::::: EU projects join forces to strengthen capacity of south Mediterranean countries in reducing pollution ::::: Two EU-funded environment projects have organised a training seminar in Luxembourg, seeking to mobilise resources for depollution investments, aimed at government officials and private sector representatives from the southern Mediterranean. The Sustainable Water Integrated Management–Support Mechanism (SWIM-SM) and the Mediterranean Hot Spots Initiative-Project Preparation and Implementation Facility (MeHSIP-PPIF) held a training seminar mobilising resources for depollution investments addressed at representatives of ministries related to Water, Interior, Planning, Finance, and representatives from the private sector, such as banks from Algeria, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. The three-day seminar, held on 3-5 July at the European Investment Bank (EIB) premises in Luxembourg, was organised by the Sustainable Water Integrated Management–Support Mechanism (SWIM-SM) and the Mediterranean Hot Spots Initiative-Project Preparation and Implementation Facility (MeHSIP-PPIF). It aimed at strengthening the capacity of the public sector in the Southern Mediterranean in mobilising resources for depollution investments and private sector participation, with a special focus on investments that will reduce pollution from land-based sources in the Mediterranean Sea, the key objective of the Euromed Horizon 2020 initiative. It brought together officials from ministries related to Water, Interior, Planning, and Finance, and representatives from the private sector, such as banks from Algeria, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. Experts from the EIB, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), MeHSIP-PPIF and SWIM-SM shared their knowledge on using International Financing Institutions (IFIs) and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to fund depollution projects. The training covered practical aspects, from the preparation of a bankable project up to its implementation and the different aspects of PPPs such as types of PPPs, required conditions, how to prepare a project for funding, elements of good contracts, the involvement of different stakeholders, risks and risk sharing. Practical tools were also presented, like an investment modeling spreadsheet, to be used as a tool for a quick assessment of project finances and feasibility. Field experiences from Algeria, Israel, Jordan, Palestine and Tunisia were presented and discussed. These included a wastewater treatment plant project in Palestine and its financing, and the Algerian experience with private operators. Sustainable Water Integrated Management (SWIM) is a Regional Technical Assistance Programme launched by the European Commission, with a total budget of approximately €22 million, to contribute to the extensive dissemination and effective implementation of sustainable water management policies and practices in the Southern Mediterranean Region. 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.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 01:42:13 +0000
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