In a moment of both personal triumph and larger significance for Armenia’s ecological future, Rousanne Arustamyan, Director of the Armenia Tree Project in Armenia, was honored with the prestigious Climate Change and Women in Armenia 2024 Award.

This award, presented by the non-governmental organization Women in Climate and Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, UNDP and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, recognizes their exceptional contributions to climate change mitigation solutions.

The awards ceremony, whose purpose was to recognize and strengthen the role of Armenian women in sustainable development and women-led solutions, was a defining moment for Arustamyan and ATP, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The event recognized women in various facets of climate action in several categories, including climate change adaptation solutions, climate community action and policy, reporting on climate issues and solutions, climate education for all, climate finance and innovation solutions, and youth in climate action. However, Arustamyan received this particular award for her work in climate change mitigation solutions.

Rousanne Arustamyan’s career at ATP began on June 1, 1998, when she joined the company as an Administrative and Financial Assistant. Over the years, her role evolved as she steadily climbed the career ladder within the company. After gaining valuable experience in financial and administrative roles, Arustamyan was promoted to Finance Manager, where she took on greater responsibility in overseeing ATP’s financial operations and strategy.

In her current role as Director of ATP in Armenia, Arustamyan has been instrumental in leading comprehensive initiatives and shaping the overall direction of the organization. Each phase of Arustamyan’s career has brought unique challenges and growth opportunities, which she has met with resilience, dedication, and commitment to ATP’s mission.

As a woman in a leadership position, Arustamyan’s achievement is particularly significant. In a field where female leaders are often underrepresented, her recognition sets a strong example for other women in Armenia and elsewhere. It underscores the critical role women play in fighting climate change and shaping sustainable development strategies for a better future. Winning the 2024 Climate Change and Women in Armenia Award in the Climate Change Mitigation Solutions category is a testament to her hard work and unwavering belief in the power of community-driven environmental initiatives.

This award also recognizes ATP’s legacy as an organization founded by a woman, Carolyn Mugar, and currently led by another woman, Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian. The organization’s commitment to empowering women in environmental leadership is exemplified by Arustamyan’s success. In addition to her role as Director at ATP, Arustamyan also helped found Armenia’s Forest Alliance, a coalition of environmental NGOs committed to protecting, restoring, and reforesting Armenia’s forests. Her participation on behalf of ATP in this alliance demonstrates her deep commitment to preserving Armenia’s natural landscapes for future generations.

ATP reflects on 30 years of work in the region, and Arustamyan’s recognition comes at a crucial time. Over the past three decades, ATP has been a cornerstone of Armenia’s environmental efforts, planting millions of trees and working to restore the country’s devastated landscapes. In addition to focusing on reforestation, the organization has adapted its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the land and the people of Armenia. From empowering local communities to implement sustainable practices to advocating for policies that protect Armenia’s natural resources, ATP continues to make significant strides in environmental protection.

The Climate Change and Women in Armenia 2024 Award is not only a recognition of Arustamyan’s achievements to date, but also an incentive for her future endeavors. As ATP looks to its next chapter, Arustamyan’s leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire innovative solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges facing Armenia and the world.

“Without the teamwork and hard work of my ATP colleagues over the past 30 years, I could not have won this award,” said Arustamyan.

With this award, Rousanne Arustamyan has proven once again that the synergy of strong leadership, community involvement and an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship can produce impressive results. Her journey reminds us of the critical role women play in building a sustainable future, one tree at a time.

Armenia Tree Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to reforestation and environmental improvement in Armenia. Since its founding in 1994, ATP has planted millions of trees, educated thousands of people about environmental stewardship, and promoted sustainable development in Armenia. For more information, visit ArmeniaTree.org