On Tuesday 26^th of November, Ing. Monther Hind, director general of the Palestinian Wastewater Engineers Group (PWEG) and project manager of MEDISS, met with the Palestinian beneficiaries of the project in Jericho, namely the Palm Farm Cooperatives Association and its President Mr Ghazi Zahir.

During the first meeting with the Palestinian beneficiaries (about 30 farmers), the expected activities and benefits of the project in Palestine: in the Jordan Valley, MEDISS will collect lost surface water in Wadi Quilt, blend it with saline water from artesian wells and treated waste water from the city of Jericho city and then use it to irrigate pilot farms, mainly date palm plantations. As sufficient availability and quality of water resources are key factors to ensure favorable conditions for date palm production, the MEDISS project is of particular importance for local small farm holders.

As sufficient availability and quality of water resources are key factors to ensure favorable conditions for date palm production, the MEDISS project is of particular importance for local small farm holders.

 

MEDISS project, 'Mediterranean Integrated System for Water Supply', addresses the issue of improving the quality of saline groundwater in the Mediterranean area, opening alternative irrigation options for higher quality and more diversified cultivations (dates, citrus, etc.).

According to the features and specific needs of the partner areas, MEDISS will test innovative solutions in the use of treated wastewater and desalination of brackish water. Specific awareness initiatives for end-users will challenge their reluctance toward non-conventional water resources (NCWR) and train them on Best Agricultural Practices. On the longer term, the project will contribute to reducing stress on freshwater, as well as costs for water supply. At the same time, higher productivity and diversification of crops will increase food security and income for farmers. Local communities and institutions will be empowered, contributing to behavioural change on the use of NCW and on environmentally and economically sustainable development.

Keep up-to-date with MEDISS: http://www.enicbcmed.eu/projects/mediss
 

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