ASPIRED Program Report for Q 3 Year 2 - April-June 2017.pdf

ASPIRED Project

Report Q 3 – FY 2017

ADVANCED SCIENCE & PARTNERSHIPS

FOR INTEGRATED RESOURCE

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT

April-June 2017

July 2017

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International

Development. It was prepared by Mendez England & Associates.

Advanced Science & Partnerships for

Integrated Resource Development

QUARTERLY REPORT

THIRD QUARTER FY 2017

July 2017

Contract No.AID-OAA-I-14-00070/AID-111-TO-15-00001

Prepared for:

United States Agency for International

Development

Armenia Mission

1 American Avenue

Yerevan 0082, Armenia

Prepared by:

Mendez England and Associates (ME&A)

4300 Montgomery Ave.

Suite 103

Bethesda, MD 20814

Tel: +1 301 652 4334

Fax: +1 301.652.3733 www.mendezengland.com

Armenian Branch of ME&A

105/1 Teryan St., Suite 204, Yerevan 0009

Republic of Armenia

Tel. +374 10 514 315

Fax: +374 10 514 317

Email: aspired@engl.com

DISCLAIMER

This report is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of the Mendez England & Associates and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

http://www.mendezengland.com/ mailto:aspired@engl.com

Table of Contents

List of Acronyms

1. Executive Summary

1.2 ASPIRED Summary

1.3 Main Highlights from the Reporting Period

2. Summary of Performance Indicators

3. Program Implementation

Water Resource Data

Low Cost and Water Efficiency Technologies

Water Regulation and Enforcement

Donor Coordination and Communications

4. General Administrative Issues

5. Environmental Compliance

6. Existing Problems or Issues

7. Planned Activities for the Next Quarter

List of Acronyms

ASPIRED Advanced Science and Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development ATTC Aquaculture Technology Transfer Center AAB Ararat Artesian Basin BMO Basin Management Organization BMP Basin Management Plan CADI Computer Assisted Development, Inc.

CCHBCA Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia CEW Clean Energy and Water CoP Chief of Party COR Contracting Officer’s Representative DO Development objective DSS Decision Support System EA Environmental Assessment EC European Commission EE/RE Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy EGO Economic Growth Office EIMC Environmental Impact Monitoring Center EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan ERGIS Environmental Research and GIS ESS Environmental Scoping Statement EU European Union ESA European Space Agency GHG Greenhouse gas GIS Geographic Information System GOA Government of Armenia HMC Hydrogeological Monitoring Center ICARE International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education IEE Initial Environmental Examination IR Intermediate Result ITF Interagency Task Force The Lab U.S. Global Development Lab ME&A Mendez England and Associates MIS Management Information System MoA Ministry of Agriculture MNP Ministry of Nature Protection MoENR Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources MoU Memorandum of Understanding NGO Non-Governmental Organization PEER Partnership for Enhanced Engagement and Research PERSUAP Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safe Use Action Plan PIRS Performance Indicator Reference Sheet PMP Performance Management Plan PPR Performance Plan and Report SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SCWS State Committee on Water Systems SOW Scope of Work STTA Short-Term Technical Assistance SWCIS State Water Cadaster Information System TO Task Order WRMA Water Resources Management Agency WADI Water and Development Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract WUP Water Use Permit USAID United States Agency for International Development USGS United States Geological Survey

1. Executive Summary

This report describes the programmatic activities implemented by the Advanced Science and

Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development (ASPIRED) Project in the third quarter of

Year 2 of the project. It covers the period from 1st of April through 30th of June, 2017. The report reviews progress and achievements in each of the project areas during the reporting period, and describes planned activities for the next quarter. The report also highlights challenges and actions taken to address these challenges.

1.2 ASPIRED Summary

On September 29, 2015, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded Mendez England & Associates (ME&A) a contract to implement the ASPIRED Project under the Water and Development IDIQ (WADI). The purpose of the ASPIRED Project is to support sustainable water resource management and sustainable practices of water users in the

Ararat Valley through the use of science, technology, innovation and partnership initiatives. The ultimate goal is to reduce the rate of groundwater extraction in the Ararat Valley to the sustainable levels.

To this end, the ASPIRED Project focuses several critical areas:

1. Water Resource Data

2. Technology

3. Regulatory framework/enforcement of laws

4. Coordination across stakeholders

The ASPIRED Project places a strong emphasis on building partnerships with the U.S. Global

Development Lab (the Lab), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the private sector, research organizations and international donors to pilot innovative water and energy efficiency technologies, and to promote better water resource monitoring, planning and sustainable management.

1.3 Main Highlights from the Reporting Period

Data component:

o Preparation of a draft digital hydrogeological map for the Ararat Valley, based on the historical data and the results of the groundwater wells, natural springs and fish farms in December 2016.

o Completion of an unsupervised classification of the land cover for the Ararat

Valley, using the SENTINEL-2 satellite imagery and the methodology developed during the past USAID-funded Clean Energy and Water (CEW) Program.

Preparation of a georeferenced database with approximately 630 conflict sites to be surveyed in the field (groundtruthing) in June-August 2017.

Technology component:

o Launch of the irrigation system project in Hayanist.

