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Water Management Policy University of Tunis El Manar (UTM)

Introduction

The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) prioritizes sustainable water management practices in alignment with national priorities, including collaboration with key stakeholders like the Société Nationale d’Exploitation et de Distribution des Eaux (SONEDE) and the Centre de Recherches et des Technologies des Eaux (CERTE). Through these partnerships, UTM aims to address water conservation challenges, promote innovation, and enhance education and research on water management.

Policy Objectives

  1. Promote Efficient Water Use: Adopt innovative practices and technologies to optimize water use across UTM facilities.
  2. Foster Research Collaboration: Work with SONEDE and CERTE to advance research and knowledge-sharing on sustainable water solutions.
  3. Engage the Community: Raise awareness among students, staff, and local communities about water conservation.
  4. Support National Goals: Contribute to Tunisia’s water management strategies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6).

Collaborations with SONEDE and CERTE

  1. Partnership with SONEDE
  • Water Supply Management: Ensure reliable access to clean water while implementing conservation measures.
  • Leak Detection Systems: Collaborate with SONEDE to identify and repair water distribution inefficiencies across campus.
  • Capacity Building: Organize training sessions for staff and students on water resource management in partnership with SONEDE experts.
  1. Collaboration with CERTE
  • Research Initiatives: Partner on projects focusing on water reuse, desalination, and the treatment of greywater.
  • Technology Transfer: Leverage CERTE’s expertise to integrate advanced water treatment technologies at UTM.
  • Academic Programs: Co-develop courses, workshops, and internships to build expertise in water management among UTM students.

Key Measures

  1. Infrastructure Enhancements
  • Install water-efficient fixtures and advanced irrigation systems.
  • Expand rainwater harvesting systems for landscape irrigation and laboratory needs.
  • Integrate CERTE-recommended innovations into water recycling processes.
  1. Research and Innovation
  • Conduct joint studies with CERTE on groundwater management and climate resilience.
  • Pilot water-saving projects with SONEDE’s support, such as smart metering for efficient monitoring.
  1. Monitoring and Reporting
  • Establish a centralized water monitoring system in collaboration with SONEDE.
  • Publish an annual report in partnership with CERTE, highlighting water usage, challenges, and solutions.
  1. Community Engagement and Education
  • Host public seminars with SONEDE and CERTE experts to address water-related challenges in Tunisia.
  • Promote student involvement in water sustainability projects through internships and community outreach programs.

Governance and Accountability

  • UTM Sustainability Committee: Oversee water management strategies and coordinate with SONEDE and CERTE.
  • Departmental Leads: Ensure compliance with conservation measures and integrate research findings into operations.
  • Students and Faculty: Actively participate in awareness and research initiatives.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

UTM will evaluate its water management practices annually in consultation with SONEDE and CERTE to ensure continuous progress and adaptability to emerging challenges.

Alignment with National and Global Goals

This policy aligns with Tunisia’s water conservation strategies and supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Effective Date: This policy is effective immediately and will be reviewed every two years to incorporate advancements and collaborative outcomes with SONEDE and CERTE.

Water Research Projects at UTM

Collaborations with Erasmus+ and Interreg NEXT MED

The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) actively participates in water-related research projects, leveraging partnerships with Erasmus+ and Interreg NEXT MED programs. These projects focus on sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, and capacity-building initiatives, addressing regional and global water challenges.

  1. Erasmus+ Water Research Projects

MAYA (Promoting Mediterranean Transitions for Environmental Opportunities )

  • Objective: Address water scarcity in the Mediterranean region through innovative water-saving solutions and efficient irrigation practices.
  • Activities:
    • Development of educational modules on water management for students and professionals.
    • Joint workshops and capacity-building sessions on sustainable agricultural water use.
    • Collaboration with CERTE and European universities to explore greywater reuse.
  • Outcomes: Improved knowledge sharing and the integration of water management strategies into regional policies.

MAD4WATER (Innovative Educational Tools for Water Sustainability)

  • Objective: Enhance water-related educational programs by integrating modern technologies like GIS and remote sensing.
  • Activities:
    • Creation of online learning platforms for water resource management.
    • Exchange programs for students and faculty to learn best practices in Europe.
    • Collaboration with local stakeholders to address water access challenges in rural Tunisia.
  • Outcomes: Strengthened educational frameworks for sustainable water management and enhanced community outreach.
  1. Interreg NEXT MED Water Projects

MED-WATER (Innovative Solutions for Mediterranean Water Challenges)

  • Objective: Develop regional strategies for water resource optimization and wastewater management.
  • Activities:
    • Pilot projects on wastewater recycling and desalination in coastal areas.
    • Community-based workshops for water conservation practices.
    • Collaborative research between Tunisia, Italy, and other Mediterranean countries.
  • Outcomes: Reduced water waste and strengthened Mediterranean cooperation on water security.

CLIMAWATER (Water Management for Climate Resilience)

  • Objective: Enhance water infrastructure resilience to climate change impacts, such as droughts and flooding.
  • Activities:
    • Mapping vulnerable water resources using advanced modeling techniques.
    • Promoting rainwater harvesting technologies in arid regions.
    • Building partnerships between Mediterranean universities and local authorities.
  • Outcomes: Increased adaptation measures for climate-related water challenges and regional policy development.
  1. UTM’s Contribution to Water Research
  • Collaborative Partners: UTM works with SONEDE, CERTE, and other research institutions to ensure practical applications of project findings.
  • Student Involvement: Erasmus+ and Interreg NEXT MED programs provide scholarships and internships, enabling UTM students to contribute to water research.
  • Policy Impact: Research outcomes are shared with governmental agencies to inform national water management strategies.

Impact and Alignment with SDGs

UTM’s water research projects align with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting sustainable water use, fostering international collaboration, and supporting local communities.

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