ASPIRED Program Report for Q3 Year 6 April-June 2021.pdf

ADVANCED SCIENCE & PARTNERSHIPS

FOR INTEGRATED RESOURCE

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT

April - June 2021

ADVANCED SCIENCE & PARTNERSHIPS

FOR INTEGRATED RESOURCE

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

July-September 2020

July 2021

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

It was prepared by ME&A, Inc.

Advanced Science & Partnerships for Integrated

Resource Development

THIRD QUARTER FY 2021

July 2021

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:

ME&A, Inc.

4350 East-West Highway

Suite 210

Bethesda, MD 20814

Tel: +1 301 652 4334

Fax: +1 240 630 8935 www.MEandAHQ.com

Armenian Branch of ME&A, Inc.

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 ME&A, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

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

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary 5

1.2 ASPIRED Project Summary 5

1.3 Main Highlights from the Reporting Period 6

2. Summary of Performance Indicators 7

3. Program Implementation 15

3.1 Water Resources Data 15

3.2 Low Cost and Water Efficiency Technologies 20

3.4 Stakeholder Coordination and Communications 25

4. General Administrative Issues 27

5. Environmental Compliance 28

6. Existing Problems or Issues 28

7. Activities for the Next Quarter 31

List of Acronyms

ASPIRED Advanced Science and Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development

ATTC Aquaculture Technology Transfer Center

AAB Ararat Artesian Basin

AHP Analytical-Hierarchic Process

BMO Basin Management Organization

COR Contracting Officer’s Representative

COVID-19 Corona Virus Disease 2019

CJSC Closed Joint Stock Company

CPO Charitable Public Organization

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

DPLC Department of Licenses, Permits and Compliances

DSS Decision Support System

EE/RE Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy

EMIC Environmental Monitoring and Information Center SNCO

EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

ERGIS Environmental Research and Geographic Information Systems

EU European Union

FAR Fund for Armenian Relief

F2F Farmer to Farmer Project

GIS Geographic Information System

GOA Government of Armenia

HAAF Hayastan All-Armenian Foundation

HMC Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center

HPP Hydropower plant

ICARE International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education

IR Intermediate Result

ITF Interagency Task Force

LOP Life of Project

ME&A ME&A, Inc.

ME Ministry of Environment

PMP Performance Management Plan

PURE-Water Participatory Utilization and Resource Efficiency of Water

PV Photovoltaic

RFA Request for Approval

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SEDF Sustainable Energy Development Fund

SoE State of Emergency

SWCIS State Water Cadaster Information System

RA The Republic of Armenia

3D Three-dimensional

TO Task Order

USAID United States Agency for International Development

WRMA Water Resources Management Agency

WUA Water Users Association

WUP Water Use Permit

1. Executive Summary

This report describes the programmatic activities implemented by the ASPIRED project during the third quarter of Year 6, from April 1 through June 30, 2021. The report reviews progress and achievements in each of the project components during the reporting period, as well as planned activities for the next quarter. The report highlights issues and problems, along with actions taken to address these challenges.

1.2 ASPIRED Project Summary

On September 29, 2015, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded ME&A

Inc. (ME&A) a Task Order (TO) to implement the ASPIRED project under the Water and Development

IDIQ. The purpose of the ASPIRED project is to support sustainable water resource management and sustainable practices of water users in the Ararat Valley using science, technology, innovation, and partnership initiatives. The ultimate goal is to reduce the rate of groundwater extraction in the Ararat Valley to sustainable levels.

To this end, the ASPIRED project focuses on several critical areas:

1. Water Resources Data

2. Low Cost and Water Efficiency Technologies

3. Water Regulation and Enforcement

4. Coordination across stakeholders

The ASPIRED project places a strong emphasis on building partnerships with the public and private sectors, research organizations, and international donors to pilot innovative water and energy efficiency technologies, and to promote better water resource monitoring, planning and sustainable management.

On July 14, 2020, the ASPIRED project received a Modification to the TOfrom USAID for a total amount of

$600,000 and 10-months extension for the period of performance from September 28, 2020 to July 26, 2021.

On June 6, USAID approved the ME&A’s request for no-cost extension for the period of July 26, 2021 through September 26, 2021.

1.3 Main Highlights from the Reporting Period

o Water Resources Data

The ASPIRED team completed a two-week groundwater modeling training with application of the

ArcHydroGroundwater (AHGW), GMS and Modflow tools.

Presented the water supply, water supply and demand balance of the Ararat Valley during the Conference

“Prospects of Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Ararat Valley”. The list of attendants included representatives of the Armenian Government, academic institutions, international and local public organizations.

o Low Cost and Water Efficiency Technologies

ASPIRED completed the following projects during the reporting period:

➢ Hovtashat well optimization extension project

➢ Renewable energy (RE) for fish-farming project

➢ Irrigation improvement project in Mrgashat o Water Regulation and Enforcement

From April 12 to April 21, the ASPIRED team conducted the training on the Method of Assessment of Self-

Purification Capacity of Rivers for 8 specialists of the Ministry of Environment (ME).

o Stakeholder Coordination and Communication

The ASPIRED team initiated the pilot project results evaluation to better understand the impact of the projects on the communities and to provide recommendations to the stakeholders on the feasibility of these projects.

