اتفاق باريس وأهمية الحوكمة في التصدي بفاعلية لتغيرالمناخ

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climate-change-jordanافتتحت قبل أيام مراسم التوقيع على اتفاق باريس بشأن تغير المناخ والذي تم الاجماع عليه العام الماضي في باريس من قبل 195 دولة ضمن مؤتمر الاطراف الواحد والعشرون وسيبقى باب التوقيع مفتوحا لغاية نيسان 2017.بينما يرى الكثيرون أن الاتفاق يعتبر تاريخياً من حيث إجماع كل من الدول الصناعية والدول النامية لأول مرة على سياسة إطارية موحدة بشأن تغير المناخ، ينذر البعض الآخر أن نجاح الاتفاق مقترن بخطط التنفيذ وآليات المراجعة الخاصة به.

وعلى كل الاحوال فإن الاتفاق والعملية التي صاحبت تحضيره يعتبر انموذجا يحتذى به في الحوكمة الدولية وفي حشد التأييد على مستوى السياسات. والقضية المهمة حالياً متعلقة بمدى قدرة دول العالم على تبني مثل هذا النموذج على الصعيدين الوطني والمحلي كما ويتعلق بقدرة الدول ان تكون بحجم المسؤولية لدعم تنفيذ الاتفاق من حيث التحرك بفاعلية مستغلة الزخم الكبير الحاصل حول قضية تغير المناخ ومستغلة الموارد المتنوعة والمتاحة.

اتفاق باريس : نهج تشاركي في سبيل التصدي لتغير المناخ (Bottom-Up Approach)

يدعم اتفاق باريس التعهدات وآليات التقييم المُقرة بأسلوب تشاركي ضمن ما يعرف بالمساهمات المحددة وطنياً NDCs ويعترف بالأهداف المعلنة للتخفيض من الانبعاثات- الناتجة من تدابير التخفيف- ولكن لا يعتبرها ملزمة قانونياً. ويلزم اتفاق باريس الدول مجتمعة بوضع اهداف محلية متعلقة بتخفيض الانبعاثات كما ويلزم الدول بوضع سياسات لتحقيقها الا ان الأهداف بحد ذاتها توضع بشكل منفصل عن الاتفاق في ما يعرف ب"السجل العام".

تعتمد المساهمات المحددة وطنيا على السياسات والتدابير الموجودة أصلاً في البلدان الا أن التحدي الرئيسي يكمن في  ترسيخ هذه المساهمات الوطنية وتعزيز تكاملها ضمن برامج واستراتيجيات القطاعات المختلفة (في ما يعرف بالتناغم ما بين السياسات) وإدماجها مع استراتيجيات النمو الأخضر المستقبلية.

وتمثل المساهمات المحددة وطنياً (NDCs)  فرصة كبيرة لربط جهود التصدي لتغير المناخ بالتنمية من حيث تطوير مساقات تنموية مرنة وتتسم بكونها منخفضة الكربون.

وجدير بالذكر انه ولغاية شباط 2016 قد تم تقديم ما مجموعه 161 مساهمة محددة وطنيا 2016 تمثل 188 دولة وتغطي ما مجموعه 98.7٪ من الانبعاثات العالمية.

آلية المراجعة Review Mechanism

يؤسس اتفاق باريس لإجراءات مراجعة دورية للمعلومات المقدمة من الدول المختلفة حول جهودها الوطنية في التصدي لتغير المناخ وفق ارشادات سيصار إلى اعتمادها من قبل مؤتمر الأطراف العامل بوصفه "اجتماع الاطراف في مؤتمر باريس" وينص الاتفاق بعمل المراجعة على مستويين: مستوى فردي (على مستوى الدول) يتبعه مستوى كلي عالمي.

ويؤسس الاتفاق ايضاً لآلية التزام compliance قائمة على رأي اصحاب الخبرة والاختصاص. وتبقى تفاصيل آلية المراجعة والالتزام مرهونة بالجهة التي ستسند اليها اجراءات "دخول الاتفاق حيز التنفيذ".

وبهذا فان اتفاق باريس يتسم بدعم الالتزامات المعلنة من قبل الدول ويضع الية موحدة مقارنة لمراجعة الانجاز وتعزيزه عند الحاجة.

نهج الشفافية وتحمل المسؤولية والمساءلة (Accountability and Transparency)

إن أحد أهم التغييرات التاريخية التي ساهم اتفاق باريس في خلقها هي التحول من مرحلة تبادل اللوم بين الجهات المختلفة بخصوص عدم النجاح في تحقيق الالتزامات القانونية تجاه اتفاقية الامم المتحدة الإطارية، الى التنافس الفاعل في جهود التصدي لتغير المناخ لمواجهة هذا التحدي المشترك.

ومن جانب آخر تعزز آلية الشفافية المذكورة في الاتفاق هذا التحول من خلال السماح للصحفيين والنشطاء والعلماء والمواطنين المعنيين والشركات الخضراء بالمشاركة في مناظرات ونقاشات ونشر قصص النجاح والدروس المستفادة، اضافة الى تبادل المساعدة والمشورة بين البلدان. كما ويضع الاتفاق لأول مرة آلية مراجعة للتعهدات المالية المحددة من قبل للبلدان الصناعية والمتقدمة.

أما فيما يخص المساءلة، فينص الاتفاق على تطبيق المساءلة على تنفيذ المساهمات المحددة وطنياً وسيقاس الانجاز في حالة الحكومات من خلال بنود اتفاقية الامم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ والآليات المرتبطة بها. اما في حالة جهود شركات الاعمال، فرغم كون المسؤولية موزعة بين جهات عدة الا ان هذا لا يجعل المساءلة أقل قوة حيث أن على الشركات أن تتوقع ان تكون عرضة للمساءلة من قبل السلطات الحكومية المحلية ومن قبل منظمات المجتمع المدني ومن قبل عملائهم الذين يزداد وعيهم حول اثار التغير المناخي مع الوقت اضافة الى موظفيهم والمستثمرين.

