The IWS Sustainable Solutions Village was presented by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and showcased ideas that have been successfully implemented in water scarce communities to help the population live a safe and water sustainable life by presenting water sector best practices for arid regions like the Middle East. The focus was on the challenges of rural water provision, water conservation and reuse, food security, preventing water losses and low-energy water treatment, with case studies from Pakistan and Spain, as well as the Gulf region.
The village also offered several opportunities for students to voice their thoughts on water conservation, sustainable schools and water governance. It provided an interactive setting for panel discussion on strategic water reserve challenges and case studies presented by organisations such as the Catalan Institute for Water Research, the UAE University, the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Regulation and Supervision Bureau, the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, Al Ain Distribution Company, Estidama and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, the International Centre for Biolsaline Agriculture, the HEED Association, the UN Development Programme, the Masdar Institute, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, GIZ and the UAE Federal Ministry of Environment and Water.
The village will showcase new-age solutions to age-old problems:
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Rural water supply: how to ensure rural communities benefit from safe, clean water for their everyday lives
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Lead Organisation: UN Water
Features of this area:
2 x poster features UN Water- Showcasing case study examples of how rural water supply challenges may be overcome in arid regions
1 Poster Feature, video article and sample pipes: Featuring rural water supply in cooperation with UN Water: Case Study: Pakistan project implementation (By Borouge)
Hand out flyers and packs to be given to visitors and students
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Water resource protection: how to protect and diversify the sources of water available, not least the aquifers
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Lead Organisation: UNDP and Coca Cola
Every Drop Matters Campaign:
Campaign Description
Every Drop Matters is a water partnership initiative of UNDP and The Coca-Cola company. The converge of the mutual commitment has provided the basis for the development of a comprehensive project supported by UNDP Water Governance Programme and the Eurasia and Africa Group of the Coca-Cola Company. The projects vision is to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by improved access to water and sanitation, which is fundamental to social and economic development. Specifically, within the context of environment and sustainable development, Every Drop Matters contributes towards the sub-themes of promoting adaptation to climate change and expanding access to environmental services for the poor.
http://www.everydropmatters.com/
Features of this area:
2 poster displays of project case study examples and how they have been applied to rural communities in arid regions. Content will feature project insight, innovations and key take away points that may be utilised by other communities that face the same challenges.
1 Poster display of Case Study of use of Geomembranes to conserve water resources (provided by Borouge)
Hand out flyers and packs to be given to visitors and students
Zone Leaders:
Bogachan Benli, Global Director, UNDP
Dr Kadri Ozen, Group Public Affairs Director, Coca-Cola Eurasia and Africa Group
Supporting Borouge Team
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Consumer water conservation: how to encourage people to be water-wise
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Lead Organisation: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Features of this area:
3 poster displays of project case study examples and how they have been applied to rural communities in arid regions. Content will feature project insight, innovations and key take away points that may be utilised by other communities that face the same challenges.
Hand out flyers and packs to be given to visitors and students
2x presentations / videos to be run on rotation in the presentation space in the centre of the village
1x poster board just a drop
Zone Leader: Ms. Fozeya Al Mahmoud, Acting Director, Environmental Outreach Division, Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management Sector, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
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Low-energy water purification: how to keep the energy footprint of the water supply to a minimum, using renewable energy and decentralised facilities
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Lead Organisation: Masdar Institute
Features of this area:
Model: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi Solar Demonstration Model Feature
3 poster displays of project case study examples and how they have been applied to rural communities in arid regions. Content will feature project insight, innovations and key take away points that may be utilised by other communities that face the same challenges.
Hand out flyers and packs to be given to visitors and students
Zone Leaders: Dr Hassan Fath, Professor Masdar Institute
Supporting: Gary Amy, Director - Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST
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Sanitation: how to protect public health using clean water and ensure dirty waters don't cause illness
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Lead Organisation: ADSSC
2 poster displays of project case study examples and how they have been applied to rural communities in arid regions. Content will feature project insight, innovations and key take away points that may be utilised by other communities that face the same challenges.
1 poster board Overcoming water cycle safety issues
Hand out flyers and packs to be given to visitors and students
Supporting: UAE University
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Food: how the water challenge of food production may be overcome in arid regions.
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Lead Organisation: Stockholm International Water Institute
Features of this area:
Case Study India – Irrigation Engagement in India with drip irrigation pipe samples
3 poster displays of project case study examples and how they have been applied to rural communities in arid regions. Content will feature project insight, innovations and key take away points that may be utilised by other communities that face the same challenges.
Hand out flyers and packs to be given to visitors and students
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** Also Featuring: Water for the World display and the Xylem Water Mark
Target Audience: This area will benefit those looking for solutions to overcome the challenges faced in arid rural regions. NGOs, Government organisations, Students and Scholars and regional representatives seeking solutions to commonly faced challenges will benefit from the showcase provided in this space.
