Sustainable Management of Available Water Resources with Innovative Technologies (SMART)
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Project ID | |
Project Title | Sustainable Management of Available Water Resources with Innovative Technologies (SMART)
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Type | Water Cooperation Initiative
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Focus Areas | Research (including some training and a demonstration plant): IWRM
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Geographic Scope | |
Lead Organization(s) | The SMART project results from the collective application of three German research institutes (University of Karlsruhe, University of Göttingen, Environmental Research Center Leipzig), whereas University of Karlsruhe acts as main coordinator. |
Project Partners | The most important project partners of the target region are stakeholder institutions like the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) in Jordan, the governmental Israeli water distribution company MEKOROT, as well as the Palestinian Hydrological Group that cooperates closely with the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA). Local universities and research centers play an important role for the implementation of the research aspects. |
Financing | |
Timeframe | From September 2006 - ongoing
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Status | ongoing
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Project website(s) | |
Contacts | |
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Contents |
Description
The overall aim of this research project is the development of a transferable approach for an integrated water resources management (IWRM) in semi-arid regions with water shortage. On the basis of scientific, engineering and socio-economic analyses the IWRM shall contribute to a more efficient utilisation of scarce water resources and the implementation of more efficient solution strategies and management tools. A water resources model along with the adaptation of existing and development of new technical solutions will contribute to this. The IWRM shall initiate a self-supporting process in the area under investigation which will continue after the completion of the research project. The goal is a marked improvement of the water shortage situation which could result in an overall advancement of the region.
Level of involvement: Universities, research institutions (also one water utility and one Ministry)
Expected Outcomes
- Develop an integrated water resources management (IWRM) concept for the Lower Jordan Valley using a multidisciplinary approach.
- Include all water resources, minimize quality degradation and maximize efficiency.
- Apply innovative technologies for waste water treatment and artificial recharge.
- Consider & evaluate specific social, economical and ecologic conditions & impacts of water resource development options.
- Identify the benefit and applicability of alternative technologies for sustainable water usage.
- Increase the understanding of the hydrological system of the Lower Jordan Valley
- Develop adapted and feasible operating and financing models.
- Integrate the adapted technologies & operation models into existing institutional and administrative processes for water resource management.
- Raise the awareness and knowledge transfer through capacity building for various user groups on local, regional and national level.
- Develop a Decision Support System (DSS) as a flexible tool for optimising water's contribution to sustainable development.
- Define key parameters and provide a comprehensive IWRM knowledge-base for stakeholders in semi-arid regions.
Achievements: Results and Impact
Lessons for Replication
References
See also
- Regional Water Cooperation and Peacebuilding in the Middle East
- Water Conflict and Cooperation/Jordan River Basin Part I
- Water Conflict and Cooperation/Jordan River Basin Part II
- IWRM
External Resources
- Federal Ministry for Education and Research, Germany (BMBF)
- Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI)
- MEKOROT, Israel's National Water Company
- Palestinian Water Authority
Attachments
Flyer:
SMART flyer.pdf
