Deforestation is a major problem in Armenia, with forest coverage decreasing from 30% in 1990 to only 6% currently. An online platform is being created to allow activists, journalists and citizens to report and map illegal tree cuttings, raise awareness of the issue, and coordinate conservation efforts. The website will use the Ushahidi platform and Google Maps to crowdsource location data on tree cuttings and allow users to receive alerts. The goal is to establish a coordination space for conservation groups and sustain the site through donations and promotion on social media platforms.

1. # save the trees savethe trees.am

2. # save the trees During the last 20 years there is a massive deforestation . Trees are being illegally cut in different regions of the country Only 6% of territory is now covered with forests compared to 30% in 1990 Average forest coverage in a European country is 25-30% Small coverage causes asthmatic diseases, allergies, etc. Deforestation: The lost battle?

3. # save the trees Deforestation: The Lost battle?

4. # save the trees The website is a toolbox that will allow activists, journalists and citizens to : Report Map Keep track of And raise awareness about Cases of illegal tree cuttings Aim of the project

5. # save the trees The website is built on the Ushahidi Platform Pre-designed functionality, customized particularly for this project Google maps for mapping the spots of illegal tree cutting Everyone is free to report via twitter, email, SMS, phone or online form Ability to receive alerts in your mailbox or RSS Reader How it works

6. # save the trees How it works

7. # save the trees How it works

8. # save the trees How it works

9. # save the trees How it works

10. # save the trees Armenian Version Expanding the geography Covering more issues Automation of SMS reception Promotion buttons for publishers Facebook connect What is expected to come?

11. # save the trees Sustainability There is a group of activists and journalists in Yerevan, who are struggling for the conservation of green areas in Armenia. Currently they don’t have any tools or a “space” for coordinating their efforts. The website will serve as an online workspace for them. We plan to collect donations to cover the costs of maintenance, technical support, etc.

12. # save the trees There’s a facebook group of activists which counts 1000+ members The website will be primarly promoted in facebook, We plan to publicize the website with the help of contributing journalists Also we plan to ask the bloggers to write about the projects in their blogs Promotion and dissemination

13. Thankee ;) Twitter: # savethetrees URL: savethetrees.am