أدوات التمويل (Climate Finance)

يُعظّم اتفاق باريس من خلال اهدافه والالتزامات التي يفرضها دور التمويل ويركز على حشد الموارد المالية والقدرات الفنية لدعم أهداف الاتفاق الاستراتيجية الهادفة لتخفيض الانبعاثات.

من الأمثلة على نوافذ التمويل العالمية في مجال تغير المناخ: صندوق المناخ الأخضر، صندوق التكيف، صندوق التكنولوجيا النظيفة، مرفق البيئة العالمي (Global Environment Facility) ومرفق اجراءات التخفيف الملائمة وطنياً (NAMA Facility)  وعدد من ادوات التمويل الثنائية. و من المتوقع أن يكون القطاع الخاص أكبر مساهم في استثمارات التصدي لتغير المناخ . كما من المتوقع مستقبلياً ان تكون معظم مصادر الاستثمار في مجال التغير المناخي من القطاع الخاص.

أما في الأردن، فتشمل أدوات التمويل الوطنية الصندوق الأردني للطاقة المتجددة وكفاءة الطاقة تحت مظلة وزارة الطاقة والثروة المعدنية بالإضافة إلى عدد من أدوات التمويل الخضراء التي تنفذ من قبل البنوك التجارية ومؤسسات تمويل المشاريع الصغيرة.

وصف اتفاق باريس من قبل مستثمري القطاع الخاص بانه غيّر القواعد المعمول بها من حيث دعمه للاستثمارات ذات الأثر الكربوني المنخفض، حيث شدد الاتفاق على اهميه هذه الاستثمارات وعلى اهمية تحديد سعر الكربون كعوامل فاعلة وحيوية  في تمويل المشاريع والبرامج الوطنية. وأسس الاتفاق لنموذجين للإتجار بالكربون حيث سيتم تحديد قواعد مفصلة لكل نموذج خلال الخمس سنوات القادمة.

من الجدير بالذكر أن التمويل العالمي لمشاريع التغير المناخي ازداد بنسبة 18% في عام 2014 ليرتفع إلى 391 مليار دولار. منهم 9 مليار دولار استثمرت في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا وكانت حصة القطاع الخاص منها حوالي 44% أي ما يعادل  2 مليار دولار. حازت مشاريع الطاقة المتجددة وكفاءة الطاقة والنقل المستدام على معظم التمويل المتعلق بالتخفيف من الانبعاثات، في حين حازت قطاعات إدارة المياه والمياه العادمة الجزء الأكبر من التمويل المتعلق بالتكيف مع تغير المناخ.

دور الجهات غير الحكومية (Role of Non-State Actors

تضم الجهات غير الحكومية بشكل رئيسي المنظمات والجمعيات غير الحكومية والمدن والأقاليم، إضافة إلى شركات الاعمال. يعتبر اتفاق باريس نقطة تحول مهمة للتأكيد على الدور القيادي للجهات غير الحكومية وخصوصاً دور القطاع الخاص إلى جانب الحكومات. وتحتوي الاتفاقية على رسالة واضحة للقطاع الخاص ومجتمع الأعمال من خلال دعوتهم للمشاركة في جهود التصدي لتغير المناخ وتنفيذ مشاريع طويلة وقصيرة الأمد تهدف للتقليل من الانبعاثات.

ان للجهود الريادية في مجال التصدي لتغير المناخ أثر إيجابي  يظهر من خلال ما يعرف بسلسلة القيمة (وهي سلسلة النشاطات التي تساهم بقيمة المنتج):  فتقليل الانبعاثات سيساهم في تقليل الكلفة وتعزيز الشراكة مع أصحاب العلاقة ويفضي الى سمعة إيجابية  للأعمال.

يدعو الاتفاق أصحاب العلاقة لتعزيز جهودهم وابرازها على موقع الاتفاقية الاطارية بشأن تغير المناخ UNFCCC ، ويؤكد أهمية السياسات المحلية والاتجار بالكربون كأدوات تنفيذية.

وجدير بالذكر أن أكثر من 11000 التزام من 4000 شركة وسلطة محلية قد تم تسجيلها لحد الان على موقع UNFCCC http://climateaction.unfccc.int ومن المتوقع آن يزداد هذا العدد في السنوات القادمة.

 

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*بعض المعلومات المتضمنة في هذا المقال تم بناؤها على محتوى تم تطويره من قبل الكاتب في فبراير 2016 خلال مشروع نفذ من قبل الوكالة الألمانية للتنمية –GIZ  في الأردن بالشراكة مع وزارة البيئة يتعلق بالتحليل المقارن للمساهمات المحددة وطنياً.

 

 ترجمة

 ربى عجور – مختص دراسات بيئية في مركز البيئة والمياه /الجمعية العلمية الملكية-الاردن

دور المعرفة الأصيلة والابتكار في إدارة المياه

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أنشأ أسلافنا أنظمة وتطبيقات مدهشة لإدارة المياه ساعدتهم على مكافحة المناخ القاسي والموارد الطبيعية الشحيحة في أجزاء كثيرة من هذا الكون. في هذا المقال، نستعرض كيف استخدمت الحضارات القديمة المعرفة الأصيلة في إدارة المياه، وكيف يمكن للابتكار والريادة أن يجنبوا منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا أزمة المياه التي تعصف بها.

الماضي الذهبي

استطاعت الحضارات القوية البقاء والاستمرار في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا منذ القرن الرابع قبل الميلاد، على الرغم من الظروف الجافة والقاحلة، بسبب اعتمادها على التكنولوجيات المائية المحكمة والهندسة الهيدروليكية. في القرن الرابع عشر، أشارت مداولات عالم الاجتماع الكبير المولود في تونس ابن خلدون إلى أن السلالات المنِعة الصامدة كانت مدعومة بتأسيس المدن. وسلط ابن خلدون الضوء أيضا على توفير المياه العذبة باعتباره واحدا من المتطلبات الحرجة لترسيخ المدن واستدامة الحضارات.