Presentation Schedule:
| Timing | Speaker | Company | Topic |
| Wednesday 16 January 2013 |
| 11:00 – 11:45 |
Mubashjir Niiaz, Chairman |
HEED |
Rural Water Supply: Case Study Pakistan - New PE Pipe Systems to Replace Flood Damaged Water Systems in Northern Pakistan |
| 11:45 – 12:15 |
Representative |
UNDP |
Water Resource Management: Case Study Every Drop Matters Campaign – Access to Water and Sanitation in Rural Communities |
| 12:15 – 12:45 |
Fozeya Al Mahmoud, Acting Director, Environmental Outreach Division |
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi |
Consumer Water Conservation: Case Study Water Conservation in the Community |
| 12:45 – 13:15 |
Prof. Thomas Missimer |
Water Desalination and Reuse Center, KAUST |
Panel on Strategic Water Reserve in Arid Region |
| Thursday 17 January 2013 |
| 11:00 – 11:45 |
Kim Choon, Professor, KAUST Saudi Arabia |
Water Desalination and Reuse Centre, KAUST Saudi Arabia |
Presentation on Low Energy Seawater Desalination: Renewable Energy-Driven and New Emerging |
| 11:45 – 12:15 |
Tri Mumpuni |
Ramon Magsayasay Awardee, Asian Noble Laureate and Ashoka Fellow, Indonesia |
Low Energy Water Purification: Case Study Indonesia – Low Energy Water Purification Projects and Micro Hydro Power |
| 12:15 – 12: 45 |
Dr Hassan Fath, Professor |
Masdar Institute |
Low Energy Water Purification: Case Study – Integrated Complex Developments for Rural Communities |
| 12:45 – 13:45 |
Peter Werner Director
Dr Mohammed Dawood
Prof Mohsen Sherif
Dr Mohammed Al-Mulla
Dr Muhammad Akhtar Bhatti
Dr Georg Koziorowski
Dr Ahmed Murad |
National Water Center and dean of Science at UAEU
EA Abu Dhabi
UAEU
Ministry of Environment and Water
FAO UN
GIZ
UAEU |
Sanitation: Health Aspects Concerning Water Supply and Waste Water Reuse
This workshop will address safety aspects in drinking water supply and waste water reuse as well. Leakage in the drinking water system will cause the penetration of hazardous microorganisms and chemical compounds as well. In the field of the reuse of treated waste water for irrigation a maximum in safety standards have to be met. The treatment must eliminate hazardous compounds as there are endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals. During the workshop those problems will be faced and solutions discussed. Moreover best practice for future planning will be matter of discussion including the aspect of groundwater recharge for drinking water storage options.
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| 13:45 – 14:15 |
Malcolm Haddock, Planning and Forecasting Department Manager |
ADSSC |
Sanitation: Case Study Al Ain Septic Tank Replacement Programme |
| 13:45 – 14:15 |
Fozeya Al Mahmoud, Acting Director |
Environmental Outreach, EAD |
Workshop and Presentation by SSI Students speaking about EADs Sustainable Schools |
Arid Regions Water Industry Innovation and Best Practice
The presentation space will provide a high profile platform for innovation and best practice showcase from the Middle East. Successful solutions for arid regions, past successes and future plans for improvement will be shared. Combining presentations with interactive panel discussion practical case study style content and strategic approaches will be imparted.
Content will be delivered during the scheduled lunchtime break from the IWS Conference so that conference participants may also have the opportunity to benefit from this programme.
Presentation Schedule:
| Timing | Topic |
| Wednesday 16 January 2013 |
| Overcoming Water Scarcity Challenges |
| 11:00 – 11:30 |
Case Study Presentation: Overcoming Water Scarcity Challenges in Spain |
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Prof Dr Damia Barcelo, Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) |
| 11:30 – 13:00 |
Workshop: Adopting a Best Practice Approach to Overcome Water Scarcity Challenges |
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This workshop will provide Municipalities, NGOs, Students and water industry innovators with a highly interactive environment for discussion of the essential elements necessary to create a best practice approach to water scarcity challenges. Key topics for discussion will include education and capacity building, technology investment and implementation, financial models and sustainability of strategic approach.
Prof Dr Damia Barcelo, Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA)
Prof. Peter Werner, Dean, UAE University
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| 13:00 – 14:00 |
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi – Strategic Water Reserves in Arid Regions |
| 13:00 – 13:10 |
Keynote Presentation: Understanding the strategic water challenges facing arid regions and how they may be overcome.
Dr. Mohamed A. Dawoud, Water Resources, EAD
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| 13:10 – 14:00 |
Interactive Panel Discussion: How may arid regions strategic water reserve challenges be overcome? |
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This panel discussion will examine how strategic challenges may be overcome with practical solutions, policy and processes. Topics for discussion will include mitigation strategies including how renewable energy sources may be used in water production and how TSE may be used in agriculture in arid regions.
Questions for discussion will include:
- What are the water reserve challenges that arid regions face?
- To what extent are renewable energy sources already being used to mitigate scarcity?