Legal component:

o On May 6, the Prime Minister approved the Program of Measures for efficient use of the groundwater resources in Ararat Valley, which references the ASPIRED

Project in the implementation of a number of measures. The Government of

Armenia (GOA) developed the program of measures (https://www.e-gov.am/decrees/item/16974/) through the ASPIRED Project’s contributions to the activities of the Interagency Task Force, established by the GOA in January 2017.

Communication and Donor Coordination component:

o May 23, 2017: Community event dedicated to the completion of the water reuse project in Hayanist, with participation of the US Ambassador to Armenia Richard

Mills, USAID Mission Director Deborah Grieser, the Governor of Ararat region

Aramayis Grigoryan, the representatives of partner organizations and the

Ministries of Nature Protection (MNP) and Agriculture (MoA).

Photos from the community event to mark completion of the project on water reuse for irrigation system improvement in Hayanist community.

Report Q 3 – FY 2017 7

2. Summary of Performance Indicators

Summary of performance indicators for the third quarter of FY 2017 (Year 2 of the project) is presented in the table below.

1 Four GOA agencies and Partnership for Enhanced Engagement and Research (PEER) grantee, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Institute of Water Problems which are engaged in data collection activities.

2 The result for Year 2 referred to the Metsamor Power Plant, the Ministry of Agriculture, reportedly involved in the data collection on the groundwater supplies in the Ararat Valley, as well as the European Union (EU) Water Initiatives + project which in addition to its other programmatic tasks in the water sector will also collaborate with the ASPIRED on the technical upgrade of the SWCIS.

Indicator

Planned/ Actual

Target for Year 2

Quarter 3

Life of project (as of end of

Q3 of Year 2)

Notes: Descriptions/Comments/Assumptions

IR 1: Establish a comprehensive, user-friendly, open data system that is accessible to all stakeholders.

Sub-IR 1.1: Ararat Valley Geocoded, real-time, publically accessible data system that incorporates water resource, groundwater, and hydrological datasets from multiple stakeholders built and shared with the GOA

Indicators

1.1.1 Percent (of total) of datasets for the Ararat Valley publicly accessible

20/0 - - By the end of the Project 80% of all datasets available on Ararat Valley will be made public, which accounts for 100% of all the data that can be available to the public according to the Armenian legislation.

1.1.2 Percent (of total) wells mapped in the Ararat Valley.

100%

Target was met in the 1 st quarter of Year 2.

1.1.3 Number of stakeholders engaged in the data collection activities

8/10 - 10

The target refers to the stakeholders engaged in the groundwater-related data collection activities in the Ararat Valley from different sectors – government, private, public. For the LOP, the target is reported on a cumulative basis starting from Year 1

. The target for Year 2 also included the fish farms with installed automated systems for the groundwater use monitoring

Sub-IR 1.2: An online tool for hydrogeological modelling and decision-support for the Ararat Valley that incorporates hydrologic, economic, energy, social equity and environmental data generated

Report Q 3 – FY 2017 8

Implementation of the Project activities on announcing a public tender for procurement & installation of the automated online groundwater use monitoring system in the selected large fisheries was planned initially for February 2017. The delay was due to the GOA intention to shift the USAID’s assistance towards small fisheries. USAID and the ASPIRED team opt for the installation of the monitoring systems in the large fisheries, which are using the major share of the groundwater. Therefore, the USAID and ASPIRED Project will observe the progress and results of installation and operation of the monitoring system by the large and medium-size fisheries and GOA by September 2017, before initiating the process for procuring and installing the online monitoring system on 20 groundwater abstraction points in the selected small-size fisheries (with groundwater use below 100 liters per second).

4 During the latest inventory of the groundwater wells, natural springs and fish farms of the Ararat Valley, ASPIRED inventoried a total of 2807 wells, of which 1795 were found to be operational. Out of 1795 functioning wells, 336 are reportedly located in the fisheries of Ararat and Armavir marzes.

Indicators

1.2.1 GIS-based DSS for the Ararat Valley developed

Since the DSS will be available starting in Year 3, there is no data to report for this indicator during Year 2.

Sub-IR 1.3: A publicly accessible system that maximizes the use of open source technology and produces reports based on high-quality, real-time monitoring data created

Indicators

1.3.1 Number of fisheries with automatic data system installed

5/0 - - This activity is contingent upon the GOA’s action to pursue installation of the automated systems for the groundwater use monitoring in large fisheries.

Sub-IR 1.4: Plan for decentralized, sustainable data collection methods to monitor groundwater resources and strengthened implementation capacities of partners developed in partnership with the Government of Armenia (GOA) and local stakeholders

Indicators

1.4.1 Percent (of total) coverage of the groundwater extraction points monitored

4/0 - -

The indicator refers to the percentage of the groundwater extraction wells monitored with the use of the online automated system installed by the ASPIRED Project (in partnership with Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia (CCHBCA)) versus the total number of the operational groundwater wells available in the fisheries

. There is no data to report on this indicator due to the delay with installation of the automated systems for the groundwater use monitoring in fisheries. The attainment of this action depends on the progress of the implementation of the activity for Indicator

Report Q 3 – FY 2017 9

The project helped to avoid drilling of an additional groundwater well for irrigation purposes by channeling the outlet water from the fishery to irrigate 40 hectares of land belonging to

Hayanist community. The pumping station was built at the outlet section of the fishery to be shared between the community and the owner of the fish farm who in his turn plans to reduce abstraction of the groundwater by recirculating the water in his fishery with the help of the new pump.