الأنباط

البتراء، عاصمة المملكة النبطية التي يبلغ عمرها 2000 عام (جنوب الأردن في الوقت الحاضر)، تحتوي على أدلة لا تقدر بثمن على مثل هذه الابتكارات المحلية. باستخدام تكنولوجيا المياه المتطورة، تمكن الأنباط من ضمان استمرار إمدادات المياه على مدار العام والتخفيف في الوقت نفسه من الآثار الخطيرة للفيضانات. لقد ركزوا على الفهم العميق لجميع مصادر المياه المتاحة وعلى تبني تقنيات لرصد هذه الموارد وتسخيرها وصونها واستخدامها بالشكل الأمثل. كما وازن الأنباط ما بين السعة المتوفرة لتخزين المياه وبين نظام خطوط أنابيب المياه، واستخدموا أحواض ترسيب الجسيمات لتنقية المياه لأغراض الشرب.

water management in petra

تمكن الأنباط بسبب فهمهم الشامل للمحددات ونقاط القوة الموجودة لديهم من إنشاء نظام يعمل على زيادة معدلات تدفق المياه مع تقليل التسرب وبالتالي مكنوا شعبهم من العيش المزدهر لسنوات عديدة.

سلطنة عمان

الابتكار لا يتعلق بالهندسة والعلوم فقط؛ حيث تعتبر أسواق المياه والإدارة اللامركزية لموارد المياه جوانبا مهمة في الأوقات التي تناضل فيها الهيئات التنظيمية وجمعيات مستخدمي المياه من أجل السيطرة عليها. تتمتع عُمان بأحد أقدم أنظمة إدارة المياه القائمة على المجتمع والتي استندت إلى حقوق المياه والمؤسسات والأسواق.

وقد قام العمانيون بتعديل أسعار المياه للاستجابة للتغيرات في العرض والطلب. كانت حقوق المياه الراسخة والإدارة الشفافة والسماح بالمتاجرة بالمياه من العوامل الرئيسية المساهمة في تحسين إدارة مياه الري في ذلك الوقت.

المستقبل هنا

في حين أن إمكانيات الابتكار في قطاع المياه لا حدود لها، إلا أنها لا تزال غير مستغلة بالشكل الأمثل في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا. تخلق تكنولوجيا المعلومات وإدارة البيانات والاتصالات والذكاء الاصطناعي والعديد من الأدوات الأخرى فرصًا للابتكار والمساهمة في تعزيز حلول إدارة المياه والتنمية الاجتماعية والاقتصادية.

water-energy-nexus

في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا، لم يكن يوما الابتكار وريادة الأعمال عاملا محوريًا في خطط التنمية كما هو الحال اليوم. إن خلق بيئة ممكنة للشركات التقنية الناشئة التي من شأنها جذب الاستثمار وخلق فرص العمل وتعزيز التنمية الاجتماعية والاقتصادية، هو هدف مشترك في جميع أنحاء المنطقة. فيما يتعلق بالمياه، وعلى الرغم من الأهمية الاستراتيجية لهذا القطاع، فإن الابتكارات المائية التي يمكن أن تدخل السوق وتجد طريقها داخل المنطقة وخارجها قليلة جدًا.

في الآونة الأخيرة، أعادت المفاهيم الشائعة للنمو الأخضر والحلول الذكية للمناخ إشعال شرارة الابتكار المحلي للمساعدة في التخفيف من الضغوط الاقتصادية والاجتماعية المرتبطة بندرة المياه وأنظمة الإدارة غير الفعالة. في موازاة ذلك، أصبح الاستثمار المؤثر أكثر شيوعًا، ويبحث المستثمرون اليوم عن الشركات التي تهتم بإطار الاستدامة (البيئة والمجتمع والحوكمة) للاستثمار فيها.

وإذا رغب أحدنا في البحث عن جانب إيجابي لجائحة COVID-19، فسيكون ذلك الجانب هو إعادة التركيز على الإنتاج المحلي والاعتماد على الذات. سواء في الغذاء أو الطاقة أو المياه؛ لا يمكن تعريض الوفرة ولا القدرة على تحمل التكاليف للخطر في هذه القطاعات الأساسية. منذ العام 2019، بدأت البرامج التي تستهدف الابتكارات والريادة والشركات الناشئة في مجال الأمن الغذائي والتكنولوجيا الزراعية في التوسع. وأطلقت مؤخرا منصات خاصة للابتكار، ومسرعات أعمال، وحاضنات، ومسابقات لدعم الروابط ما بين المياه والطاقة والغذاء والتركيز على العلاقة القوية بتغير المناخ والشمول الاجتماعي.

ومن الأمثلة على ذلك مركز الابتكار الإقليمي للشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا (WE4F) الذي يدعم المبتكرين المتقدمين بحلول مثبتة وناجعة تعالج قضايا المياه و/أو الطاقة في مجال الإنتاج الغذائي في المناطق الحضرية أو الريفية لتمكينهم من التوسع من خلال أدوات متعددة مالية وغير مالية. ومع اكتساب هذه الجهود زخما أكبر، بدأت الاحتياجات المحلية تظهر بما في ذلك الحاجة إلى تعزيز المهارات وإدارة المعرفة. ربما يحمل الخريجون الشباب معلومات نظرية كافية نسبياً عن موضوع/تخصص واحد، ومع ذلك فإن معظم خريجي الهندسة والعلوم والأعمال يفتقرون إلى المهارات العملية وفهم الصلة والترابط بين المياه والغذاء والطاقة والمجتمع والبيئة. وشجع ذلك على تصميم العديد من برامج رفع المهارات والتدريب لسد الفجوة المعرفية وتعريف جيل الشباب بالمستقبل.

water conservation tips

ومن الأمثلة الواعدة على برامج تطوير المهارات تلك التي تم تنفيذها من خلال الشراكة ما بين مشروع صحارى فورست وجامعة الحسين التقنية في الأردن. ويتم تنفيذ المرحلة التجريبية من برنامج رفع المهارات للمهندسات في مجال التكنولوجيا الزراعية والأمن الغذائي على 30 شابة من مختلف المحافظات الأردنية تم اختيارهن من خلال عملية تنافسية ومعايير محددة مسبقًا. تتلقى المتدربات تدريبًا ميدانيًا في موقع مشروع صحارى فورست في العقبة، ومحاضرات وندوات فنية من قبل الخبراء الممارسين، وإرشاد من قبل قيادات نسائية، وحوارات ملهمة مع خبراء من القطاع الخاص.

