Independent Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia

Home , Dilijan, Hovk, Noyemberyan, Stepanavan, Vanadzor

«GEOINFO» APPLIED-SCIENTIFIC CENTER

Yerevan 2016

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3

2. TRAINING ON DETECTION OF ILLEGAL FOREST ACTIVITIES IN ARMENIA ...... 6

2.1 PREPARATION WORKS ...... 6

2.2 TRAINING IMPLEMENTATION ...... 6

2.3 PARTICIPATION AND MEDIA COVERAGE OF TRAININGS ON «PUBLIC MONITORING OF FORESTS» 10

3. FIELD STUDIES AND HANDS-ON TRAINING ...... 12

3.1 FIELD STUDIES AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE ...... 12

3.2 DETECTION OF ILLEGAL FOREST LOGGING ACTIVITIES ...... 12

4. DATA COLLECTION, PROCESSING AND FORMULATION ...... 19

5. PROCUREMENT ...... 22

6. LOGO CREATION ...... 23

7. FILM PRODUCTION (VIDEO TUTORIALS) ...... 24

8. «AFPM.AM» WEBSITE IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE ...... 25

9. ACTIVATING FACEBOOK SOCIAL NETWORK ...... 32

10. RESULTS ...... 37

11. CONCLUSIONS ...... 38

1. Introduction

The project implemented by «Geoinfo» applied-scientific center in 2014-2015 in the scope of ENPI East Countries FLEG II (European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument East Countries Forest Law Enforcement and Governance II) programme marked its continuation for 2015-2016 within the framework of ENPI East FLEG II programme supported by the funds of Austrian Development Agency. The “ENPI East Countries FLEG II Programme – Complementary Measures for Georgia and Armenia”, supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation, is being implemented by the World Bank in partnership with WWF and IUCN. It complements the EU-funded FLEG II Programme.

The objectives of the Programme are to support Georgia and Armenia in strengthening forest governance through improving implementation of relevant international processes, enhancing their forest policy, legislation and institutional arrangements, and developing, testing and evaluating sustainable forest management models at the local level on a pilot basis for future replication. During the period between June 2015 - July 2016, «Geoinfo» applied-scientific center has implemented the project on «Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia», commissioned by the ENPI FLEG Program. The programme is implemented in Armenia by the World Bank, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) funded by the European Union. The ENPI East Countries FLEG II (European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument East Countries Forest Law Enforcement and Governance II) programme is providing support in developing sustainable mechanisms for forest management in 7 countries: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. The main objective of the «Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia» project is to build capacities for independent public monitoring of forests in Armenia. During the project implementation period «Geoinfo» has accomplished the following activities: 1. Capacity building trainings were organized in Yerevan, Vanadzor, Dilijan and Jermuk cities of Armenia on the following topics:  Detection of illegal forest activities,  Use of GPS navigation tool in the forest,  Collection, registration and transfer of data on detected illegal activities.

