Once upon a time, in the beautiful land of Tunisia, there was a magical journey known as the MEDWAYCAP Awareness Tour sweeping across the territory from south to north. It was a remarkable adventure that unfolded over three captivating days in September 2023, aimed at discovering the most sustainable solutions to the long-standing environmental challenges that plagued the region.

The travelers embarking on this quest were a diverse group of young individuals from various academic backgrounds, united by a common passion and a thirst for knowledge, who came in search of inspiration and guidance. They were all eager to explore solutions that addressed Tunisia's water problems through practical applications of sustainable technologies. Community leaders, decision-makers, and stakeholders came to meet them to share their realities and the impacts of the systems in place.

As the sun rose on the first day of the tour, this eclectic group of adventurers gathered at the Hamma-Gabes Pilot Station. Their quest was to solve the age-old problem of the secondary treated wastewater, plagued by nitrate, phosphate, and microorganisms. However, within the framework of the MEDISS project, a nature-based approach was unveiled by IRA Gabès. The station harnessed the power of phytoremediation using a mixture of sand and gravel to improve the treated water quality. This green solution provided higher-quality water, with the potential to increase crop yields, thereby reducing the contamination of wastewater in the environment.

The journey continued with the Ibn Khaldoun Mosque Project in Gabes, related to the efficient use of greywater from ablutions. The dedicated team of the MAWTINI Association had developed an Energy-Water approach, repurposing greywater to irrigate olive trees in a public garden with the use of solar energy, making the project a model of sustainability. It is a solution to be replicated, which not only conserves water but also allowed urban agriculture, promotes biodiversity, and reduces the environmental footprint. Further treatment is planned to master all sanitary risks.

On the second day, the travelers arrived at the Bir Ben Kemla Desalination Plant in Mahdia. This region had long grappled with the problem of high salinity in groundwater, rendering it unsuitable for agriculture. However, the Bir Ben Kemla Desalination Plant, a collaborative achievement of CRDA Mehdia under the PROSIM project, held the key to change. By reducing salinity levels, it provided freshwater suitable for irrigation, giving hope to local farmers. Arid lands could potentially flourish, contributing to food security and marking a new step towards sustainable water resource management.

The penultimate stop of the adventure led them to Kantaret Bizerte, where they faced the issue of treated wastewater, by the sanitation office ONAS, being discharged without valorization, a common situation in the management of non-conventional water resources. The ENACTUS-INAT, Water Rose project, mobilized this water for the benefit of farmers. Treated water was thus reused for the irrigation of forage crops, a solution with considerable repercussions. If widely adopted, it could reduce treated water wastage and increase agricultural productivity across Tunisia, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable water management.

The final chapter of this enchanting adventure took place at the Sustainable Water Management House (SWM House) Living Green Wall in Tunis, realised by the Centre for Water Research and Technologies (CERTE) within the NAWAMED project. Here, the challenge was to manage and reuse greywater in urban environment. The project presented an integrated approach, treating greywater from student building for toilet flushing and nurturing an edible garden while integrating rainwater when relevant. The result has multiple impacts, promoting circular water, preserving water resources and reducing consumption, fostering biodiversity through a natural ecological system. It was an evolving innovation ready to revolutionize water management practices where grey water is produced as hotels, stadiums and public buildings.

In the midst of this enchanting journey, the participants found not only enlightenment but also a profound sense of joy. The MEDWAYCAP Tour was a journey of discovery, and exchange with stakeholders and water actors that allowed them to discover and embrace the solutions for their future careers and to be ambassadors testifying to their transformative power while relishing the beauty of the Tunisian landscapes.

A dedicated filming team accompanied the participants throughout their visit. With their cameras and lenses, they captured every moment, ensuring that the stories of these innovative solutions were captured to share with the world. Every breathtaking landscape, visionary solution, and moment of exchange and wonder was preserved for sharing.

In the end, the travelers knew that they were not just witnessing history but actively contributing to it. Their pleasure was intertwined with a deep sense of mission, knowing that they were part of a collaborative effort to shape a more sustainable and environmentally respectful future for Tunisia and the Mediterranean.

The MEDWAYCAP Awareness tour was organized by CERTE from September 18th to 20th, 2023 in Tunisia.

Watch the video of the Ncw Tour at this link.