III.
During the implementation of infrastructure projects, the Government is encouraged to use participatory methodology and water/energy saving technologies tested successfully under the PURE Water/ASPIRED projects and raise international donor funding for that purpose.
CONCLUSION
From Marc 2017 to June 2020 the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development (the Urban Foundation) in cooperation with the Country Water Partnership (CWP) NGO and Environmental Law Research Center of Yerevan State University (YSU ELRC) implemented Participatory Utilization and Resource Efficiency of Water (PURE Water) project. The Project aimed to contribute to the increase of water productivity, efficiency, and quality, as well as foster behavior change to reduce the rate of groundwater extraction in the Ararat Valley through number of combined interventions: (a) improvement of policy and regulatory framework to foster citizen participation; (b) participation in and oversight of water resources management; (c) increase of public awareness and education; and (d) improvement of water infrastructure in target water-stressed communities. The project was implemented in 12 water-stressed communities (Vedi, P.Vedi, Aygavan, Burastan, Berkanush (Ararat Region) and Aratashen, Aknalitch, Guy, Griboyedov, Yeghegnut, Yeraskhahun (Armavir Region)) with an overall population of around 40,000. The achievements of the project are promising:
A sound basis for the Government of Armenia (GOAM) is in place for comprehensive legislative improvement (legal analysis, a strategy of legislative improvements and a road map, drafted legislation)
A positive behaviour change of relevant government agencies is in place. (RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI Water Committee, RA Ministry of Environment (MoE) Water Resources Management Agency (WRMA), and RA National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Territorial Administration, Local SelfGovernment, Agriculture and Nature Protection (NA Standing Committee))
A positive change in behaviour of other key stakeholders (fish-farms, water user associations)
Increased transparency and accountability of decision makers and water managers are achieved (simplified wateruse permitting platform, website/portal of Armavir WUA for awareness and for the simplified request of irrigation water, upgraded MMIS for water problem raising and complaints, phone survey instrument as an oversight and feedback tool)
Residents in target communities are more vigilant and demanding due to public monitoring and advocacy (LG/CSO small grants, citizen scientists monitoring, a social audit by residents, citizen journalists‟ articles and social media posts)
Residents in target communities are mobilized and actively participate in community life (town hall meetings for small infrastructure projects identification and monitoring, annual budget hearings, advocacy, awareness campaigns)
Residents of target communities, including schoolchildren and youth, are better educated and aware of water issues, as well as of their water rights, and protection mechanisms (open lessons, educational seminars, study tours, eco-camp and eco-clubs, public information and education materials).
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