لا ينبغي أن يكون الهدف من مثل هذه البرامج هو مساعدة الشباب المتعطلين عن العمل في العثور على وظائف فحسب، بل يجب توسيع منظورهم ليكونوا قادرين على خلق فرص لأنفسهم ولأقرانهم وللمجتمعات المحلية. إن إعادة ترسيخ القيمة الفريدة والهامة للزراعة والمياه والطاقة والطبيعة هي بحد ذاتها حافز للتحول في مستقبل العمل في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا.

ترجمته من الإنجليزية الى العربية

تقوى حاجي متفقد مصالح مالية بوزارة المالية والاقتصاد والاستثمار بتونس، متطوعة ومهتمة بالقضايا البيئية والتغير المناخي والتنمية المستدامة

Sustainability in the MENA Cement Industry: Perspectives

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The population in the MENA countries has doubled during the last 30 years (from ca. 110m in 1980 to almost 484m in 2018). As per conservative estimates, the rate of urbanisation in the MENA countries will exceed 70% five years from today (average for all developing countries: 54%). The proceeding urbanisation and the population increase involve several problems and challenges for the national governments and also for the cement industry. The cement production of countries in the MENA region has almost tripled during the last 15 years up to approximately 500m tons. Since the start of national revolts and demonstrations in MENA countries in 2011 the problems of especially young Arabs have attracted the attention worldwide.

cement industry in MENA

Environmental problems that accompany a fast-growing population and increasing urbanisation are, among others, increasing consumption of energy and raw materials, increasing land use in order to satisfy the increasing food demand, infrastructure development, disposal of increasing amounts of waste and development of sewage systems. Solving these generation spanning problems is a challenging task for the national governments.

Naturally, such high growth rates also affect the cement industry. In the MENA countries it consists of various companies, part of them listed on the stock exchange. A number of cement companies has, partly for cost aspects, responded to the negative consequences of the rapid population growth. The following paragraphs describe the cement industry’s approaches to push a sustainable development in certain sectors. They are partly driven by own responsibility and partly by regulations of the national governments. In this context it should be mentioned that the growth of the cement industry is already partly limited by factors that are directly connected with sustainability and raw material supply.

Although the factors differ from country to country and cannot be generalised, there are a few major concerns, for example:

  • Fuel shortage
  • Dependence on oil
  • Lack of investment in innovations

Let’s have a closer look on the limiting factors and innovation potential based on practical examples.

Saudi Arabia

In many industrialised countries the continuous and tailored supply of the industry with fossil fuels is only a question of price.  But the fact that of all countries, it was cement plants in the own country that repeatedly reported shortages of fossil fuel supply (heavy fuel oil), was certainly an important reason for the government to get closely involved in this matter.

Cement producers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia obtain state-subsidised natural gas at a price of US$ 0.75/mmbtu from the state-owned oil company “Saudi Aramco”. Formerly, the cement production costs resulting thereof were on average US$ 28.8/ton of cement (costs in neighbouring countries: Kuwait US$ 59.2/ton, UAE US$ 47.8/ton, Oman US$ 37.0/ton) which made it redundant to deal with the topic of energy. In India, a country with one of the highest energy costs in the world, the production of one ton of cement costs US$ 70.0/ton in 2010.

Cement_Saudi_Arabia

Reduction of clinker portion can be an attractive route to reduce energy consumption in cement industry

Due to such low energy prices and a steadily growing demand the production capacities grew constantly. Currently, the industry accounts for approximately 40% of the overall energy demand of the country. Analysts estimate that this demand will even double within the next 15 years. However, it is planned to reduce this disproportionate energy demand of the industry.

Under the patronage of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the state-owned oil company “Saudi Aramco” is developing a so-called “Mandatory Energy Efficiancy Program” (MEEP) for the entire Saudi-Arabian industry. The plan of MEEP is to “establish mandatory policies and regulations with the objective of reducing existing and future energy consumption levels in the industrial sector”.

For the national cement industry this approach implies investments in energy-saving measures. Key points for an energy-efficient cement industry are identified as

  • Use of alternative raw materials
  • Use of alternative fuels
  • Training and education in energy efficiency

As the use of alternative fuels and raw materials is not yet common in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, guidelines and a regulatory framework have to be defined which set standards for the use of alternative or waste-derived fuels like municipal solid wastes, dried sewage sludge, drilling wastes and others. It has to include:

  • Types of wastes and alternative fuels that may be used by the cement industry
  • Standards for the production of waste-derived fuels
  • Emission standards and control mechanisms while using alternative fuels
  • Standards for permitting procedures

Appropriate standards also need to be established for alternative raw materials that are to be used for clinker and cement production. In order to achieve an energy-efficient production special education, further training and workshops for the involved staff have to be carried out.

Egypt

The current political developments in Egypt influence the local cement industry significantly. The government expects additional sources of revenue on the one hand from selling licences for the construction of new cement plants and on the other hand from a reduction of subsidies for fossil fuels. Since these news are not a surprise for the local cement plants, they started to invest in the implementation of alternative – mostly biomass-derived fuels.

Cement_Sewage

Several European countries use sewage sludge as alternative fuel in cement industry

One of them is CemexAssiut that not only started using different kinds of biomass, but also, most notably and exemplary, established plantations for the production of biomass (here: “Casuarina”) that are irrigated with pretreated sewage water from the city Assiut.

Egypt is the 14th biggest rice producer in the world and the 8th biggest cotton producer in the world. Egypt produced about 5.67 million tons of rice and 635,000 tons of cotton in 2011. The area of cotton crop cultivation accounts for about 5% of the cultivated area in Egypt. The total amount of crop residues is about 16 million tons of dry matter per year. Cotton residues represent about 9% of the total amount of residues. Such high production rates should be welcomed by the cement industry since these materials comprise cotton stalks, rice husks and rice straw which serve ideally as alternative fuels.

