In Al-auja there were high cultivations of banana and citrus until 1998, but large fruit and vegetable cultivation required a high amount of water. When the water stopped flouring years ago, there was an agricultural crisis in the area that obliged farmers to change their cultivation. The farmers had to deal with water scarcity and with its high salinity. Since palm trees don’t need high amounts of water, they concentrated their efforts and water resources on date cultivation. 

Today, the 22nd of March, we celebrate World Water Day, held every year since 1993 by the General Assembly of the United Nations to raise awareness on water significance This year, the World Water Day theme focuses on “groundwater, making the invisible visible”. On water quantity and quality depends the agricultural system and the lifestyle of people worldwide. 

The MEDISS programme takes action in the Palestinian pilot area through the sewage treatment plant, allowing the farmers to get enough water to irrigate the soils. Furthermore, the water is also treated to remove bacterial cells, pollution, and all harmful pathogens from the water that can finally be used in palm cultivation without any damage.

“The video has been produced thanks to the financial support of the European Union under the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme. 
The contents of this video are the sole responsibility of Palestinian Wastewater Engineers Group (PWEG) and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures”.