Botanical Garden
The volunteer's primary responsibilities will include assisting the staff of the National Botanical Garden of Yerevan with various environmental maintenance projects. Tasks will involve caring for the garden’s grounds, clearing paths, removing weeds, cultivating trees, collecting seedlings, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the area. Additionally, the volunteer will collaborate with the garden staff on irrigation tasks. The volunteer will also have the opportunity to participate in most of the activities organized by the office.
About The Project
Background
The Botanical Gardens of the National Academy of Sciences are responsible for plant collections throughout Armenia. The Yerevan Botanical Garden, located in the northeastern part of the city, spans 80 hectares of semi-desert habitat. It boasts a rich herbarium and a diverse collection of 1,070 plant species, representing 40% of Armenia's national collection (650 species), and 51% of the shrub collection (850 species). Among its notable features is a 1.5-hectare collection of Armenian flora, housing approximately 750 species. This collection includes around 200 species that are endemic, rare, or endangered, providing a valuable resource for studying Armenian flora and the ecological interactions of species in a relatively natural environment. Once regarded as one of the finest botanical gardens in the former Soviet Union, the National Botanical Garden suffered significant damage during the energy crisis of 1992-94. The garden's rich flora was affected by the cutting of trees for heating, as well as a lack of water and heating in the greenhouses.
Volunteer Tasks
·Participate in and assist with all workshops, supporting staff in organizing these activities.
·Engage with individual children and their parents visiting the Garden, facilitating their environmental learning through conversation and games.
·Create articles about the Botanical Garden for publication on websites.
·Join an experienced specialist in conducting research in the field of Paleobotany.
Volunteer Requirements
The volunteer should be prepared to work outdoors and engage with plants. A background in environmental education is preferred, as is the ability to present this knowledge through various formats such as games, exercises, and workshops. Strong writing skills are a plus, particularly for creating articles and promotional materials.
There are no restrictions regarding gender, age, or other factors in the selection process. The primary criterion is the volunteer's motivation and genuine interest in the field.
The project requires the volunteer to speak English and/or Russian.
Contact Us
Koryun Street 19A/35 0009, Yerevan, Armenia
+374 10 522 701, 522 772, 522 788