The projects objective is to foster the advancement of rural communities and enhance tourism through innovative technologies and imaginative concepts. The plan involves installing waste collection nets on water pipes and rivers within selected rural pilot communities. Additionally, the project aims to redirect municipal waste for community-based reuse, encourage the active engagement of rural youth in community development, and transform the community into an appealing destination for tourists. By doing so, the project aims to generate employment opportunities within the community and contribute to overall job creation.
Although the startup team is based in Yerevan, their primary focus is on operating within the regions of Armenia, specifically Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Kotayk, Ararat, and Syunik. The startup's initial offering includes the installation of a waste collection grid on the water pipe in the Poqr Vedi community, along with the availability of eco-educational themed games, which are already being sold. The project was initially in its early conceptual stage, without the specific idea of installing garbage collection nets on rivers, processing the collected waste, and generating energy.
However, with the support of the ACBA Federation and Impact Hub teams, the startups idea was expanded, yielding new outcomes. During the period of July 2020-2021, two pilot communities, namely Yeraskhahun in Armavir marz and Vardenik in Gegharkunik marz, were selected. The objective was to install waste collection nets and waste pyrolysis systems on the aqueduct and river, with the provision of funding.
Furthermore, the team from the "Environment and Health" NGO developed three games:
EkuShutHasik-climate, EkuShutHasik-waste, and EcoShtapik, which have been made available for purchase. As of now, approximately 40 copies of these games have been sold. Presently, the startup is actively progressing with the implementation of its ideas. Agreements have been made, arrangements have been finalized, and eco-educational events are being carried out.
Moreover, the team is focused on developing new programs. In 2020, the NGO obtained a website with the domain name www.envhealth.am. The objective of the startup is to establish a model rural community that demonstrates the collection and processing of waste from water pipes, rivers, and the community itself. The energy derived from this process is utilized for heating the buildings within the community.
The programs that have been implemented include:
1. Establishment of an eco-playground in the Artabuynk community of Vayots Dzor in 2020.
2. Conducting waste education webinars and organizing the "Waste-Free Planet" competition for school students in 2020.
3. Promoting the engagement of youth in communities to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2020.
4. Organizing tree planting activities and eco-games in the Vedi community in April 2021.
5. Hosting an open door day to showcase the activities of the NGO in May 2021.
6. Conducting a series of events titled "Let's be aware, save the ozone layer," including webinars, competitions, and a summer camp, from March to September 2021.
7. Developing the EcoShtapik game for tour guides as part of family tour packages in June 2021.
8. Signing a memorandum with the Vardenik Municipality of Gegharkunik Marz in July 2021.
9. Creating a program proposal and delivering an initial presentation to the EU4Sevan, GIZ program for potential funding from May to July 2021.