6 If water tests prove the suitability of the water from Sevjur River for aquaculture purposes, then ASPIRED intends to install two types of RE technologies in the Aquaculture

Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) project: photovoltaic and biogas.

1.3.1.

IR 2: Introduce locally appropriate, cost effective technologies to improve water resource management

Sub-IR 2.1: Technologies developed, piloted, and evaluated at different sized fish farms with the objective of improving water resources management

Indicators

2.1.1 Number of groundwater extraction reduction technologies piloted and evaluated

2/1 - 1 The ASPIRED team completed the irrigation rehabilitation project in Hayanist in November 2016

2.1.2 Thousands of cubic meters of water saved annually in Ararat Valley

300/1,100 1,100 1,100 The data comes from the operation of the irrigation system in Hayanist.

Sub-IR 2.2: Technologies with the objective of increasing energy efficiency and/or renewable energy generation of water users developed, piloted, and evaluated

Indicators

2.2.1 Number of energy efficiency and/or renewable energy (EE/RE) technologies piloted and evaluated

1/0 - - The indicator refers to water-use related EE/RE technologies to be piloted during the project implementation

2.2.2 Megawatt hour of energy saved annually

87/24 24 24 The data refers to the energy savings generated by the Hayanist project.

2.2.3 Clean energy generated annually, MWh

7/0 - -

This indicator refers to the clean energy generation capacity resulting from the introduction of RE technologies aimed at minimizing extraction of the groundwater. The data for this indicator depends on the implementation of Indicator 2.2.1.

2.2.4 Gains in the reduction of GHG emissions as a result of USG assistance

25/11.3 11.3 11.3

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction-related data will be calculated based on the kilowatt hour of savings resulting from application of energy saving technologies in metric tons/year. The data is calculated based on the energy savings generated by the Hayanist project.

Report Q 3 – FY 2017 10

2.2.5

Number of people receiving improved service quality from an existing basic or safely managed water service as a result of USG assistance.

0/340 - -

Qualitative improvement of the water resource resulting from the pilot projects implemented by the ASPIRED Project. Whenever applicable, ASPIRED will conduct pre- and post-implementation water tests to detect the qualitative changes in water. The term “water users” refers to households, local farmers and others benefitting from these improvements. Initially, this indicator referred exclusively to the drinking water supply projects (to be implemented in partnership with PURE). However, it has been decided in concurrence with USAID to consider all water supply projects (both potable and irrigation water supply) which resulted in the improved service quality for the beneficiaries.

The current data includes water users from 85 households – beneficiaries of the water reuse project in Hayanist.

2.2.6 Number of water users experiencing improved efficiency of water resource use

3/2 2 2

More efficient use of water resulting from the pilot projects implemented under the ASPIRED Project. Examples of such projects may be reduced water abstraction by fish farms due to new technologies installed.

Based on the results from the Hayanist project, (a) the community avoided drilling of an additional well for irrigation needs; (b) the fishery became a more efficient water user by providing water to the community instead of dumping to the drainage water and gaining a possibility to use the existing pump for the recirculation of water, thus reducing its water abstraction from the groundwater well.

Sub-IR 2.3: Based on the pilot process and available research, recommendations developed for successful water and energy technologies for policy-makers and stakeholders shared

Indicators

2.3.1 Number of successful technologies recommended and shared with the stakeholders and policy-makers

1/1 1 1

Throughout the ASPIRED Project, the project team will pilot at least six technologies. Following these pilot implementations, the project team will conduct evaluations and provide recommendations during Year 5 of the project. The data refers to the successful launch of Hayanist project.

Sub-IR 2.4: Technology or method to permanently close illegal and/or abandoned wells, developed, piloted, and evaluated

Indicators

2.4.1 Number of technologies to permanently close illegal or abandoned wells piloted

Although this task was planned to start during Year 3, the ASPIRED team started implementation of the well conservation project in Hayanist in May 2017. ASPIRED will report the data for this indicator upon the completion of the project during the fourth quarter of FY 2017.

IR 3: Introduce new policies and regulations to improve integrated water resource management.

Report Q 3 – FY 2017 11

The ASPIRED team supported the USGS in organizing the well inventory training for its stakeholders (Hydrogeological Monitoring Center (HMC), WRMA) during Quarter 2 of Year 1 of the project.

This indicator is not cumulative and reported on an annual basis.

Sub-IR 3.1: Trainings to build groundwater monitoring capabilities, capacity strengthening, and knowledge of how to use equipment; and follow-up assessments to test knowledge on groundwater monitoring and analysis of the basin management organizations (BMOs) and relevant water management agency officials to improve enforcement.

Indicators

3.1.1 Number of trainings for building capacity of MNP in groundwater monitoring

1 - 1

This indicator refers to the trainings on enhanced up-to-date State Water Cadaster Information System (SWCIS) and Management Information System (MIS) for the Ararat Valley and on enhanced transparent water use permitting, control and oversight systems and decision support tools. ASPIRED plans to organize a training program for the MNP staff in September 2017.

