2021
MENA Webinar 2021 on “Water-Soil-Food Pollution”
Part I, 25 May 2021
Part II, 01 June 2021
The webinar will convene leading international experts from MENA region as well as from other exceed-SWINDON regions to discuss issues related to this topic.
Background
With the evolution of modern industries, very large number of chemicals of various types are commercially produced annually on a large scale. Many of these chemicals are harmful to the environment especially those with great persistence for degradation where they remain for a long time. Misuse of these chemicals in form of quantities and qualities can become a source of pollution in air, soil and water, with serious consequences for the health.
Environmental pollution is an important issue of our time as many pollutants were emerged into the environment from different anthropogenic sources. Exposure of living organisms to elevated levels of these pollutants will have an adverse impact health through its existence in water, soil, air paving the way for these pollutants to enter the food chain.
Pollution can reach human bodies through different routes such as breathing the air, drinking water, accumulation in soil through using polluted irrigation water as well as dry deposition where it can reach the food chain. It had been reported seventy percentage of individuals are exposed to PAHs predominantly from dietary sources, therefore diets require continuous monitoring to maintain food safety.
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2020
WEBINAR on Water-Energy-Nexus in MENA Region
October 15, 2020 (Part I) and October 21, 2020 (Part II)
Introductory Note
Water and energy are fundamentally linked. At a basic level energy conversion requires water, and water treatment and transportation use energy (electricity). Historically, there has been little reason to understand the nature of these links, due largely to the presumption that water was not a threat to energy security, nor electricity a threat to water security. This presumption is now being challenged. Industry reforms, increasing demand, and more recently climate change – are bringing into sharp focus the links between water and energy (electricity) in unprecedented ways. General awareness of the links between water and electricity is increasing daily, as the ramifications of the links are being felt the world over. Particularly in developing countries where the pressure will be the most severe, is to identify where future infrastructure development will take place.
That is why the water–energy nexus approach is becoming increasingly an issue among practitioners and scientists.
The reason for this increased attention lies in production and consumption trade-offs that have emerged with the increase in water scarcity and global economic competition in recent decades.
The Nexus emphasizes the need to rationally study the use and management of both resources and to define future opportunities and risks in resource requirements and to seriously consider both environmental and economic issues.
Although water and energy can be analyzed independently of each other, there are many interdependencies that have a joint impact on mutual sustainability.
The webinar will open a discussion on this topic, focusing on the situation in the MENA region.
Course of the webinar
The webinar integrates keynote speeches by renowned scientists and a subsequent discussion round on the topic of the webinar. Further details can be taken from the flyer:
Keynote Speakers
– Prof. Zekai Sen: He is currently working at the Technical University of Istanbul, Civil Engineering Faculty. He is president of Turkish Water Foundation and holds several national and international scientific prizes and the most recent one is the “Nobel Peace Prize” through his works in IPCC form 2002-2007 concerning Climate Change. He worked in different countries such as England, Norway, Saudi Arabia and Turkey and different faculties as the head of department such as the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Hydrogeology Department; Faculty of Astronautics and Aeronautics, Meteorology Department.
– Prof. Driss Ouazar: Since 2006, he was nominated as a Resident Member of the Academy Hassan II of Science and Technology, by King Mohamed VI of Morocco. In 2011 he promoted the first scientific of the Journal of the Academy and he is acting as the Executive Director of Frontiers in Science and Engineering International Journal. Since February 2020, he is the Director of the College of Environmental, Land and Water Sciences and Techniques, and Member of the Board of the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Techniques. He developed amongst other object oriented numerical models, DBMD, GIS, DSS and knowledge based systems for solving scientific and engineering problems issues. He is also the Moroccan representative of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences.
– Prof. Chris Buckley: He is Research Professor and Head of the Pollution Research Group University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Howard College Campus, Durban – South Africa. He was a member of the Minister’s National Water Advisory Council (2002 – 2004 and 2004 – 2006). Further, he chaired the Advisory Committee for the Mvoti-Mzimkulu Catchment Management Association (2006 – 2008). International cooperative research projects partners have included Imperial College (UK), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Technical University (Denmark), University of Zimbabwe, INSA/ LAAS-CNRS, Toulouse, Vivendi and General des Eaux. He was engaged as the consultant to UNEP (2001) to write the Regional Industrial Report (Africa) for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. He was a South African representative at the European Cleaner Production Roundtable in Denmark, the Asia Pacific Cleaner Production Roundtable in Australia and the First African Cleaner Production Roundtable in Nairobi, the Bonn Nexus conference in 2011 the 7th World Water Forum in Korea (2015) and Habitat III (2016). He is a member of the UK Research and Innovation International Development Peer Review College (2018 to 2021) and a project reviewer for the Israeli Science Foundation.
– Prof. Raja Ben Amary: She is currently a full-time full professor at the chemistry department of the Sfax Faculty of Sciences of the University of Sfax (Tunisia) and heads the “Membrane technology, water and environment” group, one of the four research groups which constitute the laboratory of the science of materials and the environment of the faculty of sciences of Sfax, at the university of Sfax.
