begin afforestation of 320 ha in Lernajour 4, using the standard method. In the following years, another 10 ha will be planted using drip irrigation in the Shirakamut afforestation area, including the planting of high-value forest tree species among others. This method was already successfully tested by the organization on a 2 ha site. Finally, the third component is forest transformation work on 50 ha of a degraded monoculture pine forest by enriching the site with various deciduous forest tree and shrub species. In addition, starting this spring, important maintenance work will be carried out on 140 ha of a young forest planted in Lernajour 1 & 2 in 2023.
"Armenia Tree Project" (ATP) charitable foundation will undertake 100 hectares of afforestation and 200 hectares of pasture restoration in Mets Sariar (Shirak Marz) from 2025 to 2028. The initiative is expected to provide seasonal employment to 100-150 individuals from local communities engaging them in afforestation and soil management activities. Additionally, ATP`s "Backyard Nurseries" program will support 50 beneficiary families in Shirak, Lori, and Tavush marzes, integrating a strong social support component into the initiative. Overall, the project will enhance local capacity to address climate change, sustainable forest management and integration of climate-smart practices in the target community.
Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Properties (FPWC) will reforest 230 hectares of degraded land in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region under the FORACCA project, with native tree species cultivated using Target Plant Concept methodology. As a leading conservation organization, FPWC is committed to enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The reforestation efforts will occur on communal lands that are part of the privately protected Caucasus Wildlife Refuge, managed by FPWC, ensuring long-term protection and sustainable management of the restored forest.
A dedicated Secretariat to the Forest Alliance of Armenia will be established through collaborative efforts of the above-mentioned organisations, representing the Forest Alliance and advancing policy improvements in forest landscape restoration and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
With the launch of FORACCA, Armenia takes a crucial step toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. The project will work closely with national and local stakeholders to ensure long-term impact and success. The project integrates cutting-edge scientific knowledge from Switzerland, leveraging over a century of expertise in forest, landscape, and climate research.
“The Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA) project supports forest restoration efforts and contributes to climate change adaptation in Armenia. The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and co-funded by the four implementing organizations under the Forest Alliance of Armenia, including Shen NGO, Armenia Tree Project NGO (ATP), My Forest Armenia NGO (MFA), and Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC). The project is implemented in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