3.1.2

Number of people educated on tools, approaches, and/or methods for water security, integrated water resource management, and/or water source protection as a result of USG assistance

12 -

(3 women and 8 men)

The indicators refer to the trainings on enhanced up-to-date SWCIS and MIS for the Ararat Valley and on enhanced transparent water use permitting, control and oversight systems. The indicator will be disaggregated by gender.

Sub-IR 3.2: Rigorous, evidence-based analysis of optimal water fee levels completed, shared with engaged stakeholders and recommendations provided to the GOA

Indicators

3.2.1 Number of workshops and consultations with stakeholders to discuss water fee levels

3/5 - 9 Indicator completed in 2 nd quarter of Year 2.

Sub-IR 3.3: Water permitting monitoring and enforcement measures assessed and publicly available and recommendations, including development of regulations, provided to the GOA.

Indicators

3.3.1

Package of recommendations to address water permitting monitoring and enforcement measures provided to GoA

This indicator refers to the package of recommendations, drafted by the ASPIRED Project and submitted to the GOA. This activity will start in Year 3

IR: Ensure communications and coordination with stakeholders to avoid duplication of efforts

Report Q 3 – FY 2017 12

Organizations to be involved in the mapping process are: Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia (CCHBCA) and the President’s Office (Both organizations demonstrate vivid participation in addressing water issues of the Ararat Valley); Metsamor Power Plant (provision of data for the Fee Report); and Sat-Agro. The latter provided data support to the ASPIRED Project (satellite imagery for the Valley).

The ASPIRED team was cautious with setting cost-share margins. However, if ASPIRED is successful in raising additional funds for cost-shares in Year 2, the Project may consider revising the target indicator.

11 ASPIRED completed the inventory of groundwater wells and springs in September 2016.

Sub-IR: 4.1 Systems-mapping to gain and apply knowledge of points of influence, incentives, and resources of stakeholders in water and the water-energy nexus completed and shared

Indicators

4.1.1 Number of international and local organizations participating in the system mapping activities

1/6 1 23 The data refers to the PURE project in terms of the system mapping task.

Sub-IR 4.2: A transformative partnerships model to respond to needs for research, pilots, analysis and other coordinated efforts that is demand-driven, flexible, and has a plan for financial sustainability created

Indicators

4.2.1 Percent of total funding leveraged from stakeholders for water resources management activities.

/34 - 34

This indicator refers to the in-kind and financial contributions by implementing partners. The reported figure is taken from the actual cost-share of partners (CCHBCA, Environmental Research and GIS (ERGIS), and Hayanist community) in the implementation of the irrigation rehabilitation project in Hayanist.

5. Cross-cutting indicators

5.1 Percent of population living in targeted areas with improved water management

30/3.5 3.5 3.5

The target area is Ararat Artesian Basin (AAB), which currently has 24 communities. The results for the interim period refer to the water reuse for irrigation project in Hayanist (2046 people). More data will be provided after completion of the well conservation project in Sipanik. A significant disparity between the actual and targeted results is caused by the late announcement of the PURE-Water Project which will cause delays in the design and implementation of water supply projects in the villages of Ararat Valley.

5.2 Number of key implementation steps taken to improve water management in the Ararat Valley

3/3 1 4

This indicator relates to policy, analysis and other activities targeted towards improvement of water data-related activities, including training and pilot projects. In the past quarter, the following could be reported in relation to this indicator: (1) the USAID presented to the GOA two reports - Achieving Sustainable Groundwater Use in the Ararat Valley: the Role of the Fisheries

Report Q 3 – FY 2017 13

The data refers to Samvel Lablajyan’s fish farm where the pumping station is installed for channeling water to the community of Hayanist.

13 Innovative technologies, management/monitoring tools or practices introduced by the ASPIRED Project in fish farms, at water use points and/or communities of Ararat Valley which contribute to the reduction of the groundwater use.

Sector and the Final Report on the Inventory of Groundwater Wells, Natural Springs and Fisheries of the Ararat Valley; (2) ASPIRED was involved in the Interagency Task-Force established by the Prime-Minister’s assignment in January-February 2017. In May 2017, the Armenian Prime-Minister Karen Karapetyan approved the Program of Measures for Efficient Management of the Groundwater Resources of Ararat Valley. Developed with the expertise and data support of the ASPIRED Project, the Program of Measures envisages an array of regulatory, legislative, institutional and technical measures for a more rational use of water in the Ararat Valley for different purposes such as fish farming, irrigation, drinking, and drainage system; (3) ASPIRED launched implementation of pilot projects aimed at improving water management on the grassroots level by the communities and fish-farmers:

the irrigation improvement project in Hayanist (launched in May 2017) and the well conservation project in Sipanik (started in May 2017).

5.3

Number of private sector firms that have improved management practices or technologies as a result of USG assistance

7/1 - 1

The indicator refers to (a) the number of fisheries with automated groundwater use monitoring systems installed; (b) fisheries which have adopted innovative water or energy efficiency (including renewable) technologies.

5.4 Number of innovations supported through USG assistance

3/1 - 1 The LOP data refers to the practice of the secondary use of the outlet water from fisheries for irrigation purposes – which is an innovative approach and has never been practiced in Armenia at the community scale.

