28-04-2011
access the news item here and the press release.
Two feasibility studies are currently being prepared in Lebanon and Tunisia, while another three potential investment projects are finalising the pre-feasibility study stage in Egypt, under the Horizon 2020 initiative for de-pollution of the Mediterranean by 2020. At the same time, there is ongoing dialogue in the partner countries on priority investment projects for funding.
A press release said the first quarter of 2011 was especially fruitful regarding the groundwork for investment projects:
· Lebanon: Al Ghadir – Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Inception Report for the Feasibility Study of Al Ghadir WWTP Extension project was finalised in March 2011, while the next report’ will present options for the Al Ghadir Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade and is expected to be submitted by June.
· Tunisia: LakeBizerte – Integrated De-pollution Programme
The Diagnostic Report for the LakeBizerte project is being finalised pending completion of the sampling analysis. All experts have been mobilised during the diagnostic phase and the Mediterranean Hot Spots Investment Programme – Project Preparation and Implementation Facility (MeHSIP-PPIF)continued its activities despite the recent political events in Tunisia. The final version of the Diagnostic Report will provide the Tunisian Government and the EIB with a clear idea on the main sources of pollution and determine a solid basis for potential investment interventions.
· Egypt: Project Identification and Assessment
Following the delivery of the three pre-feasibility studies (final study expected by the end of April), MeHSIP-PPIF will continue its close dialogue with the respective project promoter, in order to support the further advancement of these potential environmental investment projects.
· Jordan: Al Ekaider – Integrated Solid Waste Management Project
The MeHSIP-PPIF had constructive discussions with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) to coordinate the undertaking of a feasibility study. Further coordination has been sought with USAID’s ongoing activities with regard to this project.
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. (ENPI Info Centre)