2. Summary of Performance Indicators

The Table below summarizes performance indicators for the reporting period.

Table 1: Summary of performance indicators – Quarter 3 of FY 2021, Year 6

Indicator1

Year 6

Target/ Actual

Q 3 Year 6

Actual

LOP

Target/

Actual

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 geo-coded, real-time, publicly 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 datasets for the

Ararat Valley publicly accessible 30/0 0 80/50

This indicator refers to the datasets related to the water resources in the Ararat

Valley which will be accessible for the general public. 80% of all datasets on the Ararat Valley will be made publicly available, which accounts for 100% of all the data that can be available to the public according to the Armenian legislation. This indicator results are contingent upon finalization of the Water Atlas and the Report on Water

Balance, and Water Supply and Demand Balance in the Ararat Valley as well as the

State Water Cadaster Information System (SWCIS). The datasets will include the following data:

- Data on groundwater flow model of the Ararat Valley;

- Datasets of the DSS for the Ararat Valley;

- Datasets of the online monitoring of groundwater use in the Ararat Valley;

- Geodatabase on the Ararat Valley;

- SWCIS online; and

- Ararat Valley Atlas published and online.

1.1.2 Percent of total wells mapped in the Ararat Valley

N/A N/A

100/100%

Completed in Year 2. Target met.

1 Indicators are presented on a cumulative basis. Non-cumulative indicators are marked separately.

1.1.3 Number of stakeholders engaged in the data collection activities

N/A - 16/162

This indicator refers to the number of stakeholders engaged in the groundwater-related data collection activities in the Ararat Valley from different sectors – government, private, and public. ASPIRED met planned targets for this indicator in

Year 4. Target met.

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

Indicators

1.2.1 GIS-based decision support tools for

Ararat Valley developed 2/2 1 2/2

ASPIRED completed the DSS and 3-dimensional model for the Ararat Valley in Year

4. The Groundwater flow model for the Ararat Valley was completed in Q4 of Year

5. Target met.

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

N/A N/A 4/4 This indicator was dropped based on Year 5 approved Work Plan. Target met.

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 0 80/763

This indicator refers to the percentage of groundwater extraction wells monitored by the online automated system that the ASPIRED project installed versus the total number of 336 operational groundwater wells available in the fisheries. The data groundwater wells monitored by the ME will be reported by the completion of the

ASPIRED project.

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 ME with its 2 subdivisions, PEER grantee, Institute of Water Problems, USGS, EU Water Initiatives Project, Ministry of Agriculture, State Hydromet Service, Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydro ecology, Metsamor power plant which are/were involved in the data collection process, fisheries: Alex Grig, Interaqua, Golden Fish, Max Fish, State Hydromet Service, the Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, Water Committee.

3 The cumulative results include the systems installed by the ASPIRED project (on 19 groundwater wells), and 238 wells monitored by Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center (HMC-former EMIC) in FY20 with the equipment provided by the ASPIRED.

2.1.1

Number of pilot projects demonstrating application of groundwater extraction reduction technologies (cumulative)

4/3 3 11/114

This indicator refers to the projects with technologies introduced at fish farms or other water use points that contribute to the reduction of groundwater extraction by users. This indicator also provides information on annual water saved, measured in cubic meters, for the indicator 2.1.2. Year 6 target refers to the projects in Vedi, Sardarapat, Mrgashat and renewable energy (RE) for fish-farming project.5During the past quarter ASPIRED completed projects in Mrgashat and Artyom Torosyan’s fishery. Vedi project status was also considered completed, as ASPIRED fulfilled its part of the project commitments. Target met.

2.1.2 Thousands of cubic meters of water

saved annually in Ararat Valley 13,140/228 228

13,140/25,49

This indicator measures the amount of water savings from the application of innovative water saving technologies, introduced by ASPIRED, at fish farm and other water use points. The annual data on past projects will be reported by the end of Year 6; During the quarter, ASPIRED completed project in Mrgashat.

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 technologies piloted/upscaled and evaluated

(cumulative)

3/2 2 5/4

This indicator refers to water-use related EE/RE technologies to be piloted during the project. LOP target refers to efficient pumping in Aratashen, Yeghegnut and solar energy for fish farming project. Targets for Year 6 include solar energy for fish farming project and projects in Mrgashat and Sardarapat. Of these, the first two were completed during the reporting period.

2.2.2 Megawatt hour of energy saved annually

1,335/105 105 1,335/1,1147

This indicator refers to the kilowatt-hour energy savings generated due to more efficient use of energy. Recurrent savings generated by completed projects are counted in the subsequent years and will be reported on an annual basis upon completion of the ASPIRED project. Year 6 targets include savings from completed projects plus projects scheduled for completion during Year 6: Sardarapat, Mrgashat, and solar project in Artyom Torosyan’s fishery. Of these, last two projects were completed during the reporting period.