3. Program Implementation

Water Resource Data

Data Processing and Analysis

The ASPIRED Project prepared a draft digital hydrogeological map for the Ararat Valley, using historical data and results of inventory of groundwater wells, natural springs and fish farms completed in December 2016. The map includes GIS layers on boundaries of the Ararat Valley and Ararat Artesian Basin (AAB), tectonic structure, geological formations, aeration zone, drainage network of the Ararat Valley, directions and volumes of groundwater inflow into the valley, directions and volumes of groundwater outflow out of the valley, as well as the piezo-line of groundwater pressure.

The data team prepared a technical report describing the preparation of the hydrogeological map of the Ararat Valley, including sources and type of data and information used, methods used for creating separate layers of the map and calculations.

Introduction of automated online system for groundwater use monitoring

The GOA integrated the installation of the automated online system for groundwater use monitoring into the list of environmental measures planned under the GOA’s Program of

Priorities for 2017. It is also among the measures for reducing groundwater use by the fish farms approved by the Prime Minister on May 6, 2017 as part of a comprehensive program of measures towards efficient use of groundwater resources in the Ararat Valley. Installation of the monitoring system is mandatory for all fisheries, and must be installed at the expense of the farms by August 31 2017 in the farms using 150 liters per second and more (large farms), and by December 31, 2017 in the farms with 100–150 liters per second water use (medium size farms). Small fisheries, using up to 100 liter per second, must install the monitoring system during 2018.

In April-May 2017, the MNP developed technical specifications for the automated groundwater use monitoring system and presented them to the GOA for approval. The GOA sets the uniform requirements for all the fisheries for installation, operation and maintenance of the monitoring system.

On June 3, the MNP held a public discussion of the program of measures with the selected fish farmers. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Nature Protection, with participation from the Advisor to the Prime Minister, Deputy Ministers and Heads of Departments of the MNP, fish farmers, international organizations, including the ASPIRED Project, etc.

The farmers were against the GOA imposing an additional requirement for them to install the automated groundwater use monitoring system. In the opinion of the farmers, the system installation is very expensive and not affordable for many fisheries. They also mentioned that their operational wells are equipped by mechanical water meters and they contract the

Hydrogeological Monitoring Center (HMC) of the MNP on a quarterly basis for measurement.

There was no final agreement reached between the MNP and fish farmers on the final schedule and allocation of responsibility for installing the groundwater use monitoring system (farmers versus the GOA). During the public discussion, the MNP encouraged the farmers to submit their proposed recommendations on implementing the monitoring and other measures for consideration by the GOA. In June, the ASPIRED team the minutes of the meeting, which outlines the discussions on the monitoring system and other measures, to USAID.

Enhancement of the SWCIS

The ASPIRED team continued the enhancement of the SWCIS following the structure and requirements of the GOA’s resolution on the Cadaster, and technical steps outlined in the Terms of Reference for upgrading the information system. During the reporting period, the ASPIRED team worked on the Water Use Permits (WUP) database of the Cadaster and designed new component – “Applications for the WUP”. The project team also re-programmed and enhanced the existing component on the “WUP’s”. The project team completed programming the interface of data input templates, while the reporting template is still undergoing the design process.

During the reporting period, the ASPIRED team conducted weekly meetings and work sessions with representatives of the WRMA’s Cadaster and WUP divisions. These meetings and work sessions were aimed at designing the sub-components of the WUP’s database, including the

“Applications” and “WUPs” data input template and linkages among the various sub-components. These technical discussions served as on-the-job training for the WRMA personnel, enhancing their skills and capacities on database design, management, and data sharing. In June, the ASPIRED team presented the progress made on the enhanced WUP database to the Head of the WRMA, who recommended minor changes.

When the re-programmed WUP database is installed in the WRMA, ASPIRED will train technical representatives in preparing various reports within the database and linking the results with other components of the SWCIS. The ASPIRED team intends to continue these technical sessions with the WRMA representatives throughout the process of improving the SWCIS. The

ASPIRED team plans to provide additional training programs to WRMA on the GIS to enhance the capacities on data analysis and linkages between the Cadaster’s various components.

These trainings are anticipated for the next quarter of FY 2017 and throughout FY 2018.

Decision Support Tools:

Decision Support System (DSS):

ASPIRED prepared a detailed work plan with proposed activities and schedules for simplifying the DSS (developed under the Clean Energy and Water

Program) and calibrating it for the

Akhuryan, Metsamor, Hrazdan, Azat and

Vedi River Basins.

ASPIRED completed the re-programming of the interface of the hydrological component of the DSS during this reporting period. The re-programming resulted in a more user- Precipitation data for the Ararat Valley used in the DSS design.

friendly interface featuring simplified functions for calculating the water balance and separate components thereof. After testing, ASPIRED will calibrate the DSS for the river basin catchment areas of the Ararat Valley in the next quarter, with participation from the WRMA and

ArmStateHydromet Service representatives.

Groundwater Modeling: In April, the South Dakota US Geological Survey (USGS) team shared with the project the progress report on developing the hydrogeological framework for the Ararat Valley. The draft scheme and descriptions on use of datasets provided by the Project look comprehensive.