She is currently vice-president of the African Membrane Society, member of the UNESCO SIMEV Chair (Membrane Sciences and Technologies Applied to the Environment) and member of the Tunisian Desalination Society.
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2019
“Water Resources and Climate Change: Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation”
November 3rd – 7th, 2019 // Amman, Jordan
Overview
Sustainable development in the already vulnerable MENA region faces several challenges, among which is climate change. Though the MENA region is not a main contributor to climate change, it is projected that several vital sectors in the MENA region will be negatively impacted by it, which is a threat to the sustainability of its socio-economic development.
Water availability in the MENA region is projected to be negatively impacted by climate change due to the projected reduction in rainfall and increased evaporation as a consequence to temperature rise. In addition, domestic and agricultural demands will dramatically increase due to the projected temperature increase rise which will enlarge the already existing gap between supply and demand in several MENA countries.
Objectives
This workshop seeks to gather professionals of multidisciplinary backgrounds and expertise over three days to present and discuss their diverse experiences related to the possible climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation options in the MENA region. This workshop is expected to strengthen the already existing professional connections among the EXCEED network partners in addition to establishing new professional connections with new participants from the region. The workshop will help the participants gain better understanding and share experiences related to climate change causes, impacts, mitigation measures and adaptation options.
Photos: not available
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2018
“Water-Energy-Food-Nexus in MENA Region”
November 11th – 17th, 2018 // Aswan, Egypt
Overview
Water-energy-food NEXUS is central to sustainable development in MENA region. Demand for these domains is increasing, driven with a rising global population, changing diets, rapid urbanization and economic growth. Agriculture considers the largest consumer of the world’s freshwater resources, and hence more than one-quarter of the energy consumed globally is expended on food production and supply. The linkages between these essential domains require a suitably integrated approach to ensuring water and food security, and sustainable agriculture and energy production worldwide.
As agriculture set to remain the biggest user of water into the middle of this century, efficiency measures along the entire agri-food technologies can help save water and energy, such as precision irrigation based on information supplied by water providers, which can motivate farmers to invest in their systems to ensure the best returns from their water investment.
Photos: not available
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2018
Regional Expert Workshop on “Water Scarcity: Risks and Solutions”
April 22-28, 2018 // Sousse, Tunisia
Overview
The progressive developments of all sectors and the present water policy in the MENA countries have resulted in a difficult water shortage. In fact, one of the most critical challenges nowadays is the drastically decreasing water availability per capita in most of the MENA States.
To cope with the water scarcity situation, water-use efficiency across all sectors should be substantially increased and sustainable withdrawals should be ensured. Moreover, exploitation of non-conventional water supplies is regarded being a valuable option for all countries despite their sharply contrasting water situation.
Objectives
Participation of multidisciplinary oriented young scientist teams is one of the major assets as it will ensure the multiplication effects. International cooperation should reinforce the links between research centers, universities, stakeholders, and decision makers. It is of particular importance to encourage scientists to work on joint projects, to contribute to knowledge transfer and to enhance the societal dialogue. Thus, expert workshop aims to:
- Exchange knowledge and share information in water challenges and solutions between the different partners
- Present new technologies to preserve water resources under different conditions
- Establish a sustainable network of water experts in the MENA region.
Topics
The workshop addresses the following sub-topics:
- Water quality, drinking and wastewater treatment and processing
- Water harvesting and groundwater recharge under arid and semi-arid climate
- Water scarcity and drought management
- Climate change impacts on water resources in the arid environment
- Hydrological modeling and water resources management scenarios
- Dams and water transfer, irrigation and water supply
- Non-conventional water resources in MENA region
- Remote sensing and GIS applications in water resources management
- Approaches and technologies reducing water demand and losses
- Water footprint analysis
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2017
Expert Workshop on “Water Use in MENA Countries 2017”
November 3-8, 2017 // Marrakech, Morocco
Overview
Each year, more than 32 billion m3 of treated water do not reach consumers due to numerous failures such as leaks, faulty connections or piping. In some low-income countries, losses account for 50-60% of the water supplied when the global average is 35%. Saving this volume of lost water becomes an imperative and can provide water to many people.
The provision of safe and affordable drinking water, as well as solutions for sanitation, are basic needs for improved hygiene and a better life, or more critically to prevent loss of life.
Finding solutions to these challenging problems requires close collaboration between scientists (established as well as young ones), practitioners, and stakeholders from federal and public organizations. Therefore, we encourage you to contribute to the develop-ment of future solutions and to widen your own expertise and profile by attending the international workshop.
Objectives
The workshop will focus on multi-disciplinary approach to water challenges and its solutions with special interest on functions and limitations under various land-use systems and climatic conditions, remote sensing applications in water sciences, latest and technological developments for water use and management through:
- Present new findings in and approaches to integrated water resources management.
- Promote communications among scientists, engineers, managers, stakeholders, and policy/decision makers on water resources management challenges and solutions.