4 The data refers to the Water Reuse Projects in Hayanist and Sayat-Nova communities, Well Sealing (with motor pumping) and Well Optimization technologies in Sipanik village, Well Optimization Project (with electric pumping or drift irrigation) in Hovtashat, and extension of the irrigation system in Hiovtashat, Drinking Water Project (efficient pumping combined with metering) in Aratashen and Yeghegnut, Irrigation Project in Pokr Vedi community, urban irrigation project in Vedi, irrigation project in Mrgashat and RE project in Artyom Torosyan’s fishery.

5 Instead of the ATTC, ASPIRED will report the data of the RE for fish-farming project due to the discontinuation of the ATTC project and equipment transfer to Artyom Torosyan’s fishery.

6 The first figure of the cell refers to the cumulative cubic meters of water to be saved as a result of the ASPIRED Pilot Projects by the end of year 5, which is also the LOP, while the second figure refers to the actual cumulative cubic meters of water saved as a result of ASPIRED pilot projects to-date.

7 LOP data refers to Hayanist project during 5 years of operation (24 MWh/year), Aratashen project during 3 years of operation (204 MWh), Yeghegnut (116 MWh) during 2 years of operation, Pokr Vedi (342 MWh) and

Vedi (47 MWh) Projects during 2 years of operation, as well as Mrgashat and RE for fish farming projects completed in Year 6.

2.2.3 Clean energy generated annually, MWh

33/46 46 33/46

This indicator refers to the clean energy generation capacity resulting from the introduction of RE technologies aimed at minimizing extraction of the groundwater.

ASPIRED reported the data from the solar project in Artyom Torosyan’s fishery.

Target met.

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

2,640/235 235 2,640.2/3,68

GHG emissions reduction-related data will be calculated in metric tons/year based on the kilowatt-hours of savings resulting from application of energy saving technologies by the factor of 0.473 t CO2 per megawatt-hour of energy. In addition to the GHG emission reduction occurring from the energy savings, ASPIRED also accounted for the CO2 reductions from the irrigated farmlands. In addition to recurrent projects, Year 6 targets include new projects in Sardarapat, Mrgashat, Hovtashat (extension) and the new solar project. The quarterly data refer to the irrigation projects in

Mrgashat, Hovtashat and the solar project for fish farming.

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.

33,267/72

33,267/27,33

Qualitative improvements10 of water resource resulting from the infrastructure projects implemented by ASPIRED project. The term “water users” refers to households, local farmers, and other groups benefitting from these improvements

(gender disaggregated). Year 6 projections include completed projects as well as new projects in Mrgashat, Sardarapat and Hovtashat (extension). The quarterly data refers to the communities of Mrgashat and Hovtashat (extension).

Men 14,667/29

14,667/12,30

Women 18,600/42

18,600/15,03

2.2.6

Number of water users experiencing improved efficiency of water resources

4/3 2 17/1611

This indicator tracks the communities/individuals that are benefitting from improved efficiency in use of water, resulting from the pilot projects implemented under the

ASPIRED project. Examples of such projects can potentially reduce water abstraction by fish farms due to new technologies installed. Year 6 targets refer to the Renewable project in fish farm (instead of ATTC), Sardarapat, Armavir WUA, and Mrgashat.

Quarterly results refer to Mrgashat and Armavir WUA.

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

8 LOP actual data refers to the recurrent savings provided by completed projects during the entire period of their performance (starting from their launch date) and projects completed during Year 5.

9 The LOP data refers to the beneficiaries of the two Water Reuse Projects in Hayanist and Sayat-Nova, the Well Optimization Projects in Sipanik and Hovtashat, the Drinking Water projects in Aratashen and Yeghegnut, Irrigation Projects in Pokr Vedi, Vedi, Khachpar, Hovtashat extension and Mrgashat.

10 ASPIRED will conduct pre- and post-implementation water tests to detect the qualitative changes in water.

11 The results refer to Vedi, Pokr Vedi, Artashat WUA, Khachpar, Yerevan WUA, Yeghegnut, Aratashen, Hovtashat, Sipanik communities, water reuse projects in Hayanist and Sayat-Nova communities ((a) two communities avoided drilling of wells for irrigation needs; (b) two fisheries, Samvel Lablajyan’s fish farm and Masis Dzuk fishery, became more efficient water users), efficient water use by Artyom Torosyan’s fishery, Mrgashat and Armavir

WUA

Indicators

2.3.1 Number of successful technologies recommended and shared with the stakeholders and policymakers

212/2 1 11/1113

ASPIRED will pilot at least six technologies by the end of the Project, conduct an evaluation, and provide recommendations during Year 6 of the project. The quarterly data refers to Artyom Torosyan’s fishery. ASPIRED discontinued the ATTC project and transferred the equipment to Artyom Torosyan’s fishery, where recirculation system has been installed based on the concept of ATTC. The system is successfully operated by the owner of the fishery and during quarter 3 ASPIRED helped to install the solar system to back the electricity costs of the fishery. Target met.