During the next reporting period, the USGS team will provide the online workshop on the hydrologic framework on August 29 and 30, 2017. The USGS will provide the draft GIS files to the ASPIRED team for preliminary review and formulation of the questions to be addressed during the workshop. The ASPIRED team will work with the USGS on arrangements for the training, including the agenda and the list of the stakeholder participants.

During the reporting period, the ASPIRED Hydrologist reviewed the available groundwater modeling tools developed by USGS – specifically MODFLOW and its front-end and back-end extensions (i.e. GMS, Modelmuse, etc.) – as well as other software which could be used for modeling the AAB (RockWorks with its

RockWare).

In June, the ASPIRED Data component specialists completed the first round of testing the RockWorks groundwater modeling tool. The ASPIRED team constructed preliminary two- and three-dimensional images of the Ararat Valley aquifers, with cross sections, using data of about 60 deep groundwater wells. The project team will continue testing the groundwater modeling tool, using data of additional representative wells from the 2016 inventory.

Applying remote sensing technologies for data analysis

During the reporting period, the ASPIRED team completed the unsupervised classification of the land cover for the Ararat Valley, using the SENTINEL-2 satellite imagery and following the methodology developed during the past CEW Program. As a result, the team came up with a georeferenced database with approximately 630 conflict sites to be surveyed in the field

(groundtruthing) in from June through August 2017.

Following the detailed Scope of Work for the groundtruthing activities, the ASPIRED Project’s team of groundtruthing experts initiated the field surveys in June. By the end of the reporting period, the ASPIRED team successfully surveyed and took 250 GPS waypoints.

Preliminary lithology of well and aquifers of the Ararat Valley: testing phase of the groundwater modeling.

Support to the MNP in improving water management policies and regulations

During the reporting period, the ASPIRED team, following MNP’s request, provided its technical expertise and assistance in improving existing approaches and methods for calculating the ecological flow as well as water (hydrological) balance, and water supply and demand balances in the rivers of Armenia.

Specifically, the ASPIRED Project hydrologist revised the draft Government resolution on the new methodology for calculating the ecological flow in the rivers of Armenia, as well as its User

Manual. The revisions took into consideration the comments and recommendation of the stakeholders during the stakeholder review process.

Both regulations have passed stakeholders’ review and are currently under the GOA’s review, pending approval. Adoption and implementation of the regulation will significantly contribute to informed decisions on WUPs, and long-term water planning and management, following an ecosystems approach.

Low Cost and Water Efficiency Technologies

During the reporting period, the ASPIRED Project achieved the following accomplishments under the project’s technology component:

Launch of the irrigation system in Hayanist

Approval and implementation of the well decommissioning project in Sipanik

Approval of the Aquaculture Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) project concept

In early-April, the Hayanist community launched its new irrigation system from the pumping station located at the nearby fishery. For the first time, community members cultivated their farmlands after many years of abandonment. The ASPIRED Project’s Engineer and the contractor instructed the pumping station operator and the mayor of Hayanist community on the use of pumps.

The ASPIRED team helped the community to plan an irrigation schedule that will allow using the pumping station more effectively and providing reliable irrigation services to the farmers.

ASPIRED assisted the village in preparing the spreadsheet for the village administration to keep track of the irrigation water supply and collection of payments. To ensure the sustainability of the

Hayanist project, ASPIRED and the Environmental Research and GIS (ERGIS) met with the farmers to explain the operation of the new irrigation system, the billing mechanisms and setting of the irrigation queue and schedule. Additionally, ERGIS NGO provided seeds and samplings to farmers and established a demonstration farmland to show high-value agriculture practices to the farmers.

In May 2017, the ASPIRED began implementation of the well decommissioning project in

Sipanik. Based on the competitive bid results, the project selected VALML LLC as the qualified sub-contractor to carry out activities towards sealing the well. The plan to sealing the well involves four major phases: 1) assessment of the condition of the well casing; 2) preparation of the site to ensure access to the well for heavy machinery; 3) cleaning the well casing from rubble and any debris that would create ‘pockets’ and reduce the effectiveness of sealing; and

4) sealing of the well with a mix of bentonite and neat cement. After the flow is stopped and the monitoring shows that there is no flow on the outside of the well casing, the upper part of the well (3-4m) can be filled with monolith concrete.

In April 2017, USAID approved the concept paper for the implementation of the Aquaculture

Technology Transfer Center Project. Following USAID approval, the ASPIRED team signed a cooperation agreement with the private fish farm Armavir Farmer LLC – the local partner of

ASPIRED in this project – on May 6, 2017. The premises of a partner will be used for the construction of a demonstration fish-farm where all modern aquaculture technologies and practices will be piloted at a small scale. The Armavir Farmer LLC submitted a groundwater abstraction water permit application to the MNP, which was rejected by the GOA due to a halt imposed on the issuance of WUPs. After reviewing other options, the ASPIRED team considered using the surface water for the ATTC, since the Armavir Farmer LLC has a valid water use permit for taking water from the source of Sevjur River. The ASPIRED team is waiting for the water quality analysis results that will be used for aquaculture purposes.

The Birthright volunteer, in collaboration with the ASPIRED Project, prepared a study on the production of crayfish with best practices which will provide useful guidance for fish farmers.

