Switzerland's $10M Investment in Armenia for 10-Year Forest Restoration Project

Switzerland has committed a significant investment of 10 million Swiss francs (around 11.5 million US dollars) for a decade-long initiative aimed at forest restoration and climate change mitigation in Armenia. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) announced the launch of the "Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia" (FORACCA) project, slated to run from 2023 to 2033, contingent upon regular parliamentary approvals.

Armenia, adorned with diverse terrestrial ecosystems spanning altitudes from 375 to 4090 meters above sea level, plays a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity and sequestering carbon. However, the country faces challenges concerning deforestation, forest degradation, and the growing impacts of climate change. Ranked among the least forested nations in the region, Armenia maintains only an 11% forest cover, mainly concentrated in the northeast and southeast regions.

The primary objective of FORACCA is to introduce knowledge on climate change to Armenia, fostering the design of national policies and encouraging proactive responses to climate challenges. The project collaborates closely with the broader World Bank initiative, ResiLand, and aims to implement a comprehensive strategy ensuring Armenia's climate resilience and environmental sustainability. It focuses on three key objectives:

1. Advancing scientific insights into climate change adaptation and sustainable forest management in Armenia.

2. Promoting climate-smart practices within rural communities.

3. Facilitating evidence-based policymaking for climate adaptation and efficient forest management.

FORACCA's planning and implementation involve collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (ETH-WSL) from the prestigious Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. In Armenia, the Armenian National Agrarian University and the Ministry of Environment actively participate in the project's preparation.

During the initial year, the project will select up to seven communal or privately owned sites, primarily situated near established state-managed forests, after considering various factors such as soil and climatic conditions, logistical feasibility, land availability, and the community's interest and capacity for innovative agroforestry and forest restoration. This initiative aligns with Armenia's national forest policy, enhancing forest monitoring and aiding the country in fulfilling its international commitments.

FORACCA aims to enhance biodiversity, bolster climate change adaptation capacities, and increase domestic carbon sequestration capabilities. By focusing on sustainable forest policies and inclusive management practices, the project intends to improve the livelihoods of marginalized small-scale farmers reliant on forest resources, contributing significantly to rural poverty reduction.