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 projects on permanent closure or optimization of illegal or abandoned wells.

2/0 0 5/3

ASPIRED project piloted one well sealing technology in Sipanik and two well optimization technologies in Sipanik and Hovtashat communities. During Year 6, the ASPIRED team plans to implement two projects in Griboyedov community: well sealing and well optimization.

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

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 ME in groundwater monitoring

3/2 1 9/8

This indicator refers to trainings on the enhanced up-to-date State Water Cadaster

Information System and Management Information System (MIS) for the Ararat Valley and on enhanced transparent water use permitting, control, oversight systems and decision support tools. The quarterly indicator refers to the groundwater modeling training conducted by the ASPIRED project in April.

3.1.2

Number of people with improved knowledge and capacity on tools, approaches, and/or methods for water security, integrated water resource management, water source protection and sustainable water use as a result of USG

20/26

126/149

This indicator refers to trainings on enhanced up to date SWCIS and MIS for the Ararat Valley; enhanced transparent water use permitting, control, and oversight systems; and environmental compliance procedures and efficient water use trainings for the beneficiaries of the communities. This indicator is not cumulative and is reported on a quarterly basis. The quarterly data refers to the training on the self-purification capacity assessment method and groundwater modeling training.

12 Year 6 data refers to the ATTC and Vedi Projects.

13 Aeration technology piloted in Masis Dzuk fish-farm; Water Reuse Projects in Hayanist and Sayat-Nova communities; Sipanik Well Sealing Project; Sipanik and Hovtashat Well Optimization technologies; efficient pumping and billing/metering system in Aratashen and Yeghegnut; two irrigation technologies in Pokr Vedi and Khachpar; airlift pumps and sludge removal system in Artyom Torosyan’s fishery.

assistance. (not cumulative)

Women 10 6 43

Men 16 8 106 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

N/A N/A 9/9 The target for this indicator was met during Year 2 /Quarter 2; therefore, ASPIRED has completed data collection under this indicator for the project. Target met.

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

1/0 0 4/314

This indicator refers to the package of recommendations that ASPIRED drafted and submitted to the GOA. The ASPIRED team is in the process of finalization of the draft document on the Method of Rivers’ Self-Purification Capacity Assessment. The indicator will be reported during the next quarter, after the final document is submitted to the ME.

IR 4: Ensure communications and coordination with stakeholders to avoid duplication of efforts

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

2/2 1 29/29

This indicator refers to newly identified stakeholders and points of influence in water and water-energy nexus for the ASPIRED project. Eurasia CPO has been identified by

ASPIRED as a partner. EU Water Initiative+ works on creating a database on water resources quantity and quality for HMC (Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center).

ASPIRED will link the database to the SWCIS Data Warehouse. ASPIRED considers

14 (1) The ASPIRED team opinion on Program of Measures in National Water code to USAID; (2) the Strategy for Policy and Regulatory Improvements and a Road Map for Improved Participatory Management of Water

Resources developed under the USAID’s PURE Project; (3) the draft Government decree on establishment of the requirements for the protection of water resources in the recreational zones submitted to the ME.

EW WI+ as a partner. Target met.

4.1.2

Number of partnerships made by

ASPIRED with other organizations

2/4 3 23/2615

This indicator refers to partnerships, collaboration with other public and private sector organizations, donors for the implementation of joint projects and/or other initiatives contributing to the accomplishment of ASPIRED objectives. ASPIRED partnered with Artyom Torosyan, fish-farm owner for installation of the solar system, Mrgashat and Griboyedov communities for the implementation of irrigation improvement projects. Target met.

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.

(not cumulative)

40/13 13 40/36,516

This indicator refers to the total in-kind and financial contribution by ASPIRED partners versus the total contribution of the ASPIRED project for a given year.

Targets are not cumulative and refer to a specific year of the project cycle. The projections for Year 6 refer to the expected cost shares for Sardarapat, Mrgashat, Hovtashat, Griboyedov and RE for fish-farming projects. Quarterly figure refers to the cost shares of Mrgashat. Hovtashat extension and RE projects.

IR 5: Portfolio-level indicators

5.1

Percent of population living in targeted areas with improved water management

19/9,5 9,5 76/6617

The geographical target area is the Ararat Artesian Basin (AAB), a territory of 13,075 hectares with a population of 58,373 people (28,392 men; 30,345 women). The results will count the population of affected communities who benefitted from the projects completed both during the previous years and in Year 6. The quarterly data refers to Mrgashat project.

Women 11/5.7 5.7 40/37

Men 8/3.8 3.8 36/29.5

15 ASPIRED’s partnerships with Hayanist community, Samvel Lablajyan LLC, UNDP/GEF SGP, ERGIS NGO, CCHBCA, Satagro, Masis Dzuk fish farm , SME DNC, FAR, Sayat-Nova community, Sipanik, SEDF, Aratashen, Hovtashat, Vedi, F2F, AAF, UNDP/Climate Change Program, the community of Yeghegnut, Artashat WUA, the community of Khachpar, Eurasia CPO and Sardarapat Community, Griboyedov community, Mrgashat community, and Artyom Torosyan.

