Download modules (in Armenian) >> 

Project Details & Results
Improper management of agrochemicals, including POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) gives rise to enormous problems for human health and the environment. People handling these substances should be aware of the problems. 
Studies and the contact with rural population, who is the major consumer of agrochemicals, shows that the majority is not aware of or has a wrong impression about impact of agrochemicals and very often because of their simple naivety purchase obsolete pesticides by different ways and use them. (AWHHE, 2003, 2004). 
After the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the privatization of lands the villager has remained alone with his problems. Despite the existence of national agriculture strategy the implementation of it on local level still leaves much to be desired. The clear mechanisms of raising awareness and provision of information, and also the educational programs either do not exist or are limited. There are no specialized trainers in the villages. 
The impact of pesticides usage is a close chain the general impact of loops of which (air, soil, water, biodiversity etc.) is manifested in that sustainability of agro eco systems becomes loose and their inner structure and function become destroyed.

The project goal is to empower rural communities in order to reduce the risks of impact of POPs and toxic chemicals on human health and the environment (Hayanist, Khachpar, Fantan, Kaghsi, Solak, Dzoaraghbyur).

The project aims to produce the following outputs:
1. Awareness of local population is raised through community involvement in awareness – raising and education campaigns on negative impact of POPs and toxic chemicals on human health and the environment;
2. A group of trained trainers is established on issues of POPs and chemical safety to guarantee continuous provision and use of knowledge in practice;
3. Capacity of rural communities is enhanced in the area of development and implementation of the integrated pest management practices through the creation of farmer field schools and women groups.
The project aimes to adopt the approach of all-round raising awareness taking into account that the awareness-raising serves as a basis for the solution of all kinds of problems, the balanced development of nature and the human society. The project envisages equipping the rural population of target villages with ecological knowledge, emphasizing the impact and mitigation issues of toxic chemicals. Information materials will be developed, copied and disseminated.

To mobilize the local people in target villages 12 seminars, 4 trainings, 3 farmer field schools, 3 women groups will be organized. Mass media involvement will be conducted through 2 articles in newspaper and 2 broadcasts. A short film will be produced about the impact of POPs, reduction of risks and safe alternatives to pesticides.

To guarantee the sustainability of the project outcomes a group of certified trained trainers will be established continuing to provide consultation services after the completion of the project in non-target villages. The agricultural advisers will be chosen from the Agriculture Support Centers of Provinces (marzes), as well as the agronomists of the villages and the appropriate specialists as trained trainers. The recommendation will be adopted by directors of the Agriculture Support Centers and will commit the advisers to highlight the issues related to POPs and toxic chemicals during their consultation. The Armenian version of the Global Training Module on POPs of GEF SGP will be prepared. A toolkit comprising all proper information materials will be prepared for the trained trainers. Two 2-day trainings for 20 participants will be conducted. 2 trainings on GEF SGP Global Training Module on POPs will be conducted for 23 representatives from “Environmental impact monitoring center” SNCO of RA Ministry of Nature Protection, corresponding chairs of Yerevan State University, Armenian State Agrarian University and AWHHE NGO.
At the end of training there will be organized a testing and certification of trained trainers and all participants. During the implementation of the project each trainer will hold a consultation for 10 persons reporting back to AWHHE NGO and Agriculture Support Centers of Provinces. The project will also provide skills in alternative and integrated pest management. Farmer field schools will be organized for farmers to provide skills and practical knowledge. To ensure the immediate use of the gained knowledge and the continuity of the project, each farmer, who has possibilities to be engaged in production, will be given 5000 or more Californian worms. These farmers will commit themselves to organize the bio humus production properly to provide his neighbor farmer with 5000 or more worms and explain the specifications of production. Attaching much importance to women’s empowerment as women bear the main burden of family care 3 women groups will be created. 2 trainings will be conducted to introduce the mechanisms of income generating activities with one’s own means, the «know-how» technologies and to support them to start a private business.

Notable Community Participation
The project communities are considered to be the beneficiaries and the active participants of the project. About 424 inhabitants of 6 communities will participate in different training courses and in future will become the bearers and spreaders of the gained knowledge.

Capacity – Building Component
20 local trainers, 23 members of Monitoring Center of Ministry of Nature Protection, Yerevan State University, Armenian State Agrarian University and AWHHE NGO will be trained on SGP POPs Global Training Module.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
The knowledge gained during the implementation of the project will enable the beneficiaries to use the pesticides reasonably and safely and will give them an opportunity to avoid extra expenses for the rehabilitation of health. They can also use fertilizers and plant protection means produced in their farms. The project provides income generation mechanisms, for example, production and sale of bio humus, as well as it empowers women to start their own business in this way creating sustainable livelihoods for their families.

Gender Focus
Due to the limited employment opportunities in the project communities, a significant part of men leave for abroad in search of jobs and the majority of rural women stay alone overloaded with the care for children and households. The project envisages creating women groups where they will be taught and provided skills and knowledge on different income generation mechanisms.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
POPs and particularly pesticides management is a constituent part of the sustainable agriculture. The whole project aimes to raise awareness on ecological issues with special fosus on POPs and toxic chemicals. The raising awareness on different focus groups’ levels will promote public involvement in solution of these problems locally, as well in decision making process.

