Switzerland Launches 10-Year Project for Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia

To address climate change challenges and promote sustainable forestry practices, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has teamed up with the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) to launch a 10-year development project called “Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA).

The launch event, held at the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU), drew a diverse audience of development practitioners and specialists. Key figures present included Werner Thut, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Armenia; Hambardzum Matevosyan, Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister; Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia; Levon Azizyan, Director of Hydrometeorological and Monitoring Center; Hrachya Zakoyan, Acting Rector of ANAU; and Marco Pütz, Research Coordinator at WSL.

Werner Thut set the tone for the event by highlighting alarming scientific facts about climate change. He emphasized the urgent need for large-scale action, aligning with the priorities of the Armenian Government.

The FORACCA project boasts a budget of 10 million Swiss Francs (approximately 11.5 million US dollars) for the period 2023-2033, subject to the financial situation of the SDC. Its primary objectives are to enhance scientific understanding of Armenia’s climate change challenges, develop capacities to address them, and promote climate-smart practices in rural areas and forests. Ultimately, the project aims to facilitate evidence-based policymaking for climate adaptation and efficient forest management.

FORACCA's scope extends beyond tree planting. It aims to test innovative methods for restoring forest landscapes, assess the economic value and role of forests in climate protection policy, and improve forest monitoring for better management practices and policies.

Drawing on Switzerland's rich experience in forest, landscape, and climate research spanning over a century, FORACCA will adopt a localized approach. It will collaborate closely with Armenian non-governmental organizations, local communities, and governmental institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and the Armenian Hydrometservice. Furthermore, FORACCA seeks to coordinate directly with international partners, including the World Bank project ResiLand.