In celebration of the 15th anniversary of its founding, Armenia Tree Project NGO has released a new documentary about its tree planting and environmental education programs. The 15-minute film, "Every Tree...," was directed by Kennedy Wheatley and photographed and edited by Amaya Cervino.
"ATP began in 1994 with the modest goal of re-greening the public spaces in Yerevan where trees had been sacrificed during the ‘dark years’ after Armenia’s independence when people were forced to burn whatever they could find to stay warm," recounted founder Carolyn Mugar.
"By 2004 it became clear that rejuvenating public areas alone was not going to significantly impact the larger issue of deforestation. It was then, only five years ago, that I issued a challenge to our staff to undertake a program to plant 15 million trees by 2015," Ms. Mugar wrote in a message to supporters.
"I personally accompanied the filmmakers on a tour of ATP’s three nurseries, two education centers, and dozens of planting sites, and I think this film captures the emotion and impact of our tree planting, poverty reduction, and education programs," noted ATP director Jeff Masarjian.
"This has been a difficult year because of the global economic recession," added Mr. Masarjian. "Nevertheless, we are making every effort to follow through on our commitment to purchase and plant the tree seedlings grown by partner families who are working with ATP."
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
ATP celebrates 15 years of greening Armenia...
