On February 27, 2024, the Head of the Ecopatrol Service, Mr. Vladimir Kirakosyan, met with the founder-chairman of the “Raffaela” Foundation Mrs. Devra Jarvis, in the framework of UNEP/GEF “Land Restoration and Improvement of Ecosystem Services in Armenia through the Use of Biodiversity of Fruit and Nut Tree Species” project.

The head of the service, welcomed the international expert, Ms. Devra Jarvis, and highlighted the importance of the effective implementation of the project, emphasizing that the implementation of each component will be a stimulus for the expansion of forested areas in Armenia, the development of forestry and its capacities, the preservation of urban and peri-urban agro-biodiversity, the mitigation of climate change and the improvement of the environment in general. for.

According to Mr. Kirakosyan, Armenia approaches environmental protection with great responsibility and does its best to solve these problems in order to achieve the desired result. In particular, regarding the restoration of lands and forests, in connection with which our country has international obligations within the framework of the Paris Agreement.

Ms. Devra Jarvis, in her turn, expressed her willingness to do her best for the effective implementation of the project, and then presented details related to the components of the project and their implementation.

With the implementation of the project.

• forested areas will increase, which will contribute to mitigating climate change,

• forestry will be equipped with new, modern equipment and special measures that will contribute to the control of forested areas and increasing fire safety,

• the level of public awareness and education will increase in the areas provided by the program,

• the social level of the residents of forest areas will increase, seasonal jobs will be created by collecting wild berries.