The use of waste-derived alternative fuels is, however, more complicated. Although for example Cairo produces some 15,000 tons of waste each day, it is not easy for the cement plants to obtain this waste since they are in direct competition with the informal sector that controls approx. 60% of the local waste total. So-called Zabbaleen or scavengers – mostly young people who do not have other options – make their living by collecting and selling waste-derived recyclables.

Tunisia

Some years ago, Tunisia already invested in the establishment of an organised waste management system in form of a state-owned agency named “ANGED”. Funded by the national German KfW development bank, numerous waste collection points as well as organised landfills have been built. Additionally, a special collection centre for hazardous waste was erected in Jradou. This centre was operated by MVW Lechtenberg’s Partner Nehlsen AG, the German Waste Management Group, collecting and processing wastes like used oils and solvents. Such wastes are ideal alternative fuels. A fact that is also known to the local cement companies that planned to use them in their plants. Unfortunately, due to public opposition the centre was closed and the projects for the processing of alternative fuels have been suspended since then.

Tunisia is one of the biggest producers and exporters of olive oil in the world. It also exports dates and citrus fruits that are grown mostly in the northern parts of the country. It seems paradox that for example olive kernels – the waste from Tunisian olive production – is exported to European power plants in order to save fossil fuel-derived CO2 emissions there, while Tunisia imports approximately 90% of its energy demand, consisting of fossil fuel.

Morocco

The Moroccan cement industry has already achieved a greater success regarding the use of alternative fuels. Cement plants, mostly owned by the international companies Lafarge, Cimpor, Holcim and Italcimenti, already invested years ago in the environmentally friendly use of alternative fuels and alternative raw materials due to the development of world market prices. Also the only local competitor, CIMAT, has started preparing for the implementation of alternative fuels immediately after completion of its new plant (a 5-stage double string calciner from Polysius) in Ben Ahmed, near Casablanca.

Alternative Fuels in Cement Industry

Drilling muds can be used in cement industry as a source of energy

In the year 2003 an agreement on the use and import of alternative fuels (used tyres at the time) was made between the Association Professionelle de Ciment and Moroccan government. Since last year attempts are being made to agree on an industry regulation that sets standards for the use of all appropriate special waste available in Morocco.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, represented by Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, recently issued a decision streamlining the activities of cement plants all over the country. The resolution will affect all existing and new cement factories across the country. Its provisions obligate the industry to prepare a report assessing the impact of cement plants on the environment.

According to the decision, this report has to be prepared by a consulting firm having expert knowledge regarding environmental protection in the cement industry. This is certainly the first step to evaluate the current situation which will be followed by an investigation of alternatives towards a sustainable development. Interest in the implementation of alternative fuels already exists among the national cement industry which is proven not least by the numerous planned investment projects.

Conclusions

The cement industry in the MENA region will change significantly within the next years. This change will focus on the improvement of energy efficiency and on the increased use of alternative raw materials and alternative fuels. This will include high investments in technology and in the human resources sector where the creation of new jobs, especially in the field of environmentally friendly and sustainable development, provides a perspective for the growing, young population of the MENA countries.

Mobile Agriculture in Egypt: Food for Thought

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The phenomenal spread of smartphones and the fact that they are practically hand-sized computers, have opened way to the creation of countless ‘mobile applications’ or simply ‘apps’. The first apps that came to light were as expected, for social media and different entertainment channels. They were followed by ‘modern life’ apps in the areas of health, education, agriculture and many more. Almost every area imaginable in our life now has a mobile app that caters to it.

Mobile Agriculture in Africa

During the course of my work at Orange Egypt, I’ve seen a great amount of interest in mobile agriculture by every mobile operator in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. The combined portfolio offered by the operators is so versatile, I doubt if there is even any room for improvement.

Taking the Orange group as an example; there are apps that send timed text messages about planting, fertilizers, weather forecasts and crop prices. There are other apps that help farmers conduct financial transactions safely and easily. In several countries, the group avails a hotline where callers can get ‘live’ expert advice and discussions.

Mobile Agriculture in Egypt

In Egypt, the mobile agriculture market is more challenging for several reasons mainly due to bureaucracy, national security considerations and culture. Nevertheless, Egypt is an excellent candidate for a sustainable m-Agri application that benefits a lot of people and does well to the overall farming sector.

The agricultural sector in Egypt accounts for 15% of GDP. It employs over 8 Million people or 32% of the total workforce. One third of the Egyptian people are related somehow to someone in the agricultural sector.

We are fortunate that Orange Labs has one of its head offices based in Cairo. When it comes to m-Agri, there is no shortage of ideas; Orange Labs have developed several mobile solutions; most notably:

  1. Agricultural Wallet: Enables users to keep track of their fertilizer and seed rations. It organizes and records transactions between farmers and government cooperative societies thus eliminating confusion, waste and possibility of corruption.
  2. Smart Agriculture Probes: A B2B application that measures water levels in canals and sends them to a central unit; all part of an efficient water management system

Both apps address a pressing need and offer a solution to persistent problems, potentially saving the government significant amounts of money and effort. Unfortunately, and in all frankness, they never went past the point of a working pilot. Governmental authorities were uncooperative, unwilling and even afraid to get involved; and so nothing happened ever since.

Then, there were the B2C applications

  1. Bashaier Developed by Knowledge Economy Foundation. It is a market platform where users – farmers and wholesale merchants – log in for spot prices. It also includes a hotline where callers get expert advice on farming issues.

Bashaier is a good idea, however it needs much work and expense to keep it updated and of value, and that’s probably the reason it’s currently dormant; however I invite to visit the Knowledge Foundation’s site or download the application from Google Play.

  1. RAMIS: Stands for “Rural Agricultural Management Information System”. Collaboration between UN’s FAO, Orange Egypt, AUC’s Research Institute for Sustainable Development and a local NGO specializing in farming.

