On October 23-24, the first Water Data Hackathon was held in Armenia. The event, organized through the joint efforts of the European Union (EU4Environment - Water Resources and Environmental Data programme) and the U.S. Agency for International Development, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, brought together 34 young people to collaboratively develop ideas for digital solutions aimed at the sustainable management of water resources.
Gayane Hovsepyan, head of the Water Resources Management Department at the RA Ministry of Environment, emphasized the importance of the initiative in actively involving young people in water resource management and making the field more attractive for emerging experts. She stated, "During these two days, young people presented many diverse and innovative ideas. We will further discuss, study, and definitely apply these ideas to manage water resources in the best possible way. I hope that the experience and knowledge gained during this time will inspire interest among young people, encouraging them to pursue careers in water resource management as specialists in the future."
Over the two days, participants had the opportunity to work with French experts from the International Office for Water (OiEau) partners of the EU4Environment - Water Resources and Environmental Data programme, from the USAID "Improved Water Management in Armenia" programme, and specialists from the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia. They deepened their knowledge of the field and acquired skills in data analysis, processing, and application.
The 3 top-performing teams will receive funding to further refine their ideas and transform them into digital solutions.
Pictures: Gayane Igityan