Policy Impact
– The project aims to contribute to the implementation of the national action plan on Stockholm Convention on POPs.
– The recommendations adopted by the Agriculture Support Centers of Ararat and Kotayk provinces will provide continuous process of awareness-raising and will be considered the best alternative for ensuring the dissemination of information and replication of the successful practice by other Province Centers of Agriculture Support.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms
The project has developed a system which will provide preconditions for the production and sale of bio humus. Besides the beneficiaries will use the income generating skills obtained during the implementation of the project.

Project Results
The project will produce the following results:
– Training modules on safe use of agrochemicals, sustainable farming practices and relevant information materials are available.
– At least 6 rural communities are informed about negative impact of POPs and toxic chemicals.
– At least 424 members of 6 communities (direct beneficiaries) have increased knowledge and awareness on negative impact of POPs and toxic chemicals.
– Awareness of population in project communities is increased by 50% (indirect beneficiaries).
– Noticeable changes in perception and approaches towards the use of toxic chemicals, as well as an interest in IPM approach and sustainable agriculture in project communities are observed.
– At least 20 local trainers are trained on issues of negative impact of POPs and toxic chemicals and certified on SGP Global Training Module on POPs.
– 23 representatives from the Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Nature Protection, Yerevan State University, Armenian State Agrarian University and AWHHE NGO staff are trained and certified on SGP Global Training Module on POPs.
– Trainings of at least 200 persons are conducted by the SGP certified trainers in project communities.
– The agreement on acceptance of recommendations of Agriculture Support Centers of Kotayk and Ararat provinces is reached.
– Three farmer field schools for 30 farmers are established.
– Methods of sustainable agriculture, including IPM approach, are practised in 10 fields and orchards.
– Proliferation of Californian red worms and production of bio-humus are practised in 10 farms.
– Three women groups for income generating activities are created in project communities. 

 
 

   

Funded by: CDPF and CPI/CASP within the framework of the Civil Advocacy Support Program (CASP) in Armenia supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Project Start Date: March 2007
Project Duration: 10 months
Project Implementation: Area Ararat marz, Yerevan

Goal

The decision (resolution) on ensuring of the pesticide burial safety has been adopted by state bodies for the population and the environment.

Output 1

The target audience (local officials, the Prime-minister, the Ministers of Nature Protection, Health, Agriculture…) responded positively to the adoption of decision.

Output 2

Stakeholders (different local and national NGOs, local authorities, the Agency of Emergency, the community representatives, scientists, appropriate specialists and local delegates) for cooperation and involvement in decision making process have been mobilized.

Output 3

Comparative risk assessment of pesticides burial site has been done.

• Download booklets in English and Armenian >>

English (PDF – 3 MB)	Armenian (PDF – 3MB)

• A seminar for the creation of the Working group of stakeholders on “The ecological approaches to the chemicals management” was held on the 30 th of May in Armenia Marriott Hotel. There participated 49 persons from the Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, National Assemble, Emergency Agency and National Academy of Sciences and different NGOs. The working group was created with 9 representatives of different NGOs and agencies.
• Download presentation “Towards Toxic-Free Future – stage 4” – 1.7 MB, Power Point Format

Click images to enlarge

• A letter to working group 01.10.07 (in Armenian) 

Location: 10 villages of Artashat region 
Duration: September 2004 – May 2005 
Project supported by: USAID & NGOC

Goal

Reduce the risk exposure of pesticides on human health and environment in Artashat region

Results

• Awareness about pesticides harmful health impacts among rural population increased more then by 50%. Pre and post surveys data, STATA package, laboratory findings. 26% of rural population have mentioned that appropriated information on the problem they have received from AWHHE informational sources. 
• Children involvement in raising awareness campaign through – 8 theatrical performances in 10 villages of Artashat region. 
• Local and regional level NGO’s, governmental, health care authorities 
• interested in problem increased by 50%. Rapid pre and post assessment. 
• The number of users of personal protective equipment has increased in about three times.

Conclusion

Results of carried out activities in frame of the project contributed in reducing the risk exposure of pesticides on human health and environment in Artashat region.
There is an evidence that the same strategy should be implemented throughout the country to reach the long term goal: reduce the risk exposure of pesticides on human health and environment in Armenia 

 Project supported by IPEN PWG

Duration: August 2004 -October 2004
Location: Ararat region

Activities/Deliverables

• Monitoring of obsolete pesticide burial, visits to region: villages and burial
• Lab. investigation of breast milk in 3 villages located below burial; water
• Survey assessment of health and environment in 3 villages located below burial of pesticides
• Advocacy activities, meetings with local officials
• Media activities, p- releases, newspaper articles, radio
• Publishing of 2 booklets, one poster around the problem
• Seminar with stakeholders on POPs issue, dissemination of information through local communities.
• Round Table with NGOs leaders and press

Report on activities carried out by AWHHE in frame of IPEN IC/PWG mini grant (MS Word format – 30KB)

Seminar on formation of NGOs anti POPS coalition/working group Organizer: Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment NGO (MS Word format – 55KB)

The memorandum of mutual understanding of the antiPOPs coalition within the framework of the POPs Convention (MS Word format – 30KB)

   Project supported by UNIDO and UNEP 

Location: Armenia, Ararat region, Artashat district
Duration: 6 months

Project is aimed at raising awareness of local residents of Ararat region of risks associated with application of banned pesticides in agriculture and the damaged burial site of banned and obsolete pesticides.