16 This figure represents the actual cost-share provided by the communities and partners in relation to the total cost of all the projects completed by the ASPIRED project for the entire project period.

17 The results refer to the population size of Sipanik, Hayanist, Sayat-Nova, Aratashen, Hovtashat, Yeghegnut, Pokr Ved, Khachpar and Mrgashat, communities versus the total size of the population in the AAB.

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

2/0 0 14/1218

This indicator refers to policy, analysis, and other activities targeted towards improvement of water data-related activities, including training and pilot projects. In Year 6, ASPIRED will develop the SCADA software and finalize the method of self-purification capacity of rivers.

5.3

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

0/1 0 9/1019

This indicator refers to (a) the number of fisheries with automated groundwater use monitoring systems installed; and (b) fisheries which have adopted innovative water or energy efficiency (including renewable) technologies. ASPIRED met this indicator in Year 5. Target met.

5.4 Number of innovations supported

through USG assistance 3/1 1 8/620

This indicator refers to innovative technologies, management/monitoring tools or practices introduced by the ASPIRED team in fish farms, at water use points and/or communities of the Ararat Valley which contribute to the reduction of the groundwater use. ASPIRED will report on three planned targets: Ararat Valley Atlas, solar energy for fish-farming project (instead of ATTC), and SCADA software. The solar energy system has been installed in the fishery of Artyom Torosyan.

5.5

Number of innovations supported through USG assistance with demonstrated uptake by private and/or public sector firms

1/121 0 6/622

This indicator refers to the uptake/replication by the public and/or private sectors of projects, technologies, innovations and/or practices introduced by the ASPIRED project at fish farms, water use points, and/or communities of the Ararat Valley.

Construction of recirculation system by Artyom Torosyan following the approach of the ATTC. ASPIRED met its planned LOP results for this indicator. Target met.

18 This figure refers to: (1) Inventory of the Groundwater wells, natural springs and fisheries of the Ararat Valley (2) The Report presented to the GOA - Achieving Sustainable Groundwater Use in the Ararat Valley: the Role of the Fisheries Sector; (3) ASPIRED was involved into the Interagency Task Force (ITF) established by the Prime-Minister’s assignment in January-February 2017. (4) Pilot projects (5) Installation of the automated online groundwater use monitoring system in the fisheries of the Ararat Valley; and (6) DSS with its hydrologic, climate change and water quality assessment models; (7) 3D model of the Ararat Valley groundwater basin; (8)

Capacity building activities,(9) Billing and metering system introduced in the communities with drinking water projects; (10) Preparation of legal package for adoption of the requirements for the water resources in recreational zones of Armenia , (11) Ararat Valley Atlas (12).SWCIS.

19 The LOP result includes seven fisheries with improved water management practices: four have been equipped with online monitoring systems and two fish-farms participate in the infrastructure projects (water reuse for irrigation - Lablajyan and Masis Dzuk fisheries), and one fishery installed recirculation system on the example of the ATTC.

20 The data refers to the (1) practice of the secondary use of outlet water from fisheries for irrigation purposes, which has never been practiced at a community scale; (2) well sealing/optimization activities; (3) installation of the online monitoring system in the fisheries; (4) use of inverter pumping technology in Aratashen; (5) decision support tools developed by the ASPIRED project, Installation solar PV kits in fishery.

21 The actual result refers to the project on extension of the irrigation network in Sayat-Nova community with grant funding of the Armenian Territorial Development Fund.

22 (1) Replication of the water reuse project in Hovtashat community (with assistance from ERGIS NGO) and (2) Sayat-Nova community, (3) secondary use of Masis Dzuk outlet water for fish-breeding, (4) extension of the drinking water network in Aratashen by the community’s resources, (5) grant provided by the Japanese Embassy to ERGIS for the extension of the irrigation network in Sayat-Nova community and installation of a PV system on the pumping station, (6) Construction of recirculation system by Artyom Torosyan.

3. Program Implementation

3.1 Water Resources Data

SWCIS Enhancement

The ASPIRED team continued discussions with the personnel of the Department on Licenses, Permits, and Compliances (DPLC) and the IT specialist of the ME on the process of identifying the safety requirements for the software and hardware for operationalization of the SWCIS Data

Warehouse, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and online platform for submission of applications for water use permits (WUPs). After the discussion took place, on April 20, between the

ASPIRED team and Artyom Mkhitaryan – Acting Head of the DPLC, Nazik Jzmachyan – Chief Specialist of the DPLC, and Karen Aloyan – IT Specialist of the ME, the ME sent a letter to the National Security

Service (NSS) requesting specifications for operationalization of the SWCIS via the ME’s website. The

NSS sent a response to the ME’s letter that described the steps required for the ME personnel to install the data warehouse on a server and create a link to the ME’s website. The letter did not contain safety requirements for operationalization of the SWCIS online, as it was not originally requested by the ME in its letter.

