Ensure availability and sustainable
management of water and sanitation for all.
Béchir HAMROUNI
Ambassador SDG 6
Emeritus Professor at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Tunis El Manar
President of the Tunisian Desalination Association
UTM Initiatives for SDG 6
Research
UTM is involved in research projects that address water scarcity and quality issues in Tunisia. This includes studies on sustainable water management practices and the development of technologies aimed at improving water efficiency and sanitation systems.
Education
The university incorporates topics related to water sustainability and sanitation into its academic programs. This equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle challenges associated with water resources, thereby fostering a generation of professionals who are well-versed in sustainable practices.
Community Engagement
UTM collaborates with local and international communities to promote awareness about water conservation and sanitation practices. These outreach efforts often include conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Water Initiatives and Events in Tunisia
Addressing Water Scarcity in Tunisia
Tunisia faces significant challenges related to water scarcity due to rising demand from population growth, urbanization, and climate change. The new desalination plants are part of a strategic response to these challenges, aiming to reduce reliance on dwindling groundwater supplies and improve access to drinking water in arid regions.
The Zarat Desalination Plant, in Gabès, was inaugurated on July 7, 2024. This facility is designed to produce 50,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day, with plans to double this capacity to 100,000 cubic meters by 2027. It aims to serve around one million residents across the Gabès, Médenine, and Tataouine governorates by 2035. The project was developed by the Indian company Va Tech Wabag and co-financed by the Tunisian government and the German development agency KfW.
Two additional plants in Sfax and Sousse are under construction, expected to be operational by the end of 2024. The Sfax plant will have a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters per day, while Sousse will produce 50,000 cubic meters per day. The Tunisian government plans to launch tenders for four more desalination plants in Tozeur, Kebili, Sidi Bouzid, and Ben Guerdane.
Mediterranean Conference on Desalination and Water Treatment
The Tunisian Desalination Association (TDA), in collaboration with the University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) and the Water Research and Technology Center (CERTE), with the support of the European Desalination Society (EDS), organizes the 9th Mediterranean Conference on Desalination and Water Treatment “CMTDE 2024”, Hammamet, Tunisia, 22-25 December 2024.
This 9th edition, dedicated to the nexus “Water-Energy-Environment”, benefits from the support and follow-up of Professor Moez Chafra, President of the University of Tunis El Manar.
World Water Day Celebration
World Water Day 2023, celebrated on March 22, focused on the theme “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis”. The theme for World Water Day 2024 is “Water for All: Let’s Take Action,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to clean and safe water for everyone and encouraging meaningful actions toward sustainable water management.
Events around Tunis El Manar University highlighted water conservation, challenges of water scarcity, and the need for sustainable water management. Webinars followed by debates on water-related issues were organized and broadcast to a wide audience.
UTM Collaborations and Water Initiatives
UTM Collaboration with CERTE
A framework agreement for scientific and educational cooperation was signed on 12 June 2024 between UTM and CERTE Water Research and Technology Centre. Focus areas include joint research, training, and events supporting SDG 6.
Vivo Energy & ISSBAT Partnership
Vivo Energy Tunisia and ISSBAT joined forces to promote innovation in water resource management. Initial focus is on the StopUP project for treating urban runoff and improving water quality.
IN2AQUAS Doctoral Network
A Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions project (2023-2027) training 15 doctoral candidates on sustainable water management and green technologies to produce safe water.
Water Forums & Conferences
Participation in Mediterranean Water Forum, MENA Desalination Projects Forum, Africa Water Forum, and international student innovation competitions to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Forest-Water-WellBeing Project
Project to redevelop and protect university sites, combining environmental conservation with awareness-raising activities on water and forest management.
