50,000 Trees to be Planted in Artsakh Under the '1 Dollar = 1 Tree' Formula

The Wildlife and Cultural Values Conservation Foundation is launching the "We Are Our Forests" campaign as part of its "Help Artsakh" program, aimed at assisting the forests and ecosystems of Artsakh.

The trees will be grown in a special nursery created by FPWC, where the "Targeted Planting Concept" (TCP) method will be employed. The growing process is set to begin in March 2021, with plants ready for planting at selected locations by October. The planting phase will commence in mid-October and extend until the end of November; however, weather conditions may allow for planting activities to be conducted even during the winter months.

The foundation is consistently committed to the effectiveness of its work and, adhering to this philosophy, will ensure the ongoing care of the planted trees through collaboration with the "Artsakh Nature Fund" (ANF), the first environmental NGO in Artsakh. The ANF was established to protect the region's unique natural heritage and biodiversity. It is the first organization in Artsakh to receive international support from the "Franklinia" fund operating in Geneva. Geneva recognized Artsakh and supported the initiative to conserve its unique forests in 2019.

FPWC and ANF plan to monitor the natural growth of the trees for a duration of five years. Ongoing care will include irrigation during the summer months and protection by forest guards to prevent the land from being used as pastures, along with other maintenance measures. Over the years, the trees will develop a stable root system, allowing for continued growth independently.

The five-year care term has been chosen to mitigate the influence of negative anthropogenic factors. With the onsite maintenance provided by forest guards, there will be immediate oversight of the planted areas, as well as the ability for rapid response if necessary.

Thus, by donating just 1 dollar to plant 1 tree, approximately 50,000 trees can be planted and grown in Artsakh.

It is emphasized that the core of the TCP method lies in the selection, production, and subsequent processing of seeds from endemic plant species that are adapted to the specific physical and morphological characteristics of the planting environment. Initially, seeds from local endemic plant species are chosen, and the seedlings are carefully cultivated in nurseries, thereby adapting them to the area where they will be planted. By combining the qualitative characteristics of the plant with other attributes, high adherence (80-90 percent) is ensured.

As part of the "We Are Our Forests" campaign, it is also planned to conduct data collection with GPS coordinates, allowing for more comprehensive information regarding the tree growth process and enabling relevant research.

Importantly, the Artsakh region is considered a biodiversity hotspot, hosting over 6,000 plant species, 153 species of mammals, and 400 species of birds. Many of these species are included in the Red Books of Armenia and Artsakh, as well as the international IUCN Red List as endangered or threatened species.

The unique natural environment of Artsakh has suffered significant damage and threats due to the large-scale military operations instigated by Azerbaijan in the autumn of 2020. The forests of Artsakh are crucial not only for nature conservation but also for the survival of the local population.

Following the large-scale military operations in 2020 and the resulting loss of territories, new challenges have arisen for the population of Artsakh, including potential issues of water scarcity, as most water resources are now under Azerbaijani control. Naturally, forests serve as natural systems for collecting, storing, filtering, and regulating water flow through springs, wet meadows, and wells.