Who we are

Armenian Forests NGO began in 2002 as a project of the Tufenkian Foundation, and was registered as an independent organization in February 2003. The NGO was founded by the successful entrepreneur, James Tufenkian, who works to advance social justice through his business and philanthropic endeavors (see www.tufenkian.am). Armenian Forests NGO is the outgrowth of his concern and determination to do what is needed to protect and restore Armenia 's threatened forests while helping to create jobs and build the economy.
As a means of reclaiming, protecting, and expanding forested areas, Armenian Forests NGO involves individuals, communities, other NGOs, government, and businesses in a variety of solutions on multiple fronts including changes in policies, norms of thinking and action, economic improvement, public education, and media advocacy (see our “Approach” and “Actions” pages for more details).

Key Staff:

Jeffrey Tufenkian - President
Nazeli Vardanyan - Director
Karen Afrikyan - Reforestation Coordinator
Yekaterina Koshkaryan - Business Coordinator
Mher Sharoyan - Public Relations Coordinator
Armine Sahakyan - Chief Accountant
Gagik Petrosyan – “Community Environmental Action Groups” Project Coordinator
Tatevik Gharibyan - Administrative Assistant