The project idea was to send text messages to participating farmers guiding them throughout the planting season. A hotline to receive live calls was also contemplated but was not launched due to budgetary reasons. This was a free service, sponsored by the 3 main partners.

The project also required extensive ‘ground work’ to ensure it is well accepted and understood by the community.

I was heavily involved in RAMIS and based on the feedback we got, the participants appreciated the idea, found the information innovative and useful although we’re not sure if they would be willing to pay a recurrent subscription fee for it.

  1. Kenana Online Part of the ‘Social Development Portal’ and developed by the Egyptian Fund for Information Technology. Kenana is a free service that is full useful information about agriculture but so far it’s only a web service with plans to turn it to a mobile app soon.

There you have it, the top mobile agriculture application in Egypt.

The Ideal Project Plan

Having that said; I see that the most practical approach for a project that

  1. Employs technology, particularly mobile
  2. Creates sustainable improvement in the lives of people working in agriculture, and
  3. Capitalizes on Public Private Partnerships, should be along these lines.

A simple mobile app; USSD based, to fit all type mobiles. This app would be an advisory tool that disseminates specific, verified and timed information to subscribers.

Moreover, this application would be supported by a helpline, say a hotline where callers can get expert advice either instantly or within 48 hours, depending on the complexity of the question.

At the start, these text messages can be free of charge. The cost of the call would be nominal, until we get the needed buy in.

Another option for project funding is corporate sponsors, typically food processing companies interested in seeing a better crop. These companies will be willing to pay a little more for a win-win situation. Tomatoes, potatoes, jasmine and sugar beet are all crops that would fit this scenario perfectly.

A final and essential task, a key element of success, is field work. Similar to what was done in RAMIS. Egyptian farmers are not highly educated, so having someone reach out to them physically will make a great difference.

شح المياه في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا: محفز للمنَعة والابتكار

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لقد كان الماء – وسيظل – عاملًا رئيسيًا في تشكيل الحياة على الأرض. فهو محرك رئيسي لنهوض الحضارات وتفككها وتهجيرها. أظهر التاريخ أن الماء يمكن أن يكون سببًا للسلام والصراع بين الأمم. ومن منظور عملي أكثر، تقع المياه في قلب برامج التنمية الاجتماعية والاقتصادية والبيئية. تعد منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا المنطقة الأكثر ندرة في المياه في العالم، وهو وضع يتفاقم بسبب تغير المناخ وعدم الاستقرار السياسي. في حين أن تأثيرات هذا التحدي المائي المتضخم أضحت أكثر وضوحًا، فمن المتوقع أن تتسارع شدة ووتيرة التأثيرات غير المباشرة وغير المقاسة على الأمن والاستقرار في المنطقة في السنوات القادمة.

water scarcity

تتميز معظم الموارد المائية الموجودة في الشرق الأوسط بأنها عابرة للحدود، ويبدو التعاون المائي الشامل والمتكامل على المستوى الإقليمي وكأنه حلم بعيد المنال. علاوة على ذلك، من المتوقع أن تؤدي البؤر الساخنة للمياه الداخلية (على مستوى الدولة) والتي تستمر في النمو والتوسع بمعدل ينذر بالخطر، إلى إثارة الاضطرابات الاجتماعية وزيادة التحديات المتعلقة بالهجرات.

ومن الأمثلة على البلدان والمناطق التي أدت فيها النقاط الساخنة للمياه الداخلية إلى تضخيم التحديات السياسية والبشرية والإنمائية، اليمن والأردن والأراضي الفلسطينية والجزء الجنوبي من العراق.

المياه في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا – حقائق وأرقام

  1. يعيش ما يقارب من 4.5٪ من سكان العالم في الشرق الأوسط ولكن لديهم 1٪ فقط من الموارد المائية المتوفرة في العالم.
  2. يعيش 60٪ من السكان في مناطق متأثرة بنقص المياه ويتم انتاج 71٪ من الناتج المحلي الإجمالي في هذه المناطق.
  3. تقع 12 دولة من أصل 17 دولة تعاني من الإجهاد المائي في العالم في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا.
  4. تقع18 من أصل 22 دولة عربية تحت العتبة السنوية لندرة موارد المياه المتجددة البالغة 1000 متر مكعب للفرد ، و 13 دولة تحت عتبة ندرة المياه المطلقة البالغة 500 متر مكعب للفرد في السنة.
  5. يعيش 60٪ من سكانها حاليًا في مناطق تعاني من إجهاد مائي مرتفع، مقارنة بالمتوسط ​​العالمي البالغ 35٪.

الجانب الإيجابي لندرة المياه

عندما يتم طرح مفهوم دبلوماسية المياه على الطاولة، فإن منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا تشكل منصة مثالية متعددة الأبعاد لتطبيق هذا المفهوم حيث أنها تحتضن العديد من الأمثلة على موارد المياه المشتركة. يمكن للتعاون في مجال المياه أن يجمع البلدان معًا، ويبني الجسور بين الناس، ويتجنب النزاعات.

water energy food nexus

يتمثل الجانب الإيجابي للنقص الحاد في المياه في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا في الإمكانات اللانهائية لمزيد من الابتكار والتعاون من أجل المنَعة والتكيف ضمن مختلف القطاعات المستخدمة للمياه. تعترف منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا بأن العلاقة بين المياه والطاقة والغذاء هي العامل الرئيسي المحدد لرفاهية المنطقة وازدهارها. ولا يؤدي وباء COVID-19 إلا إلى تأكيد ذلك والتعجيل بالعمل على اتباع نهج أكثر تآزراً لمعالجة تحديات أمن الطاقة والمياه والأمن الغذائي.

عاد المورد الذي اعتبرته الحضارات القديمة مقدسًا مرة أخرى إلى المشهد مع مزيد من التركيز على قيمته كحق من حقوق الإنسان، وممكّن اقتصادي، وصانع سلام. على عكس العديد من أهداف التنمية الأخرى التي قد تختلف بين البلدان المنتجة للنفط والبلدان غير المنتجة للنفط، يبدو أن الأمن المائي هو العامل المشترك عبر منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا.