During the training sessions the local groups learned how to identify illegal forest activities, were introduced to GPS navigation system, methods of photography documentation, use of interactive maps, data registration and transfer. During the practical field sessions the groups learned how to detect illegally logged trees, use GPS navigations system to register and document illegal activities, back up detections using relevant field photography, interactive maps and transfer data. 2. In 2015-2016 independent monitoring has been organized and conducted in the forest areas of the country. As a result of monitoring activities, relevant field data and other related material on illegal forest actions have been recorded and collected. 3. The official web portal of the Public Monitoring of Forests (www.afpm.am) has been upgraded. Regular updates on implemented measures, such as training sessions organized on detection of forest crimes in Armenia, recording, collection and transfer of relevant data and other supporting material using GPS devices are thouroughly covered in relevant sections of the webpage. Website information is open to public and allows citizens to upload materials detected on illegal forest activities. 4. A 3-5minute video tutorials featuring the Armenian forests and issues related to forest inventory and reforestation activities, procedures of legal forest logging, illegal activities, principles of using GPS navigation tools in the forest. 5. The logo of public monitoring of forests was designed. 6. Facebook page of the Public Monitoring of Forests became functional and effectively integrated with the webpage allowing targeted involvement of active citizens. The fan page on Facebook was promoted and regularly updated with information on ongoing program activities as well as with interesting and useful news related to the sector; short video turotials prepared in the scope of the program and other forest conservation initiatives have also been promoted through this page. 7. The status of the forest areas were assessed, illegally logged forest areas were detected through the analysis of Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 multispectural satellite images of forest areas of Armenia. 8. Based on the data generated by satellite images on illegally logged forest areas the experts of the organization and local active volunteer groups have jointly conducted field surveys in the forests of Noyemberyan, Stepanavan, Vanadzor, Berd and Kapan areas to identify illegalities in the forest. 9. Within the frames of the project, GPS navigation devices - GARMIN DAKOTA (4) and GARMIN OREGON (2) (equipped with camera) were purchased and the ENVI 5.3 software package was acquired to process and analyze satellite imagery and data of forest areas. The monitoring was conducted both in forest areas managed by «Hayantar» SNCO of the RA Ministry of Agriculture and in forest areas which fall under the category of specially protected nature areas and are managed by the RA Ministry of Nature Protection. For the purpose of project implementation «Hayantar» SNCO of the RA Ministry of Agriculture and the RA Ministry of Nature Protection were notified in writing.

Although the required human and technological capacity has been created to carry out the first public monitoring of forests in Armenia, this work had to be continued in order to build a better outreach both at local and national levels. More volunteers were needed at local level, especially in communities which are dependent on the forest. Besides, since the first independent forest monitoring proved to be successful it was especially critical to continue generate forest violations identified by environmental volunteer groups in order to correlate cases and areas of illegal activities in forests with data from «Hayantar» and State Forest Monitoring Center.

2. Training on detection of illegal forest activities in armenia 2.1 Preparation works To organize training sessions on detection of illegal forest activities as part of the Independent Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia, the following preparation works have been done by Geoinfo:  Reviewed and updated thematic materials of training courses and quidelines taking into account the issues that emerged during the training sessions delivered within the frames of Phase I of the Public monitoring of forests in Armenia. The training topics were as follows: - Introduction to the forest legislation of Armenia and its legal framework, - Information on forest tree species, forest logging and reforestation, - Detection of forest illegal activities, - Use of GPS and other navigation systemss in the forest, recording, collection and transfer of data on detected illegal activities,  Trainings schedule and agenda was developed,  Several areas were selected in the country for delivery of training sessions, and the announcements were posted on the websites of Public Monitoring of Forests, as well as through the Pan-Armenian Environmental Front and shared via Facebook social network.  Participation in trainings was ensured by sending out invitations to forest staff, members of NGOs and environmental organizations and local community. Additionally, phone calls were made to invited participants to receive confirmation.

2.2 Training Implementation

The trainings on the above mentioned topics were carried out in Yerevan, Vanadzor, Dilijan and Jermuk on the following dates: - Yerevan (October 1, 2015) - Vanadzor (December 4, 2015) - Yerevan (May 31, 2016) - Dilijan (June 4, 2016) - Jermuk (June 16, 2016)

During the training workshops experts from Geoinfo delivered presentations highlighting the following issues: - General information about Armenian forests and forest lands, structural overview of forest - management authorities, - Forest legislation of Armenia and its legal framework, - Forest use and illegal forest activities and their types, - Legal and illegal activities in the forests and how to identify them, - Information on types of violations with regard to forest legislation of Armenia and how to identify them, - Use of GPS navigation system in field conditions and principles of use of forest maps.

Training in Yerevan On October 1st 2015, Geoinfo delivered a training workshop on “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” in the presmises of Pan-Armenian Environmental Front in Yerevan (Figure 1). The workshop was attended by 15 participants, including representatives of the Pan-Armenian Environmental Front, environmental NGOs, active citizens, foresters, journalists and students.

