Within the EU 7th Framework Programme, IWWA project proposes an alternative for the empowerment of authorities, policy makers and key stakeholders that have a role in the Wa
ste Management chain. The project will contribute to the improvement of solid waste management systems in West Africa, by promoting appropriate management policies at national and regional levels and gathering authorities, policy makers and other stakeholders (private sector, NGOs, general public, etc.) in the design of waste management practices, with the support of African and European experts.
Dr. Khaled Abu-Zeid, CEDARE Regional Water Program Manager, and Regional Director of Technical Programs at the Arab Water Council, shed some light on the obstacles for the ratification of the 1997 UN Convention by some countries in the Arab Region. He mentioned that the convention is full of positive articles. However, as he stated, the convention should have dealt explicitly with the waters in the river basin as a whole rather than just what’s in the watercourse, because all waters within the river basin are affected by one another and by their respective uses. This would include Green Water used for green cover (forests, rainfed agriculture, pasture and grazing land), and also Blue Water recharging groundwater, and surface rivers.
On the 29th and the 30th of March, 2010, CEDARE organized the third Strategy studies and strategic planning workshop that was held in Alexandria under the framework of the EU funded project SWITCH (Sustainable Water management Improves Tomorrow's Cities' Health) . The main purpose of the workshop was to evaluate the ongoing strategy studies for Alexandria Water resources and integrate their results for future planning. The strategy studies focused on all aspects of urban water management including, wastewater reuse, desalination, institutional mapping, water demand management , numerical modeling of urban water, groundwater potential, storm water management, financial sustainability, and tariff affordability. Strategic planning sessions focused on finding a starting point for the anticipated Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) strategic plan for Alexandria with the year 2037 being the target year. The 2037 IUWM strategic plan is the overall goal and the major expected output of the SWITCH project in Alexandria.
Dr. Khaled AbuZeid, CEDARE Regional Water Program Manager, and member of the Advisory Board of the Arab-German Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Masters of Science Program, has attended the regular Annual Meeting in Amman recently to explore the achievements of the program and the planning of the future of the program. The meeting was followed by the graduation ceremony of the 2nd batch of MSc graduates. The program provides a great opportunity for cross-cultural education mixed with an opportunity for shared professional experience in the water sector. Part of the program is delivered in Cologne, Germany and the other part is delivered in Amman, Jordan. CEDARE will also be hosting one or two German students working on their Masters this year where practical experience for Germans on water issues in the Arab Region will be provided. The program provides a great opportunity for young professionals from Germany and the Arab Region to develop their career and open opportunities for professional advancements which will help shape their futures in international development. For more information on the program visit 
In the UNFCCC workshop held in Samoa, 2-5 March 2010, Dr. Khaled AbuZeid, Regional Water Program Manager, delivered a presentation on climate change impacts on the Water Sector in the Arab Region and the role of CEDARE as a Regional Center that can contribute to Climate Change Adaptation activities in the Arab Region. CEDARE’s regional role and activities in the area of Environment & Development were presented including its role in regional Environmental and Water assessment and reporting, as well as its role in initiating, and executing regional cooperation projects in the field and the potential for taking up the role for capacity building and execution of regional projects in the area of climate change adaptation. Link to Dr. AbuZeid’s presentation: