The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.
The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. With 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by fires, these innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and empowering Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate finance access.
Additionally, ecosystem restoration, including reforestation efforts, can significantly contribute to climate mitigation and enhance food security while pushing the boundaries of sustainable wood products. and enhance food security while promoting sustainable wood products.
Armenia's forests are also endangered and vulnerable: 9,700 illegal tree fellings were recorded in 2020, 12,000 in 2021, 6,300 in 2022, 13,600 and in 2023, as it was presented by Sevak Markosyan, Director of "ArmForest" SNCO, during the press conference held at "Armenpress" Press Club. The forest lands of Armenia make up around 459,000 hectares, out of which the forest cover is 334.1 thousand hectares, which makes up 11.2 percent of the territory of Armenia. However, this indicator was recorded more than 30 years ago in 1993, and according to Sevak Markosyan, it is outdated: forest inventory is planned and these indicators will be further refined.
The index of 11.2% forest cover is considered low for Armenia. Armenia has undertaken an international commitment to carry out around 50,000 hectares of afforestation works by 2030, and to increase the forested areas to 20.1 percent by 2050.
Sevak Markosyan mentioned that "ArmForest" SNOC has planned and approved the implementation of afforestation in the area of 130 hectares for 2024.
March 21, 2024 at 13:52