Water Regulation and Enforcement

In May 2017, the adoption of the Program of Measures for the effective management of the groundwater resources in the Ararat Valley was an important step towards the conservation and more rational use of the country’s groundwater reserves. ASPIRED provided input on the preparation of the Program of Measures through technical expert assistance and data support.

Specifically, the project team engaged in the activities of the Interagency Task Force mandated to elaborate the document and present it to the GOA for review and approval.

The Program of Measures refers to USAID’s ASPIRED Project in relation to planned institutional reform, namely the enhancement of the SWCIS, update and digitization of the hydrogeological data, 3D modeling of the groundwater basin of Ararat Valley, and assessment of the groundwater reserves of the Ararat Valley and their recharge potential.

The team also followed up with the Report “Achieving Sustainable Groundwater Use in the

Ararat Valley – Role of Fisheries.” Particularly, the ASPIRED team presented the fee calculation scenarios and recommendations of the Report to the former Deputy Minister of Nature

Protection Simon Papyan and ministry staff. Although the ministry team was expected to analyze the information and present their feedback, the ASPIRED team did not receive any comments from the MNP. After the elections, the MNP was undergoing major restructuring of its subdivisions, affecting activities under the ASPIRED Project as well. ASPIRED will resume discussions with the MNP as soon as the organizational changes are completed.

The legal component was also involved in the meetings with the Urban Foundations as part of the newly-awarded PURE project. The discussions of the legal component focused on the complimentary efforts towards improving the legal and regulatory framework of the water sector.

The ASPIRED team provided comments and suggestions for aligning the legal task of the PURE project work plan with the objectives of the ASPIRED Project. In June, the ASPIRED team reviewed and provided comments on the Draft Government Decision to amend the Ararat Basin

Management Plan with the Ararat Valley groundwater resources management plan developed by the WRMA. The ASPIRED team submitted comments via the www.e-draft.am site, where the draft legal acts are placed for public comments. MNP accepted the comments mady by the

Project team. Underlines in the screenshot below show that ASPIRED Project’s made comments (Colomn 1) and they are accepted (Colomn 3.) ASPIRED team made the comments based on the inventory data on the state of groundwater use in Ararat Valley(2016) and recommendations provided in the project reports on improving groundwater management in the

Ararat Valley.

The comments (adopted provided by the ASPIRED to the GOA’s decision on amendments to the Ararat Basin management plan underlined red.

http://www.e-draft.am/

Donor Coordination and Communications

During the reporting period, ASPIRED held several coordination meetings with the project partners and stakeholders on different task areas, including the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling

Company Armenia (CCHBCA), ERGIS NGO, PURE Project, EU Water Initiatives Plus, and government stakeholders.

The ASPIRED team worked closely with the CCHBCA and UNDP GEF Small Grants Program on the completion of the Hayanist project and organization of the project’s opening ceremony on

May 22, 2017. The ASPIRED team acted as the lead in coordinating the event with the project partners, USAID and the community.

The May 23 celebration event involved a fishery visit to observe the newly constructed pumping station. Event participants also observed the new irrigation system in practice and met with farmers who gained a chance to return their farmlands to cultivation after many years of abandonment. US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, the CCHBCA General Manager

Christoph Speck, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Dmitry Mariyasin and Ararat Governor

Aramayis Grigoryan provided welcoming remarks during the official ceremony at the village school. Event participants included UNDP Mission Director Deborah Grieser, Deputy Minister of

Nature Protection Simon Papyan, other representatives of the MNP and MoA, Hayanist community members, mayors of neighboring communities and approximately 50 mass media representatives.

Broadcast and electronic media outlets covered the event – the media coverage of the event is publically available via the links provided below14.

Following USAID apploval of the Pure Project, ASPIRED team arranged a number of coordination meetings with representatives from the

Urban Institute. Both teams discussed their joint plans for the coming year and agreed to coordinate efforts in the legal/regulatory field, selection and design of pilot projects for

ASPIRED implementation, and the implementation of public awareness activities. During the reporting period, the collaboration between the ASPIRED and Urban Institute teams included the following activities:

14 www.goo.gl/wXcJTd; http://yerkirmedia.am/social/hayanist-vorogum/; https://armeniatv.am/hy/62065-62065; www.goo.gl/D6SbvU;

www.goo.gl/fflR2H; http://www.panarmenian.net/arm/photoset/all/10910; http://www.globnews.am/?p=5043&l=am ;

https://news.am/arm/news/391519.html; http://www.tert.am/am/news/2017/05/23/Hayanist/2380619 ;

Farmer Hakob Konjaryan shows his apricot orchard to the main donors of the

Hayanist water reuse project. Right to left: Richard Mills, US Ambassador to

Armenia, Christoph Speck, CCHBA General Manager, Hakob Konjaryan, a farmer from Hayanist and Magda Avetisyan, ASPIRED Chief of Party.

http://www.goo.gl/wXcJTd http://yerkirmedia.am/social/hayanist-vorogum/ https://armeniatv.am/hy/62065-62065 http://www.goo.gl/D6SbvU http://www.goo.gl/fflR2H http://www.panarmenian.net/arm/photoset/all/10910 http://www.globnews.am/?p=5043&l=am https://news.am/arm/news/391519.html http://www.tert.am/am/news/2017/05/23/Hayanist/2380619

ASPIRED shared its data and documents, particularly the legal gap analysis report prepared during the CEW Program, with the PURE team as a source of information during their legal studies and work planning.

