Non-Conventional Water Resources Traveling Workshop

Program Overview

Faced with worsening water scarcity, MENA governments, decision-makers and planners are increasingly committed to managing water demands while assessing opportunities to conserve existing resources and develop new ones. Non-conventional water, that is treated waste, saline and desalinated water, offers managers new resource possibilities for certain uses. Harnessing such water resources will be increasingly important to ensure water security in the region.

A traveling study workshop will be conducted in different countries that already have highly developed and innovative capabilities in this area. The workshop will thus provide participants with direct exposure to mature best practice technology and management approaches.

Program Objectives

The knowledge exchange will enhance the capacity of senior MENA officials to make informed decisions on innovative methods of desalination; water reuse and water reuse management in a climate of changing environmental and institutional conditions.

The study tour will provide a forum of interaction to exchange experiences and lessons learnt in process technologies, development and application of regulations, public consultation exercises and public acceptability of new resources, as well as costs and benefits of alternative technologies. The program will foster networks in the region and encourage data sharing activities.

Program Implementation

A 10-day traveling workshop to Abu Dhabi and Australia targeted at senior professionals and officials of technical organizations within government, utilities, academic institutions, and/or civil society organizations.

The deadline for receiving applications is 26 August 2010.

Program of the learning exchange in Abu Dhabi and Australia 14 - 22 October, 2010.

Application Form