On April 28, the ASPIRED team and USAID COR discussed with the Minister of Environment the issues faced that have hindered completing the operationalization of SWCIS, SCADA, and the portal for online submission of applications for WUPs, and explained to the Minister the urgency of having the Ministry’s support for completing these tasks before the project close-out. The Minister expressed readiness to assist the ASPIRED team in resolving the issues for operationalization of the data management tools, and shortly after the meeting assigned the respective personnel of the Ministry to work with ASPIRED..

To facilitate identification of the safety requirements for online operation of the data management tools and completion of this task, the ASPIRED team initiated discussions with the representatives of the e-

Governance infrastructure implementation agency (Ekeng) of the Government in May. The project team prepared and sent to Ekeng the technical description of the data management tools developed by the

ASPIRED project, with USAID-funding, for the needs of the GOAM for data-driven management of water resources in the Ararat Valley and countrywide, and described the issues that need to be resolved for full operationalization of the tools.

On June 1, ASPIRED held an online meeting with the representatives of the Ekeng and ME to clarify the safety requirements and procedures for operationalization of the

SWCIS, SCADA and portal for online submission of applications for WUPs.

The participants agreed on the following main steps:

Screenshot of an online meeting with the representatives of the Ekeng and ME.

• The ME shall prepare an official request letter to the E-governance Digitization Council of the

GOAM on operationalization of the SWCIS online. The letter shall include (a) background information, including the legal provisions; (b) status; and (c) recommended mechanisms for operation of the SWCIS online, seeking Council’s consent. The Ekeng provided a sample template for the request letter.

• ASPIRED shall initiate the programming of the web-based version of the SWCIS immediately. The Ekeng expressed its readiness to review the draft version of the future web based SWCIS as soon as it is programmed and provide its comments on the safety arrangements of the system, before the ME sends it to the NSS for their consent on the SWCIS operation via the ME’s website.

• The Ekeng shall host the portal for online submission of applications for WUPs via its website.

The ME shall prepare an official request letter to Ekeng and send either the source code or the structure of the developed system to Ekeng.

On June 3, the ASPIRED and ME defined a schedule of implementation of first activities for completing operationalization of the SWCIS via the ME’s website and the portal for online submission of applications for WUPs via Ekeng’s website. It was agreed that:

• The ME prepares a draft official request letter to be submitted to the E-governance Digitization

Council stating the background situation, current status, and legal provisions of putting SWCIS online. The ME sends the draft letter to the ASPIRED team by June 10, 2021.

• ASPIRED reviews the draft official request letter and enhances it with more details on the technical structure of the system. ASPIRED finalizes the letter by June 17, 2021.

• The ASPIRED database programmer works with ME’s technical staff to identify the technical steps needed for the design of the online SWCIS web interface, as well as to identify the authorization rights for the users of different components of the system. The ME provides the structure of the authorization rights, to be granted to the stakeholder agencies (both within the

ME and external users) for online submission of data to the SWCIS, to ASPIRED by June 17.

• The ME prepares a draft of the official request of the ME to Ekeng on operationalization of the portal for online submission of applications for WUPs via Ekeng’s website. The ME sends the draft to ASPIRED for review by June 10, and sends the final letter to Ekeng along with the portal developed by the USAID PURE-Water project by June 17.

However, ASPIRED did not receive anything from the ME by the dates they had agreed. On June

10, Artyom Mkhitaryan – Acting Head of the DPLC requested to have a meeting on June 11 with the project team to discuss his concerns regarding operationalization of the SWCIS Data Warehouse online, via the ME’s website. On June 11, the Acting Head of the Water Resources Management Department

(WRMD) of the ME (based on the decrees of the Prime Minister of Armenia adopted on June 10, DPLC was restructured, and it was determined that a new structure in the ME would be named Water

Resources Management Department) informed that based on the internal discussions, the acceptable mechanism for the WRMD for operation of the SWCIS is not online, via the ME’s website, but by receiving data by the participating stakeholder agencies via e-mail in MS Excel format (WRMD’s e-mail) and WRMD’s staff will then import the data into the SWCIS. The Acting Head of the WRMD recommended resuming discussions on operation of the SWCIS Data Warehouse after the parliamentary elections on June 20. ASPIRED sent the notes of the meeting to Artyom Mkhitaryan, Acting Head of the

WRMD requesting his comments and necessary additions to the notes, but received no written response.

In June-July, ASPIRED will conduct a series of discussions with the stakeholder agencies to get their confirmation on their readiness to provide data to the SWICS online. These stakeholders are, the

Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center the under the ME and the Water Committee of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body under the GOAM (Inspection Body).

Enhancing the capacities of key stakeholders in using the Decisions Support Tools

Decision Support Tools: In April, the ASPIRED project completed a 13-day intensive hands-on training on groundwater modeling for the stakeholders representing the ME and academic institutions.

The training helped the participants to learn and practice sophisticated software tools for groundwater modeling: ArcHydroGroundwater (AHGW), Groundwater Modeling System (GMS), and Modflow tools.

