GTZ-SMB Programme Celebrates World Water Monitoring Day and Presents the Results of its “Exploring Biodiversity of Rivers and Streamlets in Armenia” Campaign 2010

To celebrate the World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) in Armenia, the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) Sustainable Management of Biodiversity (SMB) Programme is initiating a special event, which will take place on September 16 (Thursday) in the “Ani Plaza” Hotel, “Ani” Ceremonial Hall (address: 19 Sayat Nova Ave.). Registration of participants will start at 2:30pm.

The official opening will launch at 3:00pm.

As part of the mentioned event, the RA Minister of Nature Protection, the RA Minister of Education and Science and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Hans-Jochen Schmidt, are anticipated to deliver opening speeches.

Invitations are also sent to high-rank officials of the GTZ-SMB partner-ministries in Armenia (RA MoNP, RA MoA, RA MoTA, RA MoES). Among other invitees are the heads and representatives of International and local organizations, as well as all those school teachers, pupils and eco-club members who were the key players in the campaign 2010.

The GTZ-SMB Programme would like to use this special occasion to create and raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and sustainable use of our natural resources.

During the event, GTZ-SMB will present the results of its 2010 environmental education campaign entitled: “Exploring Biodiversity of Rivers and Streamlets in Armenia” successful implementation of which was achieved due to productive collaboration with the RA Ministry of Nature Protection (MoNP), RA Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), and particularly with experts of the National Institute of Education (NIE) and Environmental Effect Monitoring Center.

In the framework of the campaign and intent on teaching about modern environmental pedagogic methods, biodiversity of rivers and biological monitoring techniques, the GTZ-SMB Programme organized five 3-day trainings for a total of 120 school teachers from Armenia’s regions and Yerevan. As a result of these preparations, the teachers and trainers were able to organize eco-excursions with more than 1200 pupils and eco-club members who carried out comprehensive scientific assessments of water quality of rivers and streamlets in their communities.

A competition entitled “Rivers – Living Ecosystems” was designed to motivate both, teachers and pupils, to explore biodiversity, examine and evaluate water quality of Armenia’s waterways. The results were submitted to experts’ jury, tasked with choosing the winners of the competition.

During the World Water Monitoring Day event on September 16, a 15-minute documentary revealing campaign’s concept and outcomes will be shown. After the film screening session, the Awarding Ceremony will take place, during which the winners of the competition will be presented with special prizes. An exhibition of children’s art-works will be held afterwards, and the event will culminate in a reception.

We would be grateful if you accept our invitation and become a part of the World Water Monitoring Day celebration in Armenia.

For more details on the event and to confirm your participation, please, contact Bella Avetisyan at (+374 10) 546031.