Discussions: There were active discussions around the topics with Q&A session. One of the points discussed and raised was the idea of creating a forest field monitoring working group (groups) on a volunteer basis. It was agreed that the group shall consist of maximum 4 volunteer members who will visit relevant forest areas when needed. Accordingly, an official document will be issued by the Public Monitoring of Forests project to define the objective of the field visits by a volunteer group and will serve a basis for implementation of field activities. The project will take care of travel expenses including meals and lodging as required.

During the training sessions, participants gave feedback on the importance of the topics discussed and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the team of Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia.

Figure 1. Training of “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” in Yerevan

Training in Vanadzor On December 4, 2015 Geoinfo organized its regular training on “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” in the premises of NGO Center in Vanadzor town of Lori Region (Figure 2). Active citizens, representatives of enviornmental NGOs and local municipality representatives attended the training. Discussions: The participants expressed their willingness to cooperate with the team of Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia and visit relevant forest areas as well as learn the principles of using GPS system during the field surveys. However, participants raised concerns with regards to taking future actions on detecting cases of violations in the forest.

Figure 2. Training of “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” in Vanadzor

Training in Yerevan On March 31, 2016 Geoinfo delivered an ad-hoc consultancy training at Pan-Armenian Environmental Front office in Yerevan on “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” upon request of environmental activists (Figure 3). During the training courses participants were shown 3 short videos tutorials about the main forest tree species of Armenia, sanitation cuttings, care cuttings which were filmed in the scope of Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia project. Discussions: the videos stirred up active discussions about the main tree species and procedures for implementing care and sanitary cuttings in Armenia. The volunteers who have already been engaged in several monitoring surveys as part of the Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia, shared their successful experience and encouraged new participants of the training to join efforts in the field monitoring activities. For the purpose of making field surveys more effective and proper application of practical knowledge, volunteers suggested to have more practical exercises in the filed.

Figure 3. Training of “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” in Yerevan

Training in Dilijan On June 4, 2016 the training course on “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” was organized by Geoinfo in Dilijan. Participants of the training were environmental activists, local community members and forest sector representatives (Figure 4).

Training in Jermuk On June 16, 2016 Geoinfo organized its “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” training course in Jermuk with participation of environmentalists, activists, local community members and forest sector representatives (Figure 4). Unlike the other training sessions described above, the training in Dilijan and Jermuk were more focused on practical side of the action in field. During this field training participants used GPS navigation system, practiced detection of illegally logged trees and data recording.

Figure 4. Field trainings of “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” in Dilijan and Jermuk

2.3 Participation and media coverage of trainings on «Public Monitoring of Forests» Within the frames of the the project Geoinfo has organized training sessions in 5 regions of Armenia with a total of 53 participants, including 37 male and 16 female. Participation index according to regions is presented below: 1. Yerevan -15 participants: 10 men and 5 women 2. Vanadzor - 8 participants: 5 men and 3 women 3. Yerevan - 17 participants: 13 men and 4 women 4. Dilijan - 6 participants: 5 men and 1 woman 5. Jermuk - 7 participants: 4 men and 3 women

Trainings events on «Public Monitoring of Forests» were covered by different media, social networks and websites as listed below:

- Website of Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia: www.afpm.am - ENPI FLEG II Program website: www.enpi-fleg.org (http://www.enpi-fleg.org/news/knowledge-is- power/) - Facebook page of Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia: ttps://www.facebook.com /afpm.am/?ref = aymt_homepage_panel: - Website of Pan-Armenian Environmental Front: www.armecofront.net - Facebook page of Pan-Armenian Environmental Front: www.facebook.com/armecofront - Websites of most popular public media in Armenia: hetq.am, news.am, aravot.am, ecolur.am and others

- Videos prepared by the Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia project have been uploaded onto www.youtube.com

3. Field studies and hands-on training 3.1 Field studies and practical experience Field studies have been conducted with participation of trainees and during those field visits forest violations have been detected which were «mostly illegally logged trees». Participants were explained how to differentiate them and also learned how to collect, record and transfer data on detected illegal activities. - Tavush region, village Norashen-March 14-19, 2016, - Lori region, village Yeghegnut- April 22-29, 2016, - Stepanavan- May 15-22, 2016, - Dilijan-June 4, 2016, - Kapan and Goris –June 6-14, 2016,

Field trainings in Norashen village, Tavush region Between March 14-19 of 2016 Geoinfo has organized forest surveys and field practical sessions in Norashen village of Tavush region for participants of local volunteer groups.

