Bipartisan Resolution Honors Armenia's Natural Heritage and Recognizes Armenia Tree Project (ATP) Ahead of COP17

Washington, D.C. - More than three decades ago, in the aftermath of the 1991-1994 Artsakh war and the devastating environmental impact, Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) President Carolyn Mugar, along with her husband John O'Connor, spearheaded what would become one of the most transformative environmental efforts in Armenia's modern history: the Armenia Tree Project (ATP), which has planted upwards of 10 million trees, restored landscapes, strengthened communities, and built environmental resilience across Armenia.

Earlier this week, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs David Valadao (R-CA) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) introduced H.Res.1616, a historic bipartisan resolution that recognizes the importance of biodiversity conservation, welcomes the Republic of Armenia as host of the Seventeenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), commends ATP's extraordinary contributions as it approaches the planting of its 10 millionth tree, and supports the protection of Armenia's sovereign territory and natural heritage.

It also recognizes that U.S.-Armenia cooperation on conservation advances shared economic, security, and humanitarian interests, and that exchanges between the two countries strengthen their strategic partnership and enduring friendship.

The Armenian Assembly ardently supported the bipartisan resolution. Working closely with the Armenian Caucus, the Assembly helped shape the measure to account both for the accomplishments of the environmental efforts in Armenia and the contributions of the Armenia Tree Project toward achieving those goals.

“As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution recognizing Armenia’s strong commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship,” said Congressman Valadao. “COP17 provides an important opportunity for leaders around the world to come together to address critical environmental challenges, and I commend Armenia for taking a leading role in this important conversation while strengthening the enduring partnership between our two nations.”

“Armenia holds a special place in my heart, and I have been proud to stand with the Armenian people throughout my time in Congress,” said Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. “Hosting COP17 gives Armenia a great opportunity to show the world the beauty of the country they have fought so hard to preserve. As nations come together in Yerevan to confront the loss of biodiversity and find better ways to protect our natural resources, Armenia will be at the center of that important work. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan resolution celebrating this moment and ensuring Armenia can protect its natural heritage for generations to come.”

"Conservation is not independent of security or sovereignty," said ATP Founder Carolyn Mugar. "By welcoming Armenia as host of COP17 and affirming U.S.-Armenia cooperation on forestry, water management, and wildfire prevention, this resolution treats Armenia's forests as the strategic national asset that they are. We thank the leadership of the Congressional Armenian Caucus for this important legislative initiative."

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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