The FORACCA project is jointly implemented by the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL and the Forest Alliance Armenia.
Forest Alliance Armenia
The Forest Alliance of Armenia is a coalition of organizations dedicated to forest landscape restoration and agroforestry in Armenia. Established in 2022, the alliance advocates for forest protection, restoration, and afforestation, serving as a unified voice in discussions with public policymakers. Beyond advocacy, the alliance fosters collaboration among key stakeholders, including government ministries, NGOs, scientific institutions, and international organizations.
The Forest Alliance Armenia currently consists of the following four organizations:
ATP (Armenia Tree Project) is committed to reforestation and environmental sustainability in Armenia, focusing on reforestation, afforestation, pasture and natural habitat restoration, and engaging local communities in environmental conservation efforts.
FPWC (Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets) is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage in Armenia. Its projects focus on protecting endangered species, preserving natural landscapes, and promoting sustainable development practices.
My Forest Armenia is dedicated to restoring and protecting Armenia’s forest ecosystems by implementing reforestation projects, sustainable forest management, and environmental awareness initiatives to combat deforestation and habitat loss.
Shen NGO is committed to community development and environmental protection across Armenia. Its initiatives focus on promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, water management, reforestation, environmental education, and improving local infrastructure to enhance rural livelihoods and ecological health.
WSL Team
The WSL FORACCA team spans different research groups and -units and includes experts on Environmental Governance, Climate Impacts and Climate Downscaling, Forest Resources and Management and Landscape Dynamics and Remote Sensing. The following people are members of the WSL FORACCA team:
Project Lead and Coordination
PD. Dr. Marco Pütz - WSL Project Lead
Dr. Dominik Braunschweiger - WSL Project Coordinator
Climate Impacts and Climate Downscaling
Forest Resources and Management
Landscape Dynamics and Remote Sensing
WSL Implementing Partners
WSL has sub-contracted several Swiss and Armenian partners to assist in the implementation of those parts of the project that WSL is responsible for. One of these partners is Shen NGO, which also a part of the Forest Alliance Armenia. The other WSL implementing partners are:
Planval is an impact company for sustainable and innovative development. Planval designs and implements projects and processes in the fields of policy and strategy, networks and knowledge management, sustainable economy as well as regional and community development with a strong focus on rural and mountainous areas.
Zoï Environment Network is a Geneva-based non-profit organization that specializes in the analysis and communication of environmental issues. Zoï employs a staff of 15, including analysts, communicators, consultants, facilitators, trainers and knowledge brokers all in one. Zoï works with associates worldwide, and has developed local networks in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East and elsewhere that support them on the ground.
MeteoSwiss - Swiss Federal Office for Meteorology and Climatology
Switzerland’s national weather and climate service, MeteoSwiss, has been playing an important role in Switzerland’s safety and prosperity for almost 160 years. On behalf of the Federal Government, MeteoSwiss performs the activities set out in the Federal Act on Meteorology and Climatology. MeteoSwiss operates the national surface and radar measurement network, and collects, manages and analyses weather and climate data. Moreover, MeteoSwiss produces forecasts, issues information, warnings and advice, and is also engaged in researching and developing tailor-made products and services.
Armenian Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform (ARNAP)
The Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform was established as a foundation by the Government of Armenia in 2010, aiming to establish a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary mechanism for disaster risk reduction and resilience building with involvement of all relevant stakeholders. It is the main vehicle for organizing stakeholder dialogue and coordination for key issues related to the disaster risk reductioncapacity building in Armenia.