The GIZ Sustainable Management of Biodiversity (SMB) Programme wishes to invite you to attend a presentation on the results of 2011 environmental campaign entitled: “Exploring Forest Ecosystems in Armenia”. To be held on December 5 - in celebration of the World Forest Day - the GIZ-SMB Programme would like to use this special occasion to create awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the sustainable use of our natural resources. The successful implementation of our campaign was achieved in collaboration with the RA Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), RA Ministry of Nature Protection (MoNP), as well as experts from the RA MoES National Institute of Education (NIE). Intending to teach about modern environmental pedagogic methods, biodiversity of forests and biological monitoring techniques, the GIZ-SMB Programme organized eight trainings of 3-day length in different regions of Armenia for 153 school teachers from Yerevan and Armenia’s regions. As a result of these preparations, the teachers were able to carry out comprehensive indoor and outdoor classes on biodiversity of forests with more than 2000 school pupils and eco-club members. The competition was designed to motivate both teachers and pupils to explore biodiversity, assess forest ecosystem services and submit their results to a specially selected jury of experts, tasked with choosing the best assessments received during the GIZ-SMB-announced competition entitled: “Forests are Precious Ecosystems”. In the beginning of our event on December 5, RA Minister of Nature Protection, RA Minister of Education and Science, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Mrs. Dafina Gercheva and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Hans-Jochen Schmidt, are anticipated to deliver opening speeches. The GIZ-SMB Programme will then present the winners of the competition with prizes and offer all our guests the opportunity to watch a 15-minute documentary about the concept and outcomes of our campaign of 2011, as well as a theatrical performance on importance of forests from one of the participant schools. An exhibition of art-works created by the participants of our competition will follow and the event will end with small buffet for all participants. The World Forest Day celebration will take place on December 5 (Monday) in “Ani Plaza” Hotel, “Ani” ceremonial hall (19 Sayat Nova Ave.).

---