In-Depth Recap of the 3rd PROJECT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING: Nurturing Collaboration and Expertise

Date: Tuesday, 21st & Wednesday, 22nd November 2023

Location: Ghajn Water Conservation Centre, Rabat

The 3rd Project Advisory Board Meeting unfolded over two consequential days at the Ghajn Water Conservation Centre in Rabat on November 21st and 22nd, 2023. This gathering, filled with purpose, not only highlighted stakeholder commitment but also emphasized the significant progress made in the LIFE Integrated Project.

Day 1

The first day commenced with an insightful introduction and an overarching overview of the LIFE Integrated Project, setting the stage for what promised to be a compelling discourse. The Parallel Sessions – Part 1 delved into the heart of key project components.

Session 1: Geothermal Installations and Managed Aquifer Recharge Scheme

The session unfolded with updates on the initial results of the hydrogeological characterisation, revealing on the intricate nature of the project. Following this, discussions delved into planned activities, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Session 2: Monitoring Strategy for Contaminants of Emerging Concern

Participants were presented an in-depth exploration of the monitoring strategy and its implementation plan. The planned activities presented initiated an engaging discussion that fuelled the collective understanding of emerging concerns.

As the day progressed, Parallel Sessions – Part 1 continued.

Session 1: Valley Management and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

Valuable updates on the baseline assessments for the two valleys' rehabilitation were shared, along with insights into a Strategic Framework for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) implementation. Planned activities were discussed.

Session 2: Industrial Discharges – Enforcement Augmentation and Sustainability

The session commenced with updates on wastewater quality characterisation, delving into specific industrial sector discharges. The planned activities opened paths for collaborative discussions. The day concluded with a thoughtful wrap-up, exploring the LIFE IP's pivotal role in the implementation of the 3rd River Basin Management Plan.

Day 2

As the second day continued with Parallel Sessions:

Session 1: Deep Saline Aquifers, Reverse Osmosis Discharges on the Marine Environment

Insights into the status of implementation, planned activities, and engaging discussions characterised this session, illuminating the complexities of this action.

Session 2: Coastal Wetlands and Anchoring and Mooring Surveys

The emphasis was on the results of the hydrological study concerning coastal wetlands and the report outlining identified management options for anchoring and mooring surveys. Participants actively engaged in planned activities and discussions. The meeting reached its peak with a presentation and discussion on the LIFE IP’s role in the implementation of the 2nd and 3rd River Basin Management Plan, solidifying the project's broader impact.

^{In conclusion, what made this gathering even more important was the presence of foreign technical experts, professionals, and academia from esteemed educational institutions, brought their expertise and shared insights together in this board meeting. The 3rd Project Advisory Board Meeting was more than a gathering; their presence provided distinctive technical insights and critical feedback to the LIFE IP's. Their shared experiences not only enriched the discussions but also laid the groundwork for suggestions and future collaborations.}