EU project organises study tour to Sicily on wastewater management using natural treatment systems in rural areas

Operators and engineers involved in wastewater treatment (WWT) and other stakeholders from Southern Mediterranean countries will have the opportunity to be introduced to and trained on natural treatment systems (NTS) as operated in Sicily (Italy). 

The region of Sicily presents similar hydrological and environmental conditions to those of the Southern Mediterranean countries. The activity will show that NTSs are technically and economically viable options for WWT especially in rural areas. 

Sustainable Water Integrated Management (SWIM) is a Regional Programme launched by the European Commission to contribute to the extensive dissemination and effective implementation of sustainable water management policies and practices in the Southern Mediterranean Region. This is in the context of increasing water scarcity, combined pressures on water resources from a wide range of users, desertification processes and in connection with climate change. 

The Programme, with a total budget of approximately €22 million, consists of two major Components, which are inter-related and complement each other:

·         A Support Mechanism, funded with a budget of €6.7 million and
·         Demonstration Projects funded with a budget of €15 million