NBS for Wastewater Treatment & Reuse (Pilot)

In collaboration with the Municipality of Saida and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the Hariri Foundation is leading a pilot project focused on climate change adaptation through the employment of nature-based solutions (NBS) for wastewater circularity. 

The project aims to introduce nature-based solutions, particularly constructed wetlands, as a decentralized, sustainable wastewater treatment system that facilitates the reuse of treated water for irrigation and non-potable applications, while ensuring the safe release of excess water into the sea, thereby protecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. 

The project provides ecosystem services across four categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, ensuring sustainable management of water resources. Located at the northern entrance of Saida, adjacent to the Al-Awali River estuary, the constructed wetland will treat wastewater incoming from the river, the treated water to be used for irrigation purposes, and excess treated water to be safely released into the sea. 

The site is designed to integrate the wetland with recreational and social spaces, enhancing public engagement and raising awareness of climate adaptation strategies, while ensuring social, cultural, environmental, and economic co-benefits. 

In line with the environmental experimentation track of the Outreach & Leadership Academy, the project features scientific methodologies for monitoring and evaluation as well as capacity-building efforts to promote community engagement and environmental awareness.