مما لا شك فيه أن مثل هذه الإمكانات للابتكار والتكيف تتطلب وجود العديد من العوامل الممكنة، بما في ذلك الإصلاحات على مستوى السياسات وتواؤمها، وإدارة البيانات والمعرفة، وتطوير القدرات، واستثمارات البنية التحتية، وإشراك القطاع الخاص، ومشاركة المجتمع المحلي. وفي خضم كل ذلك، تظل العلوم قاعدتنا الصلبة التي من شأنها أن تثري جميع الممكنات وأن تحفز العمل، على أمل أن يتم تبني وتعظيم نهج شمولي مترابط ومتعدد التخصصات.

ترجمته من الإنجليزية الى العربية

 تقوى حاجي متفقد مصالح مالية بوزارة المالية والاقتصاد والاستثمار بتونس، متطوعة ومهتمة بالقضايا البيئية والتغير المناخي والتنمية المستدامة

How Ethical Sourcing Trends Are Reshaping the Jewelry Industry

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The jewelry industry is experiencing a major shift. As the debate around ethical sourcing gradually picks up speed, the sector is experiencing changes, shifts, particularly in how diamonds and gemstones are mined, traded, and even sold.

Think about where your last piece of jewelry came from. Would you wear it if you knew its origin story involved exploitation Companies now prioritize conflict-free supply chains and fair-trade practices. It’s transforming the diamond market. These changes aim to address long standing issues while meeting the growing consumer demand for transparency.

Stay tuned as we explore the innovative practices reshaping this dazzling industry.

Fair-trade gemstones

Fair-Trade Gemstones and Their Impact

Fair-trade gemstones represent a significant step toward a more ethical jewelry industry. These gems ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for miners. But they also promote environmental sustainability by reducing harmful mining practices.

Imagine purchasing a stunning sapphire, knowing it was mined responsibly. You contribute to improving lives and protecting the planet. Moreover, jewelers adopting fair-trade practices see increased consumer trust and loyalty. Shoppers now prefer brands that align with their values.

It’s clear: fair-trade gemstones create positive ripples throughout the supply chain. They foster a healthier market where everyone benefits.

Consumer Demand for Ethically Sourced Jewelry

Ethical concerns are reshaping consumer behavior in the jewelry market. Many buyers now prioritize transparency and sustainability when selecting their pieces. This trend encourages brands to adopt ethical practices, fostering a more responsible industry.

Consider this: would you choose a diamond if its origins were dubious? Or opt for alternatives like fair-trade gemstones or lab-grown diamonds instead? Lab-grown diamonds offer a conflict-free option without compromising on brilliance. Plus, they often come at a lower cost.

Yet still, a recent article on the diamond market’s current state by Rob Bates highlighted the industry’s struggles with both natural and lab-grown sectors facing liquidity issues.

This could mean one thing. The shift toward ethically sourced options reflects broader societal values, aligning jewelry choices with personal ethics.

Conflict-Free Supply Chains Explained

The demand for conflict-free supply chains in the jewelry industry is rising. These supply chains ensure that diamonds and gemstones are sourced without funding armed conflicts or unethical labor practices.

But how does this work?

Companies trace every step, from mining to retail, using rigorous certification processes. The Kimberley Process is a prime example, aiming to eliminate blood diamonds from the market.

However, challenges persist. Not all regions comply uniformly, and gaps in monitoring remain. Yet consumer pressure keeps driving improvements. More brands commit to transparent practices. It’s clear: conflict-free supply chains are becoming the new norm in ethical jewelry.

environmental impact of mining diamonds

Transparency in Mining Operations

Transparency in mining operations is vital for ensuring ethical sourcing within the jewelry industry. As earlier iterated, companies and consumers increasingly demand to know where and how gems are extracted. Transparent practices, in a nutshell, build trust while promoting sustainability and preventing human rights abuses.

Here’s what transparency involves:

  • Traceability: Knowing a gem’s journey from mine to market ensures accountability. Each step is documented, reducing the risk of conflict stones entering the supply chain.
  • Fair Labor Practices: Ethical mines guarantee safe working conditions and fair wages for miners. This practice helps uplift communities by fostering economic stability.
  • Environmental Protection: Transparent operations prioritize eco-friendly methods. Reducing environmental impact through sustainable practices preserves local ecosystems.
  • Third-Party Audits: Independent organizations verify compliance with ethical standards. Regular audits provide an additional layer of credibility, assuring consumers of genuine commitment.

Understanding these elements helps you appreciate why transparency matters in creating a more responsible jewelry industry.

Ethical Certification Programs: Who to Trust?

Navigating ethical certifications can be daunting. Yet, these programs are crucial in verifying responsible practices within the jewelry industry. They provide consumers with assurance and hold companies accountable for their sourcing methods.

Let’s look at some leading certification programs:

  • Kimberley Process: As hinted earlier, this initiative aims to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream market. It certifies diamonds as conflict-free, promoting peace and ethical mining practices.
  • IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance): IRMA sets rigorous standards for environmental protection, social responsibility, and business ethics in mining. It focuses on transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the supply chain.
  • Fairmined: This label ensures that gold is sourced responsibly from artisanal and small-scale mines. It supports fair wages, community development, and environmentally friendly practices.
  • B Corporations (BCorps): Companies certified as BCorps meet high social and environmental performance standards. They commit to public transparency while balancing profit with purpose.
  • Fairtrade: Fairtrade certification guarantees better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for miners. It empowers communities by ensuring sustainable development through premium investments.
  • Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC): RJC provides a comprehensive framework covering human rights, labor rights, and environmental impact reduction among other ethical aspects across the jewelry supply chain.

These certifications play a vital role in promoting integrity within the industry by ensuring transparency at every level of production. Consumers and retailers alike look to them as a point of reference and support when sourcing jewelry.

diamond-ethically-sound-future

The Role of Technology in Tracking Gem Origins

As it does in many sectors and industries, technology has transformed how we track the origins of gems. Blockchain, for instance, offers a transparent and immutable ledger that records every step of a gemstone’s journey.