Introduction

Ararat region is an agricultural region of Armenia with intensive application of pesticides in the past and in the contemporary time. Some cases of application of DDT and other banned pesticides were registered in the region. In 1982, nearby Yerevan , more than 500 tons of banned and obsolete pesticides were buried (including 60% of persistent chlorinated organic substances). Several years later, the burial site was affected by landslides, moreover, in 3-4 recent years, landslides intensified in the site area. Our organization took soil samples at different depth and in different points nearby the pesticide burial site. Laboratory tests of these samples revealed pesticides contamination of the burial site itself and in nearby areas – samples were found to contain such substances as DDT, DDT metabolites and hexachlorocyclohexane, suggesting thus a potential damage of the pesticide burial site. according to the experts, landslide processes at the burial site intensified. it is necessary to continue both research studies and lobbying of relevant governmental agencies for making decisions on ensuring safety of the burial site.

Results

• Cancellation of application of banned pesticides in Ararat region
• Public involvement into decision-making on neutralization of the burial site for obsolete pesticides and application of residents of Ararat region to the government on making urgent decisions to address the problem of the burial site
• Establishment of the NGO initiative group to control implementation of decisions on neutralization of the pesticide burial site
• Expansion of the network of NGOs dealing with pops problems at both local and national levels
• Development of recommendations for incorporation of actions to ensure secure management of the burial site for banned and obsolete pesticides into the Armenian national plan of implementation of the Stockholm convention

Click images to enlarge

Working group session

Working group session

Survey

Taking samples

Burial

Burial

Funded by:   

Problem 

The last few decades have seen a dramatic growth in chemicals manufacturing and other human activities that result in the release of toxic pollutants which can pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Particularly challenging is a group of chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants or POPs. Some of these highly stable compounds are used in agriculture as pesticides.
Pesticides usage in Armenia has been always widespread both in agriculture and in public health for malaria control. At the end of 80-ies about 400-500 thousand tones of pesticides, including organochlorine chemicals, were used annually. Widespread using of pesticides led to pollution of soils, water, and agricultural product. Pesticides exposure is one of the most widely studied occupational risk factors. 

 Goal

The final goal of the project is improvement of environmental safety in Armenia.

Outcome

1. The decision (resolution) on ensuring of pesticide burial safety made by Executive bodies in June 2004
2. Increased awareness among Ararat marz rural community members and governmental officials
3. The collaborative committee of citizens and elected governance is established

 Download Toxic Free Future in Armenian (MS WORD format – 600KB)

Funded by USAID & CRS

Problem

Tens of thousands of tons of obsolete pesticides are stored throughout the developing world, usually in inadequate or even dangerous conditions. Preliminary estimates show that POPs comprise about 30 percent of these stocks. It has been shown that some of the POPs are able to mimic hormonal activity and so disrupt animal reproductive systems, potentially endangering the very ability of life to continue unimpaired.

The lack of knowledge and information among population increases the risk of adverse impact of POPs on human health. There is a lack of attention from environmental and others NGOs in the country to the problem, what also witnesses to the lack of public awareness. The real instrument to force the elimination of POPs and reduce their impact on health and environment is the ratification of the Stockholm Convention. That will contribute to begin the process of POPs elimination.

The project aimed at the establishment of cooperation and collaboration between governmental structures, NGOs, other civil societies and community and raising awareness among activists from NGOs, particularly women, in the spheres of ecology, environmental health, public health, consumer protection and food monitoring for advocating the need for ratification of Stockholm Convention and supporting the strict policy on chemicals in Armenian society.

The best approach to address the situation and bring it to the focus of policy interest is to involve all interested and relevant parties (stakeholders) and ensure their participation in activities aimed at tackling POPs problem: governments, industry, public interest groups, international financial institutions

Period of project implementation: May 2003 -September 2003. Location – Yerevan .

Goal

To bring the problem of POPs pollution to the focus of governmental, non-governmental orgnizations and contribute to its effective solution through raising environmental awareness and establishment of cooperation and collaboration between governmental structures, NGOs and other civil societies, and communities .

Outcomes

1 . 30 NGOs activists from Yerevan, working in the spheres of ecology, environmental health, public health, consumer protection and food monitoring with the focus on women about POPs and their harmful impact on human’s health as well as alternative solutions to POPs were informed through raising awareness campaign.

2. The Round Table was organized in Yerevan with participation of scientists, women leaders from NGOs and governmental officials (40) for discussion about the effects of toxic chemicals on health and environment. The working contacts were established between Yerevan community representatives and governmental sector. The appeal to the Parliament to promote elimination of toxic chemical pollution in Armenia was created.

Round Table