Field trainings in Yeghegnut village, Lori region During April 22-29, 2016 Geoinfo organized forest surveys and field check up visits in Yeghegnut village of Lori region for participants of local citizen groups.

Field trainings in Stepanavan In May 15-22, 2016 Geoinfo organized forest surveys and field practical sessions in Stepanavan with participation of local volunteer groups.

Field trainings in Dilijan On June 4, 2016 Geoinfo has organized forest surveys and field training in Stepanavan with participation of local groups.

3.2 Detection of illegal forest logging activities During 2015-2016 forest cover changes have been detected in several forest areas by analyzing and correlating the Landsat-8 and Sentnel-2 sattellite images. Extracted and analyzed data has been used to

conduct field surveys and a range of illegally logged trees have been detected over a relatively large forest expanses.

During the “Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia” cases of illegal activities were detected in the local forest enterpsises of «Hayantar» SNCO in Stepanavan, Gugark, Dsegh, Ijevan and Kapan. Illegal activities were especially evident in «Dilijan» National Park (Figures 5 - 11). In the above mentioned forest areas over 1,800-2,000 trees were freshly logged illegally, representing different tree species, mainly beach, oak and hornbeam.

A brief overview of illegal activities is presented below. Logging activities mostly took place in:

Date: 17.09.2015 Stepanavan forest district of Stepanavan forest enterprise, Lori region – Block 6 of quarter 30; block 6 of quarter 31 and blocks 6, 7 of quarter 33 (Figures 5).

Figure 5. Detected areas in Stepanavan forest district

Similar changes in forest cover were also found in other forest districts of local forest enterprises where field surveys have been also initiated.

Date: 15.10.2015 Lorut forest district of Dsegh forest enterprise, Lori region – blocks 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 25, 37, 38 of square 3; blocks 3, 4, 6, 8 of square 4; blocks 10, 12, 13, 15, 21, 22, 25, 26 of square 5 (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Detected areas in Lorut forest district Similar changes were found in other forest districts of the forest enterprise where field surveys are underway.

Date: 21.11.2015 Illegal loggings in “Dilijan” national park

Field surveys were conducted in “Dilijan” National Park under the Ministry of Nature Protection in Armena as part tof the «Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia» project. As a result, 23 stumps of illegally logged trees/oak, hornbeam, beach/ were found in Haghartsin forest parcel with a tree diameter ranging from 20 to 55cm (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Illegally logged trees in “Dilijan” National Park

Date: 11.12.2015 Gyulagarak forest district of Stepanavan forest enterprise Blocks 36, 41, 42, 44 and 48 of square 1. Over 500 stumps were freshly logged illegally in the mentioned areas representing different tree species (beach, oak, hornbeam) with an average tree diameter ranging from 20 to 80 cm. Massively logged areas are positioned on slopes over 20° and above (Figure 8). Similar large-scale illegal activities result in major subsequent disasters (landslides, soil erosion, water shortages and draining of sources, etc.) and lead to complete deforestation.

Figure 8. Illegal logging in Gyulagarak forest district

Date: 14.02.2016 Lalvar forest enterprise Within the frames of the project the active volunteer members of Pan-Armenian Environmental Front (PAEF) civil initiative have carried out field monitoring on February 6, 2016 in the branch of Lalvar forest enterprise of «Hayantar» SNCO. Monitoring results are shown below: Over 500 and more illegally logged tree stumps were found in squares 3, 5, 7 of Shnogh forest district (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Illegal logging in Shnogh forest district

Logging activities were carried out along a newly launched 20 km road which has been constructed during the recent years top operate the “Teghut” mine. It should be noted that part of the logged trees, although marked with paint had unclear inscriptions and, observations have shown that logging was done on slopes over 35°, whereas according to the Armenian Forest Code forests growing on slopes above 30° are classified as «protection» forests and, therefore similar logging activities are not allowed. Massive logging of trees on these steep slopes already caused landslides and if logging activity continues these forests will be threatened with desertification.

