The "Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia" (FORACCA) project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), marks a significant step towards enhancing Armenia’s forest landscapes and strengthening climate resilience.

The project is implemented by the four members of the Forest Alliance of Armenia

“Shen” NGO, as the project lead, aims at advancing innovative agroforestry practices in Armenia. Within the project “Shen” NGO will establish 60 hectares of agroforestry systems and windbreaks across five marzes, RA. These areas include Mets Mantash in Shirak, Ttujur in Aragatsotn, Lernavan in Lori, Balak in Syunik, and settlements within the Vedi consolidated community in Ararat. The agroforestry system has been successfully pioneered by “Shen” NGO on a 7-hectare site in Shenavan village, Lori marz, in 2024.

By combining the planting of trees and other woody plants with sustainable agricultural production, agroforestry will enhance ecosystem resilience while generating economic opportunities for local communities. As Shen NGO’s experience has shown, this approach creates a win-win situation. Communities are more willing to allocate previously uncultivated land for forest restoration when it aligns with economic benefits.