H2020 promotes wastewater treatment and reuse in Algeria

Thirty two Algerian professionals from all over the country gathered in Algiers to participate in a three-day workshop on wastewater treatment and reuse organized within the framework of the EU-funded Horizon 2020 Capacity Building/MEP project. A press release said the course, which took place from 15 to17 May 2011, aimed to support the Horizon 2020 initiative and its objective to de-pollute the Mediterranean Sea through developing and strengthening the capacities of professionals dealing with the management of wastewater in Mediterranean countries. The workshop was introduced by Mr. Tahar Tolba, Assistant Director at the Algerian Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment, who showcased the contribution of Algeria’s Physical Planning and Environment-related projects to the realization of the Horizon 2020 objectives through the construction and rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants at national level. Mr. Stéphane Devaux, from the European Union Delegation in Algeria, took the opportunity to present the EU projects and activities implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment, for an estimated amount of €35 million. During the course, the participants experienced extensive hands-on training through the use of advanced software aimed at facilitating technology selection in wastewater management. Further to the lectures and presentations, they were involved in group exercises and discussions leading to the exchange of experiences. The Horizon 2020 initiative aims to improve the quality of life of more than 420 million citizens living in the 25 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It is an umbrella programme drawing together all the policies, strategies and action plans for enhancing environmental protection. Horizon 2020 has mechanisms in capacity-building, research, monitoring and review that place the initiative in an excellent position to address the challenges it faces and ensure the efficient and effective use of the available resources. The inclusion of the Horizon 2020 Initiative as one of the six components of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) adds to the political impetus to address major environmental challenges. (ENPI Info Centre)