Date: 18.03.2016 Chakateni forest district area of Kapan forest enterprise Hectares of forests were destroyed in Chakateni forest district of Kapan forest enterprise of “Hayantar” SNCO, Ministry of Agriculture in Armenia (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Illegal logging in Chakateni forest district

Date: 12.05.2016 Alarm call from Ijevan forests: massive felling of trees continues Alarm calls were continuously received on reporting large-scale forest logging. Pan-Armenian Environmental Front (PAEF) civil initiative has received an alarm call and photos of illegal forest activities from Tavush region. Reportedly a number of illegally logged trees were found in Ijevan forest enterprise area of “Hayantar” SNCO, the Ministry of Agriculture in Armenia. According to field observations by PAEF members they could hear the sounds of electric chainsaw operating in the forest all day long. Photos presented below were taken mostly in areas adjacent to the main land road only and deeper into the forest the picture would be disastrous. A number of smaller forest trails were leading to newly logged areas. Reportedly legal markings and inscriptions were again missing on all stumps.

The sawdust of felled trees smelled fresh and stumps were masked with pitch-like black substance to create an illusion that trees were not freshly logged. There were areas where tires were used to burn tree stumps. Many times we have alerted that if active measures are not taken to conserve and restore Armenian forests after a few decades we will face a sharp decline of forest areas with irreversible ecological consequences.

Figure 11. Illegal logging in Ijevan forest district

As a result of monitoring visits on detection of forest illegal activities, 5 criminal cases were filed resulting in: - Dismissal of Stepanavan forest enterprise director on of February 1, 2016 - Resident of village Hovk, Tavush region - Davit Yeganyan, born in 1977, was accused of not allowing Narek Aleksanyan, the journalist of “Hetq” online newspaper to freely enter forest parcel #7 of Ijevan forest district under the management of Ijevan forest enterprise of “Hayantar” SNCO on November 7, 2015. This way D. Yeganyan has hindered journalist’s legal professional activity. Thus, accusation was

laid to the above community resident as per Article 164, clause 1 of the Republic of Armenia Criminal code (“Hindrance to the legal professional activities of a journalist, or forcing the journalist to disseminate information or not to disseminate information”). This Article implies a fine in the amount of 200-400 thousand AMD. According to “DataLex” judiciary information system a signature not to leave the location was used as a precautionary measure towards D. Yeganyan. The lawsuit on this case will be filed in the court of first instance in Tavush region on February 2. Full account can be found here: http://www.aravot.am/2016/01/28/652044/: Criminal proceedings towards forest employees, forest law violators and those responsible for illegal logging continue to be instituted to date.

4. Data collection, processing and formulation

Data collection, processing and formulation on detected illegal felling continued in the scope of «Public Monitoring of Forests II» project in Armenia. For data collection, processing and formulation geographic coordinates of detected illegal forest activities were recorded and mapped in GIS and areas of illegal activity spots were marked on the forest map (Figures 12 - 15). During the field monitoring work, Trimble Juno 3b navigation system, GPS devices as well as Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellite images were used.

Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satelitte images of 2014, 2015 and 2016 were analyzed by our experts and forest areas were correlated based on the data received. Changes in the forest cover were identified through comparative overlay. As a result of analysis and comparison of satellite images it was verified that the intensity of illegal logging observed in Tavush and Lori regions (Figures 12 - 15) has increased.

Within the recent 2 years more than 865 different forest plots of over 487.4 ha area were logged in Ijevan forest enterprise.

