YEREVAN. – The Government of Armenia decided to implement the project of creating a new layer of forest around Lake Sevan, and by way of planting new trees in a 1,100-hectare area. The respective decision was adopted during Thursday’s Cabinet session.  

The new forest will be created around the Sevan National Park and nearby communities. 

The plan, which the Nature Protection Ministry has designed, notes that Gegharkunik Region—where this project will be carried out—is one of Armenia’s least-forest-covered regions, with a mere 3 percent forests. 

This project envisions the planting of 2-3-year-old vegetable seed trees and other types of trees and shrubs. In the case of favorable conditions, high-value fruit-bearing forest trees are expected to be planted as well. 

Between 2014 and 2023, the funding for this program is envisioned to be provided by charitable foundations and other international organizations.