Lebanese officials visit waste management facilities in the Netherlands

Twelve strategically selected trainees from Lebanon, involved on a daily basis in the research and application of solutions on the problem of waste management in the country, made a study visit to state of the art waste management facilities in the Netherlands in order to further enhance their understanding of ISWM (Integrated Solid Waste Management). A press release said the main objective of the three-day study visit, organized within the framework of the EU funded Horizon 2020  initiative as a response to the imminent capacity building needs identified in the waste management sector in Lebanon, was to increase the trainees’ understanding of ISWM, integrating Waste to Energy (WtE) and anaerobic digestion options. Participants visited the ATTERO facilities in Groningen and Wijster and the AEB WtE facility in Amsterdam, where they had the opportunity to explore the pros and cons of these solutions, the modalities for implementation and operation and their adaptability to the Lebanese context. They also studied the different types of applied technology and challenged their decision making skills regarding the different ISWM options. Furthermore, the main considerations of the Draft Integrated Solid Waste Management Law were discussed together with cost recovery mechanisms. The trainees, which were from different relevant ministries, members of parliament and a journalist are expected to meet when back in Lebanon, to develop a planning tool for further investigation and preparation of the envisaged ISWM projects in the country. Further to the on-site visits, the participants had the opportunity to sit in lectures, have in–depth discussions with the facilities’ management staff and benefit from multiple relevant audiovisual materials. 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. (ENPI Info Centre)