The project team participated in the discussions with the representatives of the

Environmental Law Research Center – the partner of the Urban Institute in the implementation of PURE project – on legal sector issues related to the PURE project.

ASPIRED participated in the PURE project’s partners meeting and work plan presentation to USAID.

The ASPIRED team reviewed and provided comments on the household survey conducted by PURE in the communities of Ararat and Armavir marzes and was interviewed in the key informant interview process.

During the reporting period, the team also performed other communication tasks, namely:

Designing and featuring a new pilot projects page on the ASPIRED Project website

Posting project updates to the ASPIRED Project web site and Facebook page

Preparing press releases, media invitations, and a story board for the event in Hayanist

Participating in the community meetings and site visits

Preparing outreach materials to highlight project-related activities

4. General Administrative Issues

The Administrative department deals with tasks related to routine program management, administration, and procurement.

Following USAID approval of the project in Sipanik village, the ASPIRED team announced the request for submission of quotations for implementation of the well decommissioning project in

Sipanik. Based on the tender results, the ASPIRED selected and signed a contract with the local company, VALML LLC.

ASPIRED signed a service agreement with the Environmental Impact Monitoring Center of the

MNP for sampling and analysis of the water quality at the outlet of Samvel Lablajyan’s fish farm.

5. Environmental Compliance

During the reporting period, the ASPIRED team prepared the environmental review documentation, including the checklist and Environmental Mitigation and Management Plan

(EMMP) for a demonstration project on the decommissioning of a groundwater well in Sipanik community. After the project launch, the ASPIRED team conducted an environmental compliance and safety training for representatives of the VALML Company, ASPIRED’s local subcontractor for the well decommissioning project in Sipanik. The ASPIRED Environmental

Specialist presented the environmental and social mitigation and prevention measures, as stated in the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP), as well as requirements of the RA legislation on environmental compliance and safety (Order of the Minister of Urban

Development on Construction Norms, adopted in January 2008) to the five members who will be working on the well decommissioning project under VALM Company.

http://www.aspired.wadi-mea.com/en/about-aspired-3/

As a follow-up, the Environmental Specialist visited Sipanik village to check safety and environmental compliance of the groundwater well decommissioning works. The Environmental

Specialist observed that the construction site was properly delineated, compacted, and graded.

The subcontractor arranged a platform for the machinery to prevent soil erosion and contamination, as well as laid a temporary pipe to channel water to the drainage system. The subcontractor made sure to observe existing construction and safety norms. ASPIRED will continue conducting regular monitoring visits to the Sipanik well decommissioning site during the next project quarter.

At the beginning of the irritation season in April, ASPIRED checked the quality of discharge waters from the fish farm provided for the irrigation needs of Hayanist village to ensure that the project complies with the requirements of the EMMP. A specialist from the MNP’s Environmental

Impact Monitoring Center collected water samples at the outlet of the Lablajyan fish farm.

These water samples were analyzed against 38 parameters, including main physical and chemical parameters and heavy metals. Water test results showed that concentrations of macro and microelements, trace elements and heavy metals, dissolved oxygen and pH levels are within the range defined by the FAO to be suitable for irrigation. Only concentrations of total nitrogen and potassium are slightly high. However, these high concentrations can be adjusted by reducing the application of fertilizers, as discussed during the March training program conducted by ERGIS NGO for approximately 28 farmers from the Hayanist community.

In May, the ASPIRED Engineer and Environmental Specialist explored all water sources for establishing the ATTC, since the Armavir Farmer Company’s request to have its permit renewed for abstracting water from its groundwater well was rejected by the WRMA. One of the alternative sources of water that ASPIRED looked into was an intake of a pumping station on the Sevjur River fed by the natural springs. The pump station belongs to the Armavir farmer, who holds a permit for using about 230 liters/second from the Sevjur River. The ASPIRED will check suitability of the water for the ATTC during the next month, after the Armavir farmer cleans the site. The Project will contract the MNP’s Environmental Monitoring and Information

Center SNCO for sampling and analysis. Prior to the start of activities related to establishing the

ATTC, ASPIRED Project’s Environmental Specialist will provide a training program to the ATTC

Project implementing partners and subcontractors on environmental and social safety, focusing on implementation of mitigation measures as defined in the EMMP.

6. Existing Problems or Issues

ASPIRED delayed the announcement of a public tender for procurement and installation of the automated online groundwater use monitoring system in the selected large fisheries.

Although the announcement was initially planned for February 2017, the delays are due to the GOA’s plans to shift the USAID’s assistance towards small fisheries. USAID and the

ASPIRED team strongly support the installation of the monitoring systems in the large fisheries, which are using the major share of the groundwater.

Prior to initiating the process for procuring and installing the online monitoring system on 20 groundwater abstraction pointes in the selected small-size fisheries (with groundwater use below 100 liters per second), USAID and the ASPIRED Project will observe the progress and results of the installation and…