Figure 12. Changes of forest areas identified through satellite image data of 05.2016 in Ijevan forest enterprise

Figure 13. Data of 05.2016 on illegal logged areas in Lori region

Figure 14. Data of 06.2016 on illegal logged areas in Lori region

Figure 15. Data of 07.2016 on illegal logged areas in Lori region

Geographic coordinates of detected forest changes were recorded using Trimble Juno 3b and GPS navigation tools and subsequent verification visits were made to the forest areas revealed. Field surveys were done to identify the root cause of changes. Findings have shown that changes were mainly due to illegal logging of trees and were protocoled as illegally logged in the absence of proper marks and inscriptions on stumps of felled trees. During the measurements data on illegal activities were collected by using different tools to ensure best quality and data preservation. Illegal activities were archived in the form of photo- and video material, written description of the given area and geographic coordinates. All processed data has later been uploaded and stored in the computer database. This data has also been made available on the website of Public Monitoring of Forests (afpm.am). Website is open for public observations under ‘Observation’ section. There are also online guidelines published on the website which provides a step-by-step instruction for visitors willing to submit their observations.

5. Procurement

For the purpose of independent public monitoring of forests in Armenia necessary equipments were acquired including 4-Garmin Dakota 20 GPS (Figure 16), 2-Garmin Oregon 650 GPS with camera (Figure 17). Contract was signed with the supplier-“Service My Notebook» LLC for delivery of the above products.

Figure 16. Garmin Dakota 20 GPS Figure 17. Garmin Oregon 650

For purchase of satellite image processing ENVI 5.3 software package contract was signed with “SOVZOND”- the official regional distributor of ENVI software products.

6. Logo Creation

Logo design was created for Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia. Preparation of logo design, logo printing on caps and stickers was done by Asoghik Publishing house.

Figure 18. Logo of Public Monitoring of Figure 19. Members of the group of Public Monitoring of Forests Forests in Armenia in Armenia wearing logo-printed caps Yerevan, March 2016

The logo was placed both on the website (Figure 18) and on facebook page of Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia (Figure 19).

Figure 20 Logo of Public Monitoring of Forests in Figure 21 Logo of Public Monitoring of Forests Armenia feautured on the website homepage featured on facebook page 23

7. Film Production (Video Tutorials) Presentation of traning materials in electronic form through illustrations and videos prove to be more efficient and effective than traditional teaching methods. Videos and illustrations help to easily grasp information as well as contribute to better learning through visual and auditory processing of information. Besides, the main advantage is that this video material can be re-visited over and over again by enhancing the knowledge about nature and forest.

Film-tutorials were produced in the scope of the «Public Monitoring of Forests in Armenia» project with an aim to make training and educational materials on forest and illegal activities easily comprehensible for the general public. Tutorials feature thematic areas on forest, illegal logging, use of GPS navigation tools for detection of illegal activities. Within the scope of the project 8 tutorials with 10-minutes duration each were produced on the following themes:

1. Forests of Armenia, 2. Sanitary cuttings, 3. Care cuttings, 4. Implementation of reforestation activities, 5. Forest inventory, 6. Illegal forest logging, 7. GPS and Trimble Navigation systems, 8. General information about forest map materials and GPS navigation systems

8. «AFPM.AM» Website Improvement and Maintenance The web portal (www.afpm.am) of Public Monitoring of Forests was upgraded by “Megasoft” LLC. The webpage is an important platform for elaboration of forest illegal activities and making this information accessible to the public. The www.afpm.am website has 2 main programmatic sections: website administrator section and visitor section (Figure 22). Website user can use page creation and editing tool options. The website content is available in two languages: Armenian and English.

Figure 22. Snapshot of Armenian and English versions of the webpage: www.afpm.am

Website administrator and editor section can be used to: Create, edit, remove and view pages, Re-arrange pages according to location, Enter, edit, remove, activate and view incidents,

Enable selection of incident type on the map by relevant map signs, Add an incident with coordinates on the map, Attach, edit, remove and view photos, Update, edit, remove and view news, Export data in Excel or other formats.

Website visitor section can be used to: View and search pages, View and search incidents, Add incident with coodinates on the map, Discuss the given topic on Facebook social network, View and search news and archive, View photos, Use Contact to address questions, View website map. “Observation section” contains data on illegal activities detected as a result of field monitoring. Here visitors can search and find a registered observation by filling out in a relevant column the type and date of Observation (Figure 23.).

