Government to Approve 15th Anti-Crisis Measure

The government has submitted for approval the fifteenth measure aimed at mitigating the economic consequences of the coronavirus. This measure is included in the agenda for the government’s meeting on April 30.

The purpose of the measure is to alleviate the impacts of income reductions faced by the population due to the difficulties arising from the spread of coronavirus, by engaging the public in tree planting activities aimed at environmental protection.

Within the framework of this measure, it is planned to establish protective forest belts along riverbanks in the Republic of Armenia's highland areas, involving the local population.

The justification states, "The goal of the fifteenth measure aimed at neutralizing the economic consequences of the coronavirus is to provide payment to residents facing social issues due to difficulties arising from the spread of the virus in exchange for carrying out tree planting activities. It is proposed to establish protective forest belts along river valleys using local species of willow cuttings in highland areas, widely involving the local population in these activities, thereby creating additional job opportunities to mitigate the risks of reduced incomes for the population."

The work includes preparing and planting cuttings of local species of willow growing in mapped out areas of rivers designated for tree planting, as well as fencing work.

The beneficiaries of this measure are the residents of the Republic of Armenia who participate in the establishment of protective forest belts organized by the Ministry of Environment’s “Hayantar” SNCO, the “Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values,” and the “ATP” charitable foundation.

The total cost of the work is approximately 200,000,000 AMD. Residents participating in tree planting activities will be offered 50 AMD for each cutting prepared and planted. The work will be fully coordinated by the Ministry of Environment’s “Hayantar” SNCO and the aforementioned foundations. The population will also be engaged in fencing work.