During the training participants had the opportunity of using AHGW tools, creating and importing map data files, and creating and calibrating a MODFLOW model. The trainees practiced use of the Ararat

Valley groundwater flow model by updating it with suggested new data on monitoring points, water abstraction points, groundwater abstraction and making relevant adjustments.

Beniamin Zakaryan (ASPIRED’s Hydrologist) providing AHGW, GMS and mudflow training to ME and academic institutions.

ASPIRED provided all the participants with training materials, including the User Manual, the 3D model, and the groundwater flow model of the Ararat

Valley groundwater basin, as well as all supporting data templates and additional data for simulation of the models. Participants also received the links to the free resources on the Aquaveo website that could be used by the specialists during the application of the models.

ASPIRED Deliverable on Hydrologic Balance and Water Supply and Demand Balance in the

Ararat Valley:

On May 14, the ASPIRED team conducted the Conference Prospects of Sustainable Water Resources

Management in the Ararat Valley. High-level representatives of USAID Armenia, representatives of the

Ministries of Environment, Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Economy, Armavir and Ararat provinces, academic institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations, and water experts attended the conference to discuss the ASPIRED project findings on the current state of the artesian basin and the potential for long-term conservation and sustainable use of the groundwater resources in the Ararat Valley.

“By working with the models, inputting new data, and considering different scenarios, the specialist will be able to make projections on the impact of groundwater abstraction increase or reduction and the possible negative or positive dynamics of the groundwater resources. The application of these models will contribute to a more sustainable management of groundwater resources.” - Harutyun

Yeremyan, HMC representative.

https://www.gov.am/en/bodies-under-government/42/

Left to right: ASPIRED COP Magda Avetisyan, USAID COR

Marina Vardanyan, USAID Acting Mission Director David

Hoffman, ME Deputy Minister Anna Mazmanyan.

Conference Prospects of Sustainable Water Resources

Management in the Ararat Valley.

The project team presented the findings on the state of the artesian basin based on a comprehensive dataset from 2016, the estimated values of groundwater reserves, recharge rates and the sustainable volume of the groundwater abstraction from the artesian aquifers of the Ararat Valley. The team also presented a set of recommendations for sustainable management of the groundwater resources in the

Ararat Valley, which call for the conservation of this strategic resources in a longer term. According to the Deputy Minister of Environment, the “findings presented in the project report will enable us (GOAM) to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach to sustainable management of water resources”.

The ASPIRED team collected the data required, for incorporating the stakeholders’ recommendations into the deliverable report on Calculated Values of Water Balance and Water Supply and Demand

Balance in the Ararat Valley using modeling of the Ararat Valley groundwater basin. In particular, the team verified with the Head of the Ararat Basin Management Organization of the ME the data on water reuse from the fisheries in the Ararat Valley for irrigation, using Ranchpar and Mkhchyan pumping stations.

These data were used for finalizing the deliverable. The ASPIRED team also met with the representatives of the Water Policy Department of the ME and the HMC to discuss the legal steps for including into the legislation the ASPIRED finding on sustainable rate of groundwater abstraction in the Ararat Valley.

Based on the stakeholders’ feedback, the ASPIRED team edited and proofread the deliverable report on

Calculated Values of Water Balance and Water Supply and Demand Balance in the Ararat Valley using modeling of the Ararat Valley groundwater basin. it’s the submission to USAID will be in July.

Completing operationalization of the automated online system for groundwater use monitoring

In April, ASPIRED solicited bids from interested companies for the development of SCADA software for online monitoring of actual volumes of groundwater use in fisheries in the Ararat Valley, based on the terms of reference developed in collaboration with the ME. In May, ASPIRED signed a subcontract agreement with LOCATOR company for developing the SCADA software and building capacities of the stakeholders in the software use and maintenance.

In June, LOCATOR specialists in collaboration with the ME’s IT specialist installed the prototype of

SCADA software on the ME’s server. This server was provided to the ME by Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling

Company Armenia for operationalization of the automated online system for groundwater use monitoring.

Additionally, LOCATOR worked in Interaqua, Golden Fish-K (former Unifish), MosFish (former Alex

Grig), and MaxFish fisheries to establish data flow channels from the data loggers and SCADA software.

At the time of preparing this report, the company established connections between all data loggers and the SCADA software.

Refurbishing Selected Groundwater Monitoring/Observation Wells

In April, ASPIRED solicited bids from interested companies to restore and refurbish two groundwater wells of the National Monitoring Network of the ME in Dalar and Vardanashen communities in the Ararat

Valley.

On May 4, ASPIRED signed a subcontract agreement with VALML company on restoration and refurbishment of two groundwater wells. The subcontractor made the following progress as of June 30:

• In Dalar community (groundwater monitoring well #2063): subcontractor cleaned the well pipe, completed installation of the well fittings, protective steel cabin on the well and prepared a concrete platform for the fence.

• In Vardanashen community (groundwater monitoring well #192): subcontractor cleaned the well pipe. The subcontractor and HMC representative discovered the well walls had collapsed at the depth of about 43 meters because of the missing well casing pipe at the depth of 43-109 meters.

