ATP’s Youth Summit Sparks Environmental Innovation: Armenia’s Young Eco-Champions Shine

On May 15, a dynamic Youth Summit celebrated the environmental achievements of five eco-clubs supported by Armenia Tree Project (ATP). Held amidst a lively gathering of international and local partner organizations, school principals, teachers, and distinguished guests, the summit was a vibrant showcase of creativity and dedication to environmental stewardship.

Rousanne Arustamyan, head of ATP's Yerevan office, kicked off the event with inspiring opening remarks, setting an enthusiastic tone for the summit. “Today, we witness the power of youth in driving environmental change,” she said. Following her address, each eco-club presented their unique projects, showcasing innovative solutions ranging from recycling initiatives to educational games.

The summit culminated in an exciting award ceremony where eco-clubs were recognized in various categories. Winners were selected by a panel of representatives from partner organizations, based on a comprehensive evaluation of each project. This ensured a fair assessment and celebrated the diverse talents of the young participants.

ATP's collaboration with these eco-clubs began in early 2023, focusing on environmental education and capacity building. The foundation organized courses for eco-club members, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle environmental issues in their communities. With ATP's support, these young environmentalists implemented impactful projects, demonstrating tangible results in their areas.

Each eco-club presented an inspiring environmental program, underscoring their commitment to sustainability and innovation:

Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School Eco-Club: Focused on paper recycling, the students created eco-pens and eco-signs. They also launched a classroom composting project, using the compost to grow microgreens.

Dilijan Secondary School #2 Eco-Club: Produced decorative lampshades from recycled paper, which gained popularity and generated several orders, providing a funding source for the club.

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Nor Geghi Village Secondary School Eco-Club: Constructed an outdoor eco-classroom, furnished entirely with items made from waste. This space was used to conduct a series of awareness training sessions for younger students and parents.         School#156 of Yerevan Eco-Club: Developed an educational game focused on the Red Book species and native trees in Armenia, raising awareness about local biodiversity.

Nor Kyank Secondary School Eco-Club: Created puppets from waste materials and staged puppet shows with environmental themes, performing for kindergartens and neighboring communities.

“The creativity and dedication shown by these students are truly inspiring,” noted one of the summit’s judges. “Their projects are a testament to what young minds can achieve with the right support and education.”

The Youth Summit not only highlighted the impressive work done by these young environmentalists but also reinforced the critical role of community involvement in environmental conservation. The projects presented were a vivid demonstration of the students' creativity and commitment, showing that with proper guidance, young people can lead significant environmental change.

This summit was a clear demonstration that the future of environmental stewardship is in capable and inspiring hands. With youth like these, the planet's future looks bright.