Morocco: H2020 promotes wastewater treatment and reuse

Participants from all over Morocco took part in a three-day training course on wastewater treatment and reuse, organised by the EU-funded initiative Horizon 2020 with the aim of engaging experienced professionals in a wider effort with the aim of promoting an integrated approach of drinking water consumption, wastewater management and related technologies. 

A press release said the course, held from 11 to 13 May in Rabat, was launched by Mr. Hassane Belguenani, Head of water and wastewater programmes at the European Union Delegation in Morocco, who confirmed the EU’s commitment to the objectives of the Horizon 2020 Initiative.“Within the framework of the cooperation between the EU and Morocco, the de-pollution of the Mediterranean constitutes a priority. The support of the EU in the national sanitation programme of Morocco reaches €90 million,” he highlighted.

The course involved extensive hands-on training through the use of advanced software aimed to facilitate technology selection in wastewater management. Participants also took part in group exercises and discussions, which achieved a fruitful exchange of experiences. All 34 participants were experienced wastewater managers and decision-makers, mainly sourced from the central government and local authorities, water and sewage associations and relevant university staff. 

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.

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• Press release  
• Training material 
• Horizon 2020 - website