YEREVAN—Armenia Tree Project (ATP) started its fall planting season partnering with Synopsys Armenia, a world leader in software and IP used in the design, verification, and manufacture of electronic components and systems. ATP staff joined approximately 600 employees of Synopsys Armenia CJSC, their families, and students to plant more than 600 thuya (arborvitae) evergreen trees in the area surrounding the European Regional Educational Academy and the Chess Academy of Armenia.
“Armenia Tree Project has been planting trees with Synopsys for almost seven years now. We started our partnership in 2005 and annual tree planting events became a unique tradition of the two organizations,” noted Arthur Harutyunyan, the manager of ATP’s Community Tree Planting (CTP) program.
The arborvitae trees were grown in ATP’s nurseries in the refugee villages of Karin and Khachpar. Before the ceremonial event the planting plots were prepared by ATP, and the trees will be constantly monitored to ensure the highest possible survival rate.
“As a global company, Synopsys recognizes the responsibilities that U.S. businesses have abroad. We were humbled to be among the 12 companies selected by the U.S. Department of State for our corporate citizenship, innovation, and exemplary business practices in Armenia. We continue to partner with and give back to the local community by voluntarily planting trees in Yerevan and contributing to the prosperity of Armenia,” said Chi-Foon Chan, Synopsys president and chief operating officer.
“On behalf of ATP, I sincerely thank Dr. Chi-Foon Chan and the employees of Synopsys for their remarkable leadership in demonstrating corporate social responsibility in Armenia. As part of our ongoing collaboration, more than 600 participants planted trees and greenery at the Chess Academy, honoring Armenia as 2011 World Chess Champions,” said Jeff Masarjian, ATP’s executive director. “In addition, we planted trees together at the European Academy to mark its 10 year anniversary. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to these institutions.”
“Synopsys employees view tree planting as a way to give back to our community by reducing air pollution and helping to renew Yerevan’s commitment to a healthy environment,” said Rich Goldman, Synopsys Armenia CEO. “It’s heartening to see our employees plant trees with their families. It helps cultivate a lasting culture of taking care of the environment in which we live and work.”
ATP and Synopsys have planted thousands of trees in the different communities of Yerevan, including Viasphere Technopark, Victory Park, Tsitsernakaberd Park, on a hillside of Nor Nork district, near the Holy Trinity Church in the Malatia Sebastia community, and along one of the main routes leading to the genocide museum and in the public park next to the Pyunic Association for the Disabled.
In November, ATP is partnering with KPMG, a network of member firms offering audit, tax, and advisory services, to plant 300 trees and shrubs in Musaler. The site is a shelter and support center for abused women operated by the Paros Lighthouse Charitable Foundation in Ptghunq Village.
All around the world, KPMG member firms are committed to the communities in which they operate and corporate citizenship is at the heart of each member firm’s values. According to KPMG, people in their member firms get involved in local projects and initiatives that have a positive impact on their community. The tree planting with the Paros Charitable Foundation is an example of applying their values to life. More than 50 managers from CIS countries will take part in the event organized within the framework of the New Managers Conference held by KPMG Armenia.
ATP’s mission is to assist the Armenian people in using trees to improve their standard of living and protect the environment, guided by the need to promote self-sufficiency, aid those with the fewest resources first, and conserve the indigenous ecosystem. ATP’s three major programs are tree planting, environmental education, and sustainable development initiatives.
For more information about ATP, visit www.armeniatree.org.
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