Figure 23 Incident view and search

Recent observations are also visible on the main page of the website to the right (Figure 24).

Figure 24 Snapshot of recent observations on the main page of the website

Step-by-step instructions for recording cases are described in the uploaded online guidelines which can be found on the main page (Figure 25).

Figures 25 Snapshot of website guidelines

New incident data is reviewed and verified by the administrator before being placed on the webpage map.

Figure 26 Adding incident with coordinates on the map

Regular updates on implemented measures, including training sessions organized on detection and recording of illegal forest activities are covered in the “News” section (Figure 27).

Figure 27 Training coverage

‘Useful materials’ section contains Tutorials on forest illegal activities prepared as part of the project (Figure 28).

Figure 28 Snapshot of video tutorials on forest illegal activities

Facebook page is functional and effectively integrated in the webpage allowing to reach out to larger public for discussion of materials. Facebook promotion service was used to promote the website: www.afpm.am (Figure 29). As a result of promotion the website had 31,672 new views and 356 visitors.

Figure 29 Snapshot of discussion option of a relevant topic in the website which is visible on the facebook page

Figure 30. Report of facebook ad targeted at website promotion

9. Activating Facebook Social Network Facebook page is functional and regularly updated (Figure 31).

Figure 31 Snapshot of facebook page

Picture 32 Chronicle of facebook page updates

Facebook ad service was used to promote facebook page as needed. There was a significant increase in the number of page followers and visitors owing to facebook ad. Presently the facebook page has 363 followers. The average performance of the page during the period of October 1, 2015-June 30, 2016 has improved by 223 (Figures 33 and 34).

Figure 33 Snaphot of facebook page average performance based on page likes during the period of October 1, 2015-June 30, 2016

Figure 34 Snapshot of 1 promoted post details as of June, 2016

Owing to the above ad, promoted material had 42,533 views. Activities implemented in the scope of the project, such as trainings and field monitoring have been posted on facebook (Figure 35, 36 and 37).

Figure 35 Training of Public Monitoring of Forests in Vanadzor (December 4, 2015)

Figure 36 Snapshot of facebook post on Field monitoring done in Lori region and monitoring outcomes (October 2015)

Figure 37 Snapshot of facebook post on Field monitoring done in Tavush region and monitoring outcomes (February 2016)

The page was featured with interesting and useful materials related to the forest sector as well as short films prepared both in the scope of the program and other forest conservation initiatives. Snapshot of several posts of facebook page are presented below in figures 38, 39 and 40. Webpage integration with the facebook page significantly increased effectiveness of facebook page and ensured targeted involvement of active citizens.

Figure 38 Snapshot of facebook post: Test your “Forest knowledge”

Figure 39 Video image of the growth of trees

Figure 40 Snapshot of facebook post: Tutorial about “RA forests and the main forest tree species” produced in the scope of the project

10. Results Training courses on detection of illegal forest activities were continued and organized in the regions of Armenia to boost independent public monitoring of forests in Armenia: local volunteer groups participated in training sessions on illegal forest activities, GPS navigation system, photographic documentation, use of interactive maps, data recording and transfer. At practical level groups learned about the use of GPS navigation system, proper recording of illegal activities in the forest, photographic evidence, use of interactive maps and data transfer. Participants engaged in trainings were activists from Pan-Armenian Environmental Front, other NGOs, as well as students. Independent monitoring was conducted in forest areas by volunteer groups together with Geoinfo experts. As a result, materials and data were collected about illegal forest activities. Public monitoring of forests website: «afpm.am» was upgraded and improved. Collected materials and data were placed on the website. The following are the major outcomes of activities implemented during 2015-2016 in the scope of “Public monitoring of forests in Armenia II» project by Geoinfo LLC applied-scientifc center:  Thanks to the training courses volunteers engaged in the public monitoring of forests, having acquired certain professional knowledge, began to act with a higher confidence during field visits.  The staff of relevant departments of the Armenian Ministry of Nature Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture have become more vigilant,  Criminal cases were initiated based on findings of such independent public forest monitoring,  Attracted an interest towards cases of illegal logging by the Control service department of the Prime Minister of Armenia  Cases of punishment, warning and dismissal issued to employees of local “Hayantar” SNCO branches due to their poor performance,  Topics on forest illegal activities have been more frequently covered by local newspapers, e-media and social networks.

