Following the Kick-off Meeting of the “GreenS4BlackSea – Protection of Virgin Forests as a Green Solution for the Black Sea” Project, a planting activity was carried out in the thematic area of the ANG Botanical Garden with the participation of all project partners and stakeholders. The fact that the planting activity took place on 22 April, Earth Day, added particular significance to the event. The activity was attended by the Rector of Artvin Çoruh University Prof. Dr. İbrahim Aydın, President of the Artvin Bar Association Attorney Handan Demiral Almalı, Mayor of Şavşat Durmuş Aydın, Artvin Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Neşat Ulutaş, Deputy Regional Director of Forestry Tekin Işık, Artvin Director of Nature Conservation and National Parks Sedat Kara, Artvin Forest Enterprise Director Tuncay Bilmiş, as well as representatives from the Artvin Directorate of Culture and Tourism, State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), Artvin Survey and Project Directorate, the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, the Green Artvin Association, TEMA, Artkim Ltd. Co., and staff and students of Artvin Çoruh University.

Within the Olive Conservation Area established in the thematic area of the ANG Botanical Garden, olive trees removed from areas submerged by the Yusufeli Dam, along with saplings of various plant species provided by the Artvin Regional Directorate of Forestry, were planted. Labels bearing the names of the individuals who carried out the planting were attached to each planted specimen.