YEREVAN — Earth Day marks the anniversary of what many consider to be the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Since spring is one of the brightest and most productive seasons for Armenia Tree Project (ATP), April is often referred to as “Earth Month” in Armenia.
“We call this Earth Month because there’s not a single day that we don’t carry out activities directed to environmental protection, education, and advocacy,” notes Country Director Lucineh Kassarjian. “Our efforts have already started with community tree planting, preparations for reforestation, and more actively bringing environmental education to schools.”
On Friday, April 10, ATP organized a public tree planting in Aragyugh, a town in the region of Kotayk. “Our friends, followers, and guests visiting Armenia can volunteer to have their mark on the environmental rebirth of Armenia by planting their own tree,” explains Kassarjian.
The beautiful hilly location selected for the planting is known for its monument to the armed forces that served during World War II. It is visited annually by veterans and others from the general public. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory in World War II so the planting will carry a special meaning. ATP plans to plant 1,500 fruit and decorative trees at the site with volunteers.
On Saturday, April 18, ATP is coordinating a waste cleanup of the Yerevan Children’s Railway within the framework of the global Earth Day movement. The goal is to clean up the park around the Children’s Railway and the adjacent territories around the river.
“Our aim is to have a cleaner and healthier city. The first beneficiaries of our work will be the children of Armenia,” states Kassarjian. A tree planting celebration at the park will take place after the cleanup.
