ASPIRED Project Report Q2 – FY 2016: Advanced Science & Partnerships for Integrated Resource Development Project

The project was awarded to Mendez England & Associates (ME&A) by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Water and Development IDIQ (WADI) contract. The ASPIRED project focuses on several critical areas, including water resource data, technology, regulatory framework/enforcement of laws, and coordination across stakeholders. A strong emphasis is placed on building partnerships with USAID Global Development Lab, the US Geological Survey (USGS), the private sector, research organizations, and international donors to pilot innovative water and energy efficiency technologies and promote better water resource monitoring, planning, and sustainable management. During the second quarter of FY 2016, the ASPIRED project made significant progress in implementing its programmatic activities. The project's launch conference was held on February 10, 2016, and a well-inventory training was conducted by the USGS for the Hydrogeological Monitoring Center (HMC), the Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA), and other specialists with support from ASPIRED and ICARE teams. USGS and ASPIRED experts also collaborated on the preparation of the hydrogeological framework of the Ararat Valley. The ASPIRED project also subcontracted the HMC for conducting an inventory of natural springs, groundwater wells, and fish farms in the Ararat Valley. Additionally, the project will work with Environmental Research and GIS NGO (ERGIS) and UNDP/GEF Small Grants Program on the implementation of an irrigation project in Hayanist. Negotiations are underway between USAID and Coca Cola Hellenic HBC on possible co-financing of the project, and the Hayanist community signed a commitment letter of their contribution to the project. The ASPIRED project web page in English and Armenian languages was designed and launched, and advisory services were provided to the Ministry of Nature Protection (MNP) and WRMA to facilitate adoption of the Southern Basin Management Plan by the Government of Armenia. The ASPIRED project representatives participated in the public hearing held in Kapan and provided in-house training to the WRMA staff on ecological flow calculation methodology. The Performance Indicator Reference Sheets were filled and submitted to USAID during the reporting quarter. The Chief of Party (COP) and the Project Management Specialist participated in the USAID Monitoring and Evaluation workshop. The summary of performance indicators for the second quarter of FY 2016 is presented in the table below. The table shows that the ASPIRED project has made progress in engaging stakeholders in data collection activities, with 7 stakeholders engaged in the second quarter, exceeding the target of 5. However, the project has not yet achieved its targets for making datasets publicly accessible and mapping wells in the Ararat Valley, with 0% of datasets publicly accessible and 0% of wells mapped. The ASPIRED project will continue to work towards its goals and objectives, and its progress will be monitored and evaluated regularly. The project's success will depend on its ability to build strong partnerships, implement effective technologies, and promote sustainable water resource management practices in the Ararat Valley.