Karmirgyugh Secondary School N1

Natural-based solutions to protect Lake Sevan

Karmirgyugh, Armenia

3rd FUNDING CALL

Water is one of the most precious resources on our planet, and ensuring its sustainability is critical for future generations. In Armenia, a school project is empowering students to become citizen scientists, actively working to protect Lake Sevan—the country’s largest freshwater resource. This initiative is equipping students with knowledge and hands-on experience in water conservation, organic agriculture, and nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment.

Project Objectives

The project aims to nurture the next generation of environmental scientists by engaging students from Karmirgyugh N1 Secondary School, along with Gavar N2 and Gegharkhunik Secondary Schools. These students will develop practical skills and scientific understanding to tackle local environmental challenges. The main objectives include:

Enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in water conservation, pesticide-free agriculture, and freshwater protection.
Promoting collaboration among regional schools to drive collective, science-based action for the preservation of Lake Sevan.
Providing hands-on experience in nature-based wastewater treatment solutions, composting, and soil remediation.

Activities and Collaborations

The project incorporates a variety of engaging activities designed to maximise student learning and community involvement.

Educational Seminars & Site Visits
- Students will participate in seminars on nature-based solutions for freshwater protection and organic agriculture, guided by experts from the Environment and Health NGO.
- Site visits to Byurakan Chir’s House will offer hands-on experiences in sustainable greenhouse practices, including pesticide-free strawberry planting and circular greenhouse methods.
Rehabilitating Greenhouses for Research
- The project will revitalise greenhouses at the three participating schools, equipping them with composting bins, water and soil testing tools, and sustainable research spaces.
- Students will use these facilities to conduct small research projects focusing on water conservation and sustainable agriculture.
Hands-on Research on Environmental Solutions
- Students will investigate ways to protect Lake Sevan through practical research projects, such as:
  - Rainwater collection for irrigation.
  - Planting nitrogen- and phosphorus-accumulating plants to filter pollutants.
  - Composting food waste, manure, and dried leaves to create organic fertilizers.
  - Designing mini-constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment at their schools.
Results Harvest Festival
- At the end of the project, students will present their findings at a celebratory event held at Karmirgyugh N1 School.
- Each student group will showcase their research and solutions to the community, local government representatives, and NGOs.
- Media coverage will help spread awareness about their achievements and inspire further action in other schools and communities.

Outputs and Impact

Through this initiative, students will gain valuable scientific knowledge, technical skills, and a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. The project’s key outputs include:

Educational Materials: Digital and printed resources will be made available to students and integrated into the school curriculum through Eco-clubs.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Brochures and video reels documenting the project’s progress and findings will be shared through school networks and the NGO’s social media platforms.
Long-Term Sustainability: The knowledge and skills gained by students will continue to benefit their schools and communities, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

This initiative proves that young people when given the right tools and knowledge, can become powerful advocates for sustainability. Schools everywhere can take inspiration from this model to foster a new generation of environmentally conscious scientists, ready to protect our planet’s precious water resources.