Imagine scanning a QR code on your diamond ring and instantly seeing its entire history. You gain confidence knowing it’s ethically sourced.

RFID tags and IoT devices further enhance traceability by providing real-time data on gem locations and handling conditions. These innovations ensure greater accountability across the supply chain. As tech evolves, expect even more robust systems to emerge, enhancing transparency while bolstering consumer trust in ethical sourcing practices.

Challenges Faced by Ethical Jewelers

Ethical jewelers often encounter hurdles such as higher operational costs due to sustainable practices and ethical sourcing. They also face difficulties in verifying supply chain integrity, given the complexities involved.

Moreover, competing with lower-priced non-ethical alternatives can be tough. Despite these challenges, nonetheless, dedicated jewelers continue striving for a more responsible and transparent industry.

Influential Figures Leading the Movement

Several key players are championing ethical practices in the jewelry industry. For instance, Brilliant Earth collaborates with mining communities to ensure fair treatment and environmental protection.

Hoover & Strong emphasizes recycling precious metals, reducing the need for new mining operations. Another one is Leber Jeweler Inc., a family-owned business that focuses on conflict-free diamonds and advocates for industry transparency.

Young entrepreneurs like Jordan Cullen of Cullen Jewellery drive innovation by exclusively using lab-grown gemstones. These leaders inspire change and set higher standards for sustainability and ethics in jewelry.

In Concluding

The jewelry industry’s shift toward ethical sourcing marks a transformative era. With transparency, technology, and passionate leaders at the forefront, we see a promising future for sustainable luxury. The dazzling world of jewelry is becoming not just beautiful but also conscientious—ensuring that every piece tells a responsible story.

How Sustainable Tourism is Shaping Trekking Trails

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As the allure of nature’s untouched beauty continues to captivate wanderers, trekking trails across the globe are experiencing an unprecedented transformation. Sustainable tourism is at the heart of this evolution and is reshaping how we explore and preserve natural landscapes.

By integrating eco-friendly practices and ethical guidelines, sustainable tourism enhances the trekking experience and safeguards these precious environments for future generations.

Here are nine ways sustainable tourism influences trekking trails and contributes to their preservation.

sustainable trekking trails

1. Leave No Trace Principles

Leave No Trace (LNT) principles are essential for minimizing human impact on natural areas, particularly during challenging hikes like the GR20 in Corsica. LNT guidelines and principles like those outlined below help reduce human impact and ensure that natural landscapes remain unspoiled.

  • Plan and prepare: Research the trail and understand its rules and regulations.
  • Camp and travel on sturdy surfaces: Stay on the established paths and campsites to avoid damaging native vegetation and soil.
  • Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash and use designated disposal sites if available.
  • Leave what you find: Preserve natural and cultural features by not picking plants or disturbing wildlife.

By following these principles, trekkers hiking Corsica can help keep the delicate balance of local ecosystems and ensure the trail remains beautiful and sustainable for future adventurers.

2. Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Eco-friendly accommodations are a transformative force in sustainable trekking. These lodgings use a design language that helps minimize environmental impact through several innovative approaches.

For example, the Eco Camp Patagonia in Chile offers geodesic domes that blend seamlessly into the environment, minimizing their footprint. These domes are built using locally sourced materials and equipped with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems that reduce reliance on external resources.

Additionally, eco-friendly accommodations often implement waste management practices, such as composting organic waste and recycling, to ensure minimal environmental impact.

composting-qatar

By adopting these practices, eco-lodges reduce their carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable way of experiencing natural beauty.

3. Waste Management Initiatives

Effective waste management is crucial to preserving trekking trails and their surrounding environments. Trekking destinations are increasingly adopting comprehensive waste management systems to tackle the challenges posed by tourism.

In Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area, a waste management initiative requires trekkers to carry out all non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic bottles and wrappers. Local authorities provide designated trailhead disposal sites and encourage trekkers to use reusable containers.

This approach helps maintain the trails’ cleanliness, prevents pollution of local water sources, and supports broader environmental conservation efforts.

4. Community-Based Tourism

Community-based tourism empowers local communities by involving them in tourism management and providing economic benefits. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards preserving natural and cultural resources.

In Machame Village, Tanzania, residents work as guides and porters, which helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism directly within the community. Revenue from tourism is also usually reinvested in local infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects.

This model supports community development and enhances the trekking experience by offering authentic cultural exchanges and ensuring local people feel involved and invested in maintaining the environment.

5. Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Wildlife conservation is crucial to sustainable tourism, especially where trekking trails intersect with critical habitats.

For example, in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, guidelines regulate the behavior of trekkers and safari-goers to minimize disturbances to wildlife. These guidelines involve maintaining a safe distance from animals, limiting the number of vehicles in sensitive areas, and avoiding off-road driving.

Additionally, the reserve employs wildlife monitoring programs and works alongside local communities to address issues such as poaching and habitat encroachment.

wildlife protection in islam

Climate change and human intervention is threatening many wildlife species in the Middle East

By protecting wildlife and their habitats, sustainable tourism helps preserve biodiversity and ensures that trekking experiences do not negatively impact local ecosystems.

6. Environmental Education Programs

Environmental education is essential for fostering a culture of sustainability among trekkers. Many trekking destinations offer programs that educate visitors about local ecosystems, conservation challenges, and sustainable practices.

For example, educational programs in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, include guided tours that explain the park’s unique flora and fauna, the impacts of climate change, and conservation efforts.

These programs frequently feature interactive elements, such as hands-on activities and discussions with park rangers, to engage trekkers and deepen their understanding of environmental issues.

By increasing awareness, these programs encourage trekkers to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors and support conservation initiatives.

7. Encouraging Sustainable Trail Design

Sustainable trail design focuses on minimizing environmental impact while enhancing safety and accessibility. Modern trail designers use techniques such as:

  • Erosion Control: Implementing switchbacks and retaining walls to prevent soil erosion.