On June 28, the representatives of the ASPIRED team, the subcontractor and HMC held an online meeting to discuss the problems that occurred in the groundwater well after the well cleaning and decided the next steps for completing the restoration of the well. On June 29, ASPIRED received a letter from the subcontractor describing the problems in Vardanashen and providing solutions and proposed timeline for completing the works. The subcontractor requested extension of the subcontract term for implementing the proposed solutions and completing the groundwater well restoration. ASPIRED extended the subcontract term through

July 20, and the extension had no cost implications. The subcontractor will pay for the additional costs for completing the restoration of the well casing pipe.

Protective steel cabin on the well and a concrete platform for the fence in Dalar community Cleaning of the well pipe in Dalar community with the well rig.

3.2 Low Cost and Water Efficiency Technologies

The Table 2 below summarizes the status of the pilot projects as of June 30, 2021.

Table 2: Summary of pilot projects Project Name/

Technology

Status Total cost, USD

ASPIRED

cost-share, USD

Partner cost-share, USD

Partner

Hayanist irrigation rehabilitation project

Completed in April 2017 127,553

85,372

27,212 Coca Cola HBC

11,269 ERGIS

3,700 Community

Sipanik well sealing project

Completed in August 2017

51,546

47,823

3,723

VALML LLC

Sipanik well optimization project

Completed in

September 2018

25,032

22,480

2,552

Sipanik community

Sayat-Nova water reuse project

Completed in September 2018

132,878

81,187

20,876

Partnership for Rural

Prosperity Project

14,395 Fund for Armenian

Relief

16,420 Sayat-Nova community

Aratashen water supply project

Completed in June 2019 135,045 92,129 42,916 Aratashen community

Hovtashat well optimization project

Completed in September 2019

50,554

35,602

14,952

Hovtashat community

Yeghegnut water supply project

Completed in February 2020

137,055 96,023 41,032 Yeghegnut

Aquaculture

Technology

ASPIRED commitments completed and support discontinued in March 2021

The ASPIRED project completed its obligations as described in the ATTC project agreement. The ASPIRED team verbally notified the owner of Armavir Farmer LLC about

128,347

116,826

11,52123

Armavir Farmer LLC

23 The fish-farm owner made in-kind contribution of USD 11,521 instead of USD 63,486.

Transfer

Center (ATTC)

Project decision to discontinue funding to the ATTC. At present, the ASPIRED team and the project lawyer work on the written discontinue notification text.

Vedi urban irrigation project

Completed in May 2021

ASPIRED completed its obligations under the urban irrigation project in Vedi. The municipality postponed implementation of its obligations on installation of the solar system for an unknown period. The municipality informed the ASPIRED team that the municipality resources that were originally allocated to the project have been spent to mitigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian aid to the displaced population and the victims of the war with Azerbaijan.

140,397

52,491

87,906

Vedi Municipality

Irrigation upgrade in

Pokr Vedi

Completed in July 2020

86,876

37,192

38,609

HAAF

11,075 Artashat WUA

Irrigation upgrade in

Khachpar

Completed in May 2020

98,247

64,774

33,473

Khachpar municipality

TOTAL

1,113,530

731,899

381,631

Table 3: New Projects

Project Name/ Technology

Status Total estimated cost, USD

ASPIRED

cost-share, USD

Partner cost-share, USD

Partner

Sardarapat water supply project

Ongoing

ASPIRED finalized the bidding process for the selection of the construction subcontractor and signed a contract with Armplast LLC for the pipework. The village municipality contracted out the trenchwork services, which allowed Armplast LLC and the village to start trenchwork and installation of pipes simultaneously.

As required before the project start, the ASPIRED team conducted the environmental compliance training for the staff of the municipality and construction companies.

Construction starte on May 20,. Since May 20, Armplast LLC has been in charge of the intensive construction in the village to complete the pumping station, trenchwork and pipeline installation.

By the end of June, ASPIRED’s contractor completed the pumping/chlorination station.ASPIRED subcontractor Armplast LLC and the village completed around 15% of pipework and backfilling. The Team urged the Community to speed-up the trenchwork to keep up with the pipework pace so that the Project is completed by the planned deadline, August 15.

389,941 133,592 256,349 Sardarapat community

Irrigation improvement project in Mrgashat

Completed in May 2021

The ASPIRED team and Mrgashat municipality completed installation of the network, pump controls and testing of the system. On May 31, ASPIRED signed the handover act with the subcontractor and mounted the USAID signage on the pump control station.

ASPIRED and the USAID COR visited the village to observe the installed system. During the visit they met the farmers who thanked ASPIRED and USAID for the project which gave them an opportunity to restore irrigation on their farmlands after years of abandonment.

25,589 21,540 4,049 Mrgashat community

Hovtashat well optimization project extension

Completed in April 2021 ASPIRED and the Hovtashat Village completed the construction work of the network extension and successfully tested the new branches of the system. On April 26, the

ASPIRED team and USAID COR visited the project site for monitoring performance of

12,948 11,463 1,485 Hovtashat community the system and the quality of construction work.

Griboyedov well…