11. Conclusions  We may say that today the independent public monitoring of forests is well-established, however there is a need for further improvement. Efforts should be sustained towards working with the public, organizing training sessions on illegal forest activities with special focus on field work, considering incentive mechanisms. There is sufficient capacity for conducting independent public monitoring of forests.  Reflections on public monitoring activities organized within the scope of phases I and II of the project suggest that financial means - contributions from donor organizations are essential to ensure a more effective and high level implementation of this activity.  During the implementation of the public forest monitoring we have faced some difficulties when dealing with the state and forest management authorities. More specifically, forest workers do their best to prevent the access of public monitoring groups to the forest or do not easily agree to provide such an access due to internal instructions not to allow public monitors enter the forest. Detection of any illegal activity in the forest endangers the position and work of the forest worker.  The initiative to conduct “Independent public monitoring of forests in Armenia” was well received by the management of “Hayantar” SNCO. As far as other stakeholders are concerned, neither positive nor negative feedback was received so far, although negative feedback is expected in the future since illegal activities are many and forest employees have their share of involvement in this process.  This pilot project on the Independent Public Monitoring of Forests is of paramount importance for our country and for the forest sector in particular. The project has been successful in having engaged very broad groups of environmentally active citizens, reveal the types of illegal activities in the forest and ensure a very good public outreach.

About the Program

The ENPI East Countries FLEG II Program — Complementary Measures for Georgia and Armenia is being implemented by the World Bank in partnership with WWF and IUCN. It complements the EU -funded FLEG II Program. The objectives of the Program are to support Georgia and Armenia in strengthening forest governance through improving implementation of relevant international processes, enhancing their forest policy, legislation and institutional arrangements, and developing, testing and evaluating sustainable forest manageme nt models at the local level on a pilot basis for future replication. The three specific Program objectives are: Implementation of the 2005 St. Petersburg FLEG Ministerial Declaration and ensuring continuation of the process launched in 2005 (regional level); For mulation and implementation of sustainable forest sector policies, including legal and administrative reforms for sustainable forest manag ement and protection (national level); and demonstration of best sustainable forest management practices in targeted a reas for further replication (sub-national level). The overall objective of the complementary EU -funded Program is to promote sustainable forest governance, management, and protection of forests in the participating Program countries, ensuring the contribu tion of the region’s forests to climate change adaptation and mitigation, to ecosystems and biodiversity protection, and to sustainable livelihoods and incom e sources for local populations and national economies. Project Partner

AUSTRIAN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) supports countries in Africa, Asia, South Eastern and Eastern Europe as well as the Caribbean in their sustainable development. The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (MFA) plans ADC strategies. Austrian Development Cooperation aims at reducing poverty, conserving natural resources and promoting peace and human security in partner countries. Long-term programmes and projects support help towards self-help. The ultimate goal is to bring about a sustainable improvement in conditions of life. http://www.entwicklung.at

WORLD BANK The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of knowledge and funding for its 188 member-countries. The organizations that make up the World Bank Group are owned by the governments of member nations, which have the ultimate decision-making power within the organizations on all matters, including policy, financial or membership issues. The World Bank Group comprises five closely associated institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), which together form the World Bank; the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Each institution plays a distinct role in the World Bank Group’s mission to end extreme poverty by decreasing the percentage of people living on less than $1.25 a day to no more than 3 percent, and promote shared prosperity by fostering the income growth of the bottom 40 percent for every country. For additional information please visit: http://www.worldbank.org, http://www.ifc.org, http://www.miga.org

IUCN IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. IUCN’s work focuses on valuing and conserving nature, ensuring effective and equitable governance of its use, and deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges in climate, food and development. IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organisation, with more than 1,200 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. www.iucn.org

WWF WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. www.panda.org