Amongst the fast-flowing rivers and mountains of Armenia, the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge is home to the country's oldest Juniper forests and an array of incredible animals.

Our partner Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) have been protecting this important area for decades, after logging, over-grazing, and wildfires had left it degraded.

Now, by supporting our Restore Armenia’s Forests appeal you can help to reforest a crucial section of the reserve and give this scarred landscape a fresh start.
 

Plant trees to safeguard iconic species, secure local jobs, and protect Armenia’s natural heritage

Donations to the Restore Armenia’s Forests appeal will allow FPWC to plant 700,000 new trees within the Wildlife Refuge over the next five years, restoring 300 hectares of degraded land.

As they grow, these native trees – including Juniper, Wild Almond, Wild Apple, and Caucasian Oak - will provide nutrition for wildlife and benefit both the landscape and livelihoods of local communities in the area.



Connecting habitats
The Caucasus region is recognised as one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots and the Refuge itself forms part of the migratory routes for many threatened mammals.

The trees funded by your generous donations will protect vital habitat corridors for a diversity of iconic species, such as Syrian Brown Bear, Bezoar Ibex, Eurasian Lynx and the highly threatened Caucasian Leopard. Not to mention an array of birdlife including all four of Armenia’s Vulture species which use the Juniper trees for nesting.



Conservation and community
Your support will also secure livelihoods and vital jobs for local people in an area of Armenia that many are forced to leave due to lack of opportunities. FPWC works with trusted and knowledgeable local communities year on year, providing training to collect seeds and employment for seasonal and year-round workers across every stage of reforestation.

Equally, the project will have wider benefits for local communities. The newly planted trees will retain and capture water to help prevent natural springs and waterways from drying out – supporting the water supply for local people. Whilst fruit species will provide nutrition for animals such as bears and reduce human-wildlife conflict in the surrounding villages.

The right trees, in the right places
Amid climate change and creeping desertification, Armenia’s forests won’t heal on their own. Active reforestation is badly needed, and your support for this appeal can make a huge difference.

Every single tree funded will be cared for from seed collection through to the long-term protection of saplings, ensuring the revival of a thriving forest habitat.