Compost Academy

Aug 2021 – July 2022

In collaboration with UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme, ISSD NGO implemented “Compost Academy” project. The project focused on climate change risk reduction in Yerevan and Armavir regions, emphasizing the importance of proper organic waste management and composting. Improper management of organic waste, including food and garden waste, is a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Research conducted by the UN indicates that globally, one-third of all food ends up in landfills. Effective management of organic waste is crucial to mitigate these environmental impact, because of which the team initiated actions to properly manage organic waste and transform it into high-value fertilizer, enriching soil quality, enhancing moisture retention, and suppressing plant diseases and pests.

#compostacademy
#composting
#environmentalprotection

Within the project ISSD supported the communities with:

1. Creating small composting workshop stations in 11 selected schools / educational institutions by:

  • Installing composting bins/building composting sites
  • Organizing educational activities
  • Introducing entrepreneurship ecosystem

2. Increasing public awareness through promotional campaigns and composting activities in the selected communities by:

  • Mapping of areas to start composting
  • Developing composting areas
  • Disseminating promotional materials
  • Monitoring and developing “know how” case study

3. Piloting organic waste composting in 12 organizations / households:

  • Installing composting bins
  • Organizing educational activities
  • Monitoring and reporting
  • Developing case study

Outcomes

  • Composting spots in 11 educational institutions were created.
  • Special training program conducted for 500+ students in selected institutions.
  • 12 in-house composting bins were installed in the local organizations (offices) and households.
  • 20 composting bins have been installed in Armavir (through additional funding provided by Polish Aid).
  • Over 20 tones of organic waste didn’t end up in the landfill.
  • Over 50 communication materials (videos, social media posts, educational materials, etc.) were developed and disseminated.
  • Over 20 online and offline capacity development trainings and events were organized for partner institutions (including Armenian National Agrarian University).
  • Over 53,400 people were reached through offline and online campaigns.
  • Increased responsibility among individuals who completed educational training courses.
  • Reduction in methane gas emissions and spontaneous fires in landfills due to decreased organic waste disposal.
  • Decreased presence of toxic elements in water and soil resulting from reduced use of chemical fertilizers.

Media

“Arusyak Children's Development Center” program