- What technologies or strategic solutions may be used to improve water reserve levels?
- What factors do arid regions need to consider? What will be happen if they do not consider them?
Dr. Thomas M. Missimer, Visiting Professor of Hydrogeology, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center, KSA
Dr. Mohsen Sherif, Professor of Water Resources, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Associate Provost for Academic Personnel, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
Mr. Colin Hannan, Director of Water Services at Regulation and Supervision Bureau; Abu Dhabi, UAE
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| 14:00 – 15:00 |
ADSSC: Understanding the past milestones, achievements and present project innovation of ADSSC |
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Understanding the past milestones, achievements an present project innovation of ADSSC
The session will briefly review the history of sewerage services in the Emirate and touch on the leadership and inspiration of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, father of the country.
The main points covered will include:
- A brief summary of sewerage services in the Emirate until the present day.
- Challenges presented by rapid economic growth and development of the sewerage infrastructure of the Emirate.
- The strategic approach to resolve these challenges and ADSSC’s strategic plan for the future.
- A brief overview of the STEP and BOOT projects
- A review of other major developments and activities in ADSSC
Mohamed Al Mansoori, Operations and Maintenance Division Manager, ADSSC |
| 16:00 – 17:00 |
Student Ideas Forum – Consumer Water Conservation |
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This session lead by the UAE University is an opportunity for the water leaders of tomorrow to share their perspective on water sustainability, practices and culture. Student stakeholders will be invited to share their perspective of how water challenges are currently addressed, and to provide solutions to enhance engagement and uptake of initiatives like water saving. |
| Thursday 17 January 2013 |
| 13:00 – 14:00 |
Regulation Standards Bureau: Harnessing Nature for the Benefit of Mankind |
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In this arid region where natural water resources are insufficient to sustain economic growth, the capacity to harness the seawater potential to produce potable water has revolutionised the Arab peninsula's economic well-being. This advancement comes at a high economic and environmental cost; greater efforts are now being made to reign in excessive human need whilst not impeding economic growth and socio-cultural needs. Innovation, re-use, bio-technical solutions and basic sound engineering and financial principles must all be encouraged and embraced and put to best use. The theme as presented in this "Harnessing Nature" side event gives a breadth of regional case studies and implementation strategies which go in some measurable way to address the regional demands for greater efficient use in our most precious resource |
| 13:00 – 13:15 |
Al Ain: Case Study Keynote - Leakage Monitoring and Reduction in Potable Water Distribution System: Understanding of network efficiency and unaccounted for water and physical losses |
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Mohammed Eid Obaid, Water O&M Division Manager, Al Ain Distribution Company |
| 13:15 – 13:30 |
Dubai: Case Study Keynote – Food Security and Reduction of Potable Water Use: Using Brackish Water for Sustainable Farming |
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Dr. Rachel McDonnell, Water Policy and Governance, International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture |
| 13:30 – 13:45 |
Abu Dhabi: Case Study Keynote – Modern Public Housing: Innovative Designs for Saving Water and Energy. Understanding the short term cost implications and long term cost savings. |
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Edwin Young, Programme Manager Estidama, Urban Planning Council Abu Dhabi |
| 13:45 – 14:00 |
Qatar: Case Study Keynote – Food Security Planning in Qatar |
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Dr. Rabi Mohtar, Executive Director, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute
Session Facilitator: Colin Hannan, Director of Special Projects (Water), Regulation and Supervision Bureau |
| 13:25 – 14:00 |
Panel Discussion |
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This panel discussion will provide an opportunity for the learning points and innovative practices presented in the five minute key notes to be discussed in a highly interactive format. Audience questions may be answered by the panel of expert presenters. Through discussion, questioning and interaction with the panel best practice approaches will be shared providing essential insight and solutions to mutually shared challenges. |
| 14:00 – 15:00 |
ADSSC STEP Project: Creation of a Sustainable and Water Efficient Future for Abu Dhabi |
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This session will give an overview of wastewater as part of the overall water cycle within the region.
The integration and coordination of the main institutions in the water cycle will be considered with a forward look at what can be done to improve current practices and become more water efficient.
The main points will include:
- The main contributors to water use and wastewater production
- A look at how ADSSC is contributing to water sustainability in the region
- A review of STEP and how it will make a difference
- A brief look at ADSSC’s 5 year plan
Shahzad Orakzai, Manager Programme Management Development, ADSSC
Malcolm Haddock, Planning and Forecasting Development Manager, ADSSC
Nasser Al Nuaimi, Director of Planning and Strategic Management, ADSSC
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| 16:00 – 17:00 |
Student Ideas Forum – Water Governance and a Sustainable Future |
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This session lead by the UAE University is an opportunity for the water leaders of tomorrow to share their perspective on water governance and sustainability practices and culture. Student stakeholders will be invited to share their perspective of how water challenges are currently addressed, and to provide solutions to enhance cross boundary cooperation and effective use of water resources. |