15th Support Program Approved: Beneficiaries to Plant Trees Along Riverbanks for Payment Worth 200 Million AMD

The government approved the 15th measure to mitigate the economic consequences of the coronavirus during its session today, April 30. This measure aims to create temporary jobs in the agricultural sector by addressing environmental issues.

According to the program, residents facing social challenges due to difficulties arising from the spread of the coronavirus will be compensated for their work in tree planting. The proposal suggests establishing protective forest strips along river valleys in the highland areas of the Republic of Armenia using local species of poplar, widely involving the local population to create additional jobs and mitigate risks related to income reductions.

The activities include preparing and planting local species of poplar saplings in designated mapped areas along rivers suitable for tree planting, as well as fencing work.

Beneficiaries of the measure will be residents of the Republic of Armenia who participate in the establishment of protective forest strips along rivers 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 activities is approximately 200 million AMD. Residents who participate in the tree planting work will be compensated 50 AMD for each sapling prepared and planted. The works will be fully coordinated by the Ministry of Environment’s “Hayantar” SNCO and the aforementioned foundations. The population will also be involved in fencing activities.