Caucasus Conservation Corps
Youth Leadership in Action
The Caucasus Conservation Corps connects and inspires young conservation leaders through outdoor work and training. We collaborate with our communities and partners to build a more sustainable future for the Caucasus.
The CCC is organized in 3 formats:
International Exchanges
Lagodekhi, Georgia, 2023
Wilderness First Responder Training
TFC field staff together with representatives of the Transcaucasian Trail of Georgia participated in the "Caucasus Wilderness First Responder" training program funded by the US Forest Service under the "Caucasus Conservation Corps" program.
The program was conducted by Dr. Todd Miner, Director of the Department of Wildlife and Environmental Medicine at the University of Colorado Medicine School and included theoretical materials and practical exercises. The participants had the opportunity to study the topics related to the program in depth.
Zeskho, Georgia, 2023
Trail crew leader exchanges in Georgia
The members of TFC's technical staff had an opportunity to participate in the "Crew Leader Exchange" program where they were engaged in the trail-building trainings and acquired new knowledge and skills in trail trail-building and construction. Overall, three exchange programs took place between 23 July and 25 September 2023.
The program is implemented in cooperation with the US Forest Service and the The Transcaucasian Trail Association.
Lori, Armenia, 2023
Trail crew leader exchanges in Armenia
Georgian trail crew leaders & Caucasus Conservation Corps staff along with TFC members came together for an exciting trail building project connecting two villages. The participants shared knowledge and experiences about trail building and conservation activities.
They were joined by a representative of the US Forest Service, the sponsor of the CCC programs.
Weekend Outdoor Educational Projects
Sevan, Armenia, 2023
CCC Weekend Camp
The first weekend educational camp of the "Caucasus Conservation Corps" program was held in Sevan Botanical Garden.
10 young participants aged 16 to 30 from the Sevan community of Gegharkunik region of Armenia participated in the camp.
The project is implemented in cooperation with the Trails For Change NGO and the The Transcaucasian Trail Association, within the framework of the "Caucasus Conservation Corps" long-term program funded and supported by the US Forest Service.
Sisian, Armenia, 2023
CCC Weekend Camp
19 young participants aged 16 to 24 from Sisian and Goris communities of Syunik region of Armenia participated in the camp.
The project is implemented in cooperation with the Trails For Change NGO and the The Transcaucasian Trail Association, within the framework of the "Caucasus Conservation Corps" long-term program funded and supported by the US Forest Service. The Sisian Tourism Center is the regional partner for this stage.
Akhuryan, Armenia, 2023
CCC Weekend Outdoor training
16 passionate young individuals from the Shirak region of Armenia gathered together for a dynamic two-day trail construction training in the picturesque Akhuryan river gorge.
The participants got acquainted with nature conservation, trail design and construction as well as learnt about various projects and opportunities available in the region within the above mentioned fields.
The project is implemented in cooperation with the Trails For Change NGO and the The Transcaucasian Trail Association, within the framework of the "Caucasus Conservation Corps" long-term program funded and supported by the US Forest Service.
The Northern Way LAG is the regional partner for this stage.
Vahagni, Armenia, 2023
CCC Weekend Outdoor training
Teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 35 from the Lori region of Armenia were gathered for a two-day trail construction training.
The participants got acquainted with nature conservation, trail design and construction as well as learnt about various projects and opportunities available in the region within the above mentioned fields.
The project is implemented in cooperation with the Trails For Change NGO and the The Transcaucasian Trail Association, within the framework of the "Caucasus Conservation Corps" long-term program funded and supported by the US Forest Service.
The regional partners for this project are Vahagni Municipality and the BEM Youth Progressive Action Center NGO.
Tavush, Armenia, 2023
CCC Weekend Camp
The final weekend gathering of 2023 brought together 30 participants, a mix of stand-out alumni from the 2023 Youth for Change (YFC) and Caucasus Conservation Corps (CCC) programs and TFC core staff. The participants were also joined by Jessie Hess from the US Forest Service.
Among many other activities the participants also had training sessions about leadership and emergency evacuation of the wounded.
Partnerships
Washington DC, Asheville, NC, 2023
USFS Study Tour and Retreat
The Transcaucasian Trail's team completed a study tour in North Carolina and Washington, D.C. hosted by the U.S. Forest Service. The USFS is supporting the Caucasus Conservation Corps (CCC) program, which connects and inspires young conservation leaders through outdoor work and training.
Yerevan, Armenia, 2023
CCC Launch event
Representatives from various tourism and environmental organizations attended the launch of the CCC, where TFC presented the NGO's mission and long-term goals and discussed cooperation opportunities.
Tbilisi, Georgia 2023
TCT Trail Summit
A week of strategy discussions, planning, and team-building activities were held in Tbilisi along with TCT teams from the Caucasus countries. The participants shared experiences, learned from each other, generated many new ideas, and discussed plans for the next year.