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Armenia Tree Project

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Folklore1 (talk | contribs) at 19:07, 20 November 2014 (→Building Bridges: removed section, already included in ATP programs). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.


Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is a non-profit organization based in Watertown, Massachusetts, United States, and Yerevan, Armenia, founded in 1994 by Carolyn Mugar to promote Armenia's socioeconomic development through reforestation. Since its founding, the organization has planted more than 4.5 million trees in communities throughout Armenia.[1][2]

The organization has a full-time staff of 80, of whom 75 are employed in Armenia. Its Yerevan branch manages three state-of-the-art tree nurseries, two environmental education centers, and partners with families to create tree-based small business opportunities.[3] Its major program initiatives include planting trees at urban and rural sites, environmental education and advocacy, community development and poverty reduction.[4]

Environmental challenge

When Carolyn Mugar, from Boston, visited Armenia in 1992, the country had been impoverished by an energy embargo imposed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Armenians had previously depended upon natural gas for 90 percent of their energy needs, but their supply had been cut off by the embargo. Deforestation was particularly severe during the early 1990s, because many Armenians had only their trees as a fuel source during the winter. This condition raised a concern about whether land formerly protected by forest cover would become desert. A study in 2005 estimated Armenia's forest cover at 11.2 percent of its total land area, dropping to 8.2 percent by 2000.[5][1] In 2012, the ATP reported the country's forest cover down to only 7 percent. [6]

In 1994, Carolyn Mugar established the Armenia Tree Project to address the environmental and economic disaster of Armenia's dwindling forests. The ATP was organized as a subsidiary of the Armenian Assembly of America, which continues to provide administrative assistance. Since its founding, the ATP has planted over 4.5 million trees throughout Armenia. As of 2014, the organization was operating three tree nurseries, providing full-time employment for 45 people, and fruit trees planted by its projects were producing an estimated harvest of over 300,000 pounds annually.[2]

ATP programs

The organization's mission emphasizes the use of trees to promote economic self-sufficiency, improving the Armenian standard of living while protecting the environment.[7] Its urban and community tree planting programs work with cities and local neighborhoods to replant in public spaces such as in parks, school grounds and and other public properties. In rural areas, farmers grow seedlings in their backyards for tree planting projects in northern Armenia.[4]

In its environmental education and advocacy programs, ATP teaches the value of living in a healthy environment. The organization is seeking approval by the Ministry of Education to present an environmental studies curriculum for schools. Its poverty reduction and community development efforts direct funding to employ community residents in tree planting, and teach families to grow and tend seedlings in backyard nursery pots.[4]

Building Bridges is an online program created by ATP for the children of Armenia. It allows them to explore their environmental heritage and play games where they plant their own virtual trees.[8]

Achievements and Awards

  • Won the international Energy Globe Award for Sustainability in 2008.[9]

Volunteer Opportunities

ATP also offers volunteer opportunities during the summer with assistance from Birthright Armenia / Depi Hayk Foundation where people can join a limited amount of positions including: Public Relations and Outreach, Environmental Education, and SEEDS Program.[10]

  • There is a list of requirements that must be met before an applicant can be administered into the organization.[11]

Supporting Organizations

Birthright Armenia is one of the few organizations that works with ATP to initiate new projects.[12] Others include:

References

  1. ^ a b Teodora Gaydarova (April 28, 2014). "Green Gold: Rebuilding Armenia's Forests". The Armenite.
  2. ^ a b Aram Arkun (October 3, 2014). "Armenian Tree Project Celebrates 20th Anniversary". The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.
  3. ^ "Mission". Armenia Tree Project. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c "What We Do". Armenia Tree Project. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  5. ^ Dr. Svetlana Aslanyan (2012). "Armenia: Undermining the environment" (PDF). Social Watch. Center for the Development of Civil Society. p. 65. {{cite news}}: line feed character in |title= at position 26 (help)
  6. ^ "The Threat". Armenia Tree Project. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  7. ^ "Home Page". Armenia Tree Project. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  8. ^ "Building Bridges". Armenia Tree Project. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  9. ^ "Armenia Tree Project – What We Do - CDPR". Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  10. ^ "Armenia Tree Project –Volunteer". Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  11. ^ "Armenia Tree Project –Volunteer". Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  12. ^ "Armenia Tree Project – What We Do - Supporting Organizations". Retrieved 11 August 2014.


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