Planting the Future: FORACCA Steering Committee Kicks Off in Urtsadzor
In Armenia, planting a tree is more than an act of nature care, it's a promise to the future. For many dedicated individuals and organizations, it’s a way to give back to the land and create a greener, healthier world for generations to come.
On June 25, the FPWC Eco-Center in Urtsadzor hosted the first meeting of the Steering Committee for the Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia (FORACCA) project. The session marked a key milestone, bringing together government institutions, funding and implementing partners, scientific and civil society organizations to assess progress, discuss challenges, and align on strategic directions.
The committee serves as a collaborative platform where decisions are made through open dialogue and consensus. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), as the main donor, plays a leading role in facilitating this process, working closely with the Ministry of Environment of Armenia and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). Switzerland’s support to FORACCA reflects its strategic commitment to climate action, sustainable forest management, and inclusive local partnerships in line with the Swiss Cooperation Programme in the South Caucasus.
Project implementation is carried out by four member organizations of the Forest Alliance of Armenia: Shen NGO,
My Forest Armenia, Armenia Tree Project Charitable Foundation (ATP) and Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC).
The role and contributions of each organization to the FORACCA project were highlighted, showcasing their collective energy, expertise, and commitment to restoring Armenia’s forest landscapes and protecting its natural heritage. A presentation was delivered by a representative of WSL, who shared the project’s achievements to date and outlined the next steps in its implementation.
Beyond sharing progress, the meeting gave participants a chance to speak directly with government representatives about the real challenges they face on the ground and to start working together on ways to solve them. Participants spoke openly about the real obstacles they face, especially when it comes to legal and tax-related issues. Despite receiving land free of charge for tree planting, the organizations are burdened with property tax or unclear land status, creating an unfavorable environment for long-term forest restoration. These barriers not only complicate project implementation but also discourage sustained investment in afforestation initiatives.
Together, the committee agreed: it’s time to rethink and revise the laws. Armenia needs smarter, simpler, and greener policies that support environmental efforts, not block them. As a result, the idea to continue collaboration within the working group was put forward. This team will work closely with the Ministry of Environment to propose practical legal changes that make it easier for organizations to plant and protect forests.
Everyone at the table shared one clear message: if we want Armenia to have strong, diverse, and lasting forests, we must create the right conditions legally, politically, and socially. That means working hand in hand with the government, civil society, and international partners to grow a greener Armenia.
“The Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA) 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, My Forest Armenia NGO (MFA), Armenia Tree Project Charitable Foundation (ATP), 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).
