“International Day of Forests” marked by meaningful achievements

Viva and My Forest Armenia kick off spring with tangible results

The day of the spring equinox symbolizes the beginning of astronomical spring. The Sun crosses the celestial equator, the duration of day and night becomes equal, and astronomical spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere, as the Sun moves from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern. This year, it falls on March 20. Since 2012, by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, the day following the equinox has been celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Forests, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of forests. Video

Viva and the “My Forest Armenia” environmental NGO have launched the astronomical spring with strong performance indicators. In three different areas of the Lori region, where the partner organizations carried out afforestation, the initial growth phase has been successfully completed. Monitoring results are positive, with survival rates at the desired level. The emerging young forests will contribute to air purification, climate regulation, water resource conservation, soil protection, and biodiversity preservation. The risks of mudflows, desertification, landslides, and soil erosion will also decrease.

Creating one hectare of forest is not a rapid process. At least three years are required for initial growth, 10–15 years to form a stable young plantation, and more than 50 years to develop a fully mature forest ecosystem. In Armenia, where forest cover accounts for only about 11%, the partner organizations have planted more than 43,000 trees and carried out forest formation works across 14 hectares.

“Mitigating the consequences of global climate change is becoming increasingly relevant worldwide. One of the best ways to prevent natural disasters is to create forests. This should not be confused with traditional tree planting, as a forest is a living ecosystem. It is gratifying to note that the efforts we have made over the years have not been in vain. The most critical initial growth phase has been successfully completed. The positive impact of the emerging young forests is guaranteed,” said Viva’s General Director Armen Avetisian.

In 2022, Viva established a nominal forest in the community of Jrashen, with the Company’s employees volunteering in the initiative. In the following years, afforestation works were carried out in two landslide-prone communities—Urasar and Lernajur. The cooperation has been based on a responsible approach and a long-term strategy.

“We have been working with Viva in high mountainous areas across three different regions since 2022. This ongoing collaboration has enabled us not only to carry out large-scale work, but also to plan for the long term. Creating forests requires not only dedication, but also perseverance and belief in our shared vision—a country richer in forests, more resilient to climate change, and with a healthier environment,” said Lilit Martirosyan, Deputy Director of the “My Forest Armenia” environmental NGO.

Notably, local workforce has been engaged at all sites. About 75% of the core staff of “My Forest Armenia” are residents of the Lori region, and up to 200 workers from local communities are employed each season.

For nearly two decades, Viva has been implementing environmental programs across various regions of Armenia, consistently working to promote a “green mindset.”