- Share ideas and experiences in addressing water management challenges and solutions under changing conditions
Topics
The workshop addresses the following sub-topics:
- Emerging technologies for the improvement of the performance of water utilities in Mena region
- Policies of integrated management of water resources in Mena region
- Improvement of the access to sanitation and water in Mena region
- Water quality risk management
- Management and reuse of wastewater
- Non-revenue water in Mena region (best practices for better performances)
- Desalination of sea water
- Management of water resources in agricultural zones
- Capacity building in water resources management.
Downloads:
- Flyer Marrakech
- Program (Selected papers have been published in Proceedings of Expert Workshop on “Water Use in MENA Countries 2017”)
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2017
Expert Workshop on “Solutions to water challenges”
April 25th – 30th, 2017 // Cairo, Egypt
Overview
Continued water scarcities will affect the region’s social and economic potential, increase land vulnerability to salinization and desertification and raise the risk for political conflict around the limited water available and increased demands. Ground-water is a hidden problem, since many countries extract more than is being recharged. Water quality degradation through pollution and salinization are important factors affecting water availability in the region. In recent years, flash floods that caused by extreme weather conditions, their occurrence is highly random and the associated problems are expected to increase in the near future due to climate change.
Finding solutions to these challenging problems requires close collaboration between scientists – established as well as young ones, – practitioners, and stakeholders from federal and public organizations. So we encourage you to contribute to the development of future solutions and to widen your own expertise and profile by attending the international workshop.
Objectives
The workshop’s main objective is to share experiences, knowledge, and research results among the water management experts and to discuss main problems and challenges in the field of water management in Sub Saharan Africa Region. It aims to:
- Present new findings in and approaches to integrated water resources management.
- Promote communications among scientists, engineers, mangers, stakeholders, and policy/decision makers on water resources management challenges and solutions.
- Share ideas and experiences in addressing water management challenges and solutions under changing conditions
- Present new technologies in desalination, waste water treatments and water pollution management.
Topics
- Water and climate change
- Water, sanitation, & hygiene
- Water footprint challenges and solutions
- MENA scale water challenges
- MENA scale economics & politics of water
Photos: not available
Downloads:
- Flyer Cairo
- Program (Selected papers have been published in Proceedings of Expert Workshop on “Solutions to water challenges”)
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2016
Expert Workshop on “Water Challenges in MENA Region 2016-2050”
April 24th – 28th, 2016 // Aqaba, Jordan
Jointly organized by University of Jordan and Mutah University
MENA Region is one of the water scarcest regions on earth. In many countries in the Middle East and North Africa Region where lack of water resources is common, water scarcity has become an increasing constraint to their economic development, particularly of agriculture which is the biggest water consumer. Many countries in these regions have been exploiting their non-renewable fossil water to relieve the immediate pressure of water stress, depleting their resource base, and undermining their long-term economic development and food security, with additional consequences for human health and the environment. Disputes over water lead to tension within communities, and unreliable water services are prompting people to migrate in search of better opportunities. Water investments absorb large amounts of public funds, which could often be used more efficiently elsewhere. And the challenge appears likely to escalate.
Besides availability of water the efficiency of usage e.g. in the agriculture, the suitability of chosen plants, yield values etc. plays also an important role in the decision making process. Water footprint methodology can be used as a tool by decision makers to enhance strategic water management plans as well as agricultural policies in water scarce countries. As the region’s population continues to grow, per capita water availability is set to fall by 50 percent by 2050, and most of the countries of the region will face with “absolute water scarcity”.
Objectives:
The workshop aims to evaluate the options for coping with water scarcity through assessing the water demand and to supply up to the year 2050, taking into account changes in climate, population and economic development. The outcomes of the workshop will be summarized in a report and shared with decision makers in the partner countries. It will be also available in the regional web site of the network. In addition publications (journal/congress) related to strategic water management plans as well as agricultural policies will be conducted.
Target Group:
Water engineers and experts, technical and administrative personnel of water utilities and relevant ministries as well as academicians in partner countries of EXCEED-SWINDON in the Middle East & North Africa region MENA.
Photos:
Downloads:
- Flyer
- Program (Selected papers have been published in Proceedings of Expert Workshop on “Water Challenges in MENA Region 2016-2050”)
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2015
Expert Workshop on “Sustainable Urban Water Management and Water Sensitive Cities”
September 6th – 10th, 2015 // Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Water is the most important, valuable and scarce material in MENA region. Great deal of available fresh water resources are consumed by agriculture. On the other hand urbanization rate in the region over the past ten years was very high. It is projected that within the next ten years urban population will increase over 65%, compared to the projected rural population increase of 8.5%. This issue makes the urban water management especially in mega cities of the region more important and sophisticated than before.
Objectives:
The workshop main objective is to share the experience, knowledge, research between the partners, to discuss main problems and challenges in the field of sustainable urban water management and water sensitive cities.
Target Audience:
Water engineers and experts, technical and administrative personnel of water utilities and relevant ministries as well as academicians in partner countries of EXCEED-SWINDON in the Middle East region.
Photos:
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