Armenia Enhances Forest Resilience for a Sustainable Future

In Lori and Syunik, two regions of Armenia known for their diverse landscapes and rural communities, newly planted seedlings are taking root. Grown in regional nurseries, these trees are restoring forests depleted by years of heavy fuelwood harvesting and climate-related degradation, which has weakened ecosystems and their ability to provide essential services.

To address these challenges, the Government of Armenia launched the Forest Resilience of Armenia project with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This initiative aims to increase forest cover by 2.5 percent and reduce fuelwood demand by at least 30 percent, tackling the forest-energy nexus while advancing Armenia’s climate goals.

Forest restoration and energy innovation

Four years into implementation, progress can be seen sprouting. Regional nurseries have produced more than 570,000 seedlings, and 577.8 hectares have already been planted and maintained. By the project's completion 7,300 hectares are planned to be restored, with nursery expansion planned for 2026 to accelerate progress.

At the same time, the project is exploring energy-efficient woodstove alternatives to reduce rural households’ reliance on fuelwood. Several prototypes are currently under development, designed to cut wood consumption, improve indoor air quality, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. These solutions – combined with afforestation and forest enrichment efforts – are creating jobs, reducing energy poverty, and strengthening resilience in rural communities. They are tangible examples of how climate finance delivers practical benefits for people and ecosystems.

Linking Forests, Energy, and Communities

The project stands out for its integrated design. It combines afforestation with energy efficiency and community engagement, ensuring that changes are sustainable and adapted to local needs. 
Local governance structures are being strengthened so rural households can actively manage natural resources.

This participatory model builds ownership and accountability, creating systems that work for both people and forests.

Building Knowledge for a Climate-Resilient Future

Education and capacity building are central to the project’s success. 

Forestry and climate curricula have been updated at leading Armenian universities and vocational schools, equipping future professionals with the skills needed for sustainable natural resources management. Training programmes on silviculture, energy efficiency, and climate-adaptive planting are also underway, reaching both students and practitioners.

Vocational schools in Kajaran, Vanadzor, and Alaverdi have received modern welding equipment to enhance training in energy-efficient technologies, preparing the next generation of technical professionals to support Armenia’s transition to low-emission development.

National guidelines for sustainable forest governance have been finalized, and Armenia’s National Forest Monitoring and Assessment system is in process with 297 plots surveyed to date. This data-driven approach strengthens Armenia’s ability to track progress, adapt strategies, and support the development and maintenance of its forest inventory in line with its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Why this matters for Armenia’s climate goals

The Forest Resilience of Armenia project is redefining forest management by linking afforestation with energy efficiency and community empowerment. By reducing fuelwood demand, restoring degraded areas, and improving governance, FAO and partners are helping Armenia build a low-emission, climate-resilient future.

As Armenia moves toward 2029, success will be measured not only in hectares planted or stoves distributed but in the resilience of rural households and the health of forest ecosystems.

The vision of communities and forests thriving together is now taking root in Lori and Syunik, one seedling at a time.