On July 18, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern congratulated over 25 photographers and artists whose photographs and drawings won the embassy contest "Armenia and the Environment." The winning works were made into panels that are now hung on the outside embassy walls facing the embassy parking lot and Isakov Avenue. The panels include photographs of both American and Armenian nature and scenery.

The photographers were chosen from a contest announced on the embassy Facebook page, and over 300 submissions were considered. The theme of the contest was "Armenia and the Environment," and the panels also contain inspirational quotes from famous American environmentalists. In addition, the drawings chosen were from the NGO "The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)," a local environmental organization whose goal is to raise awareness for the preservation of Armenia's unique nature and environment.

The U.S. Embassy in Armenia has partnered with a variety of Armenian organizations committed to "green" behavior, such as planting trees and supporting environmental education for children. The panels outside the embassy will serve as a reminder of both how important and beautiful our planet is, and our joint responsibility in ensuring it is preserved for future generations.