Project summary
In 2018, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partners embarked on a 4-year project that helps expand the safe reuse of water in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The project is addressing barriers to reuse in the region and promotes safe reuse practices that improve food safety, health and livelihoods.
Project approach
In many parts of the world there is not enough water to meet growing demand. One promising solution is the smart use of water that has already been used. Water can be used in cities and reused in agriculture, with benefits for all.
Drawing on experience with water reuse strategies already developed in the region, the project identifies promising innovations and validated reuse models, with the aim of resolving past management bottlenecks. These include cultural barriers, institutional fragmentation, inappropriate regulations and lack of financial models for cost recovery. With a focus on Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, the project is facilitating inclusive and participatory engagement with stakeholders, to support the development and uptake of project results.
Project countries
Project results
The project is equipping key stakeholders to implement sustainable water reuse models across the MENA region through the following results:
A MENA water reuse sourcebook to document lessons from existing innovations, validated and promising reuse models, and past management challenges in and beyond the region.
National strategies for more and safer water reuse in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. Building on current national policies, the project is helping countries make the next policy step based on stakeholder demand.
Local water reuse plans for six sites in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. These include conceptual designs and associated implementation plans for feasible water reuse solutions at the selected sites.
Stakeholders’ capacity for safe water reuse. Reuse stakeholders are being sensitized, trained, and linked with a network in MENA to speed up the adoption and replication of reuse solutions.
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