Armenia, Dzoraglukh, September 2022
After Armenia gained independence, the lack of energy resources forced its people to (over)consume the rich woodlandsin the region in order to withstand the harsh winters. Today, the villagers of Dzoraglukh are feeling the effects and realise just how important it is to restore the forests they have lost.
The project to plant 20,800 trees over three years aims to bring back to life areas once covered with oaks.
The first planting phase of the programme, completed in 2021, involved planting 10,400 trees – oak, pine, high mountain maple, birch, oriental apple, and Caucasian pear – on two hectares of land. Yellow acacia and cranberry bushes were also introduced to promote forest biodiversity.
At the beginning of 2022, the plantations could only be visited from June onwards. This is because the plots are in remote areas at high altitudes (2,000 metres above sea level) where the roads are impassable when the weather is particularly snowy or rainy.
During their field visit, technicians from the local NGO SHEN monitored and maintain the planted trees planted, as well as preparing for the last round of planting. The survival rate of the young trees planted in 2021 is 90%. This is excellent and exceeds the 60-70% objectives for this project. No replanting is needed for this this planting phase. The good survival rate is down to the fencing installed around the planted plot, which has proved extremely effective in protecting the young trees from destruction by wildlife. In addition, due to heavy snowfall and the irrigation system built by the project beneficiaries, seedling adherence proved quite high this year.
The local population is starting to see the first benefits of these plantations. The currant plants have started to bear fruit! Wild fruits and berries growing on the plantation represent a potential source of additional income for the local community and really benefit biodiversity.
The final planting phase is being prepared and scheduled for autumn 2022. During this operation, 15,600 seedlings will be planted to meet the target of 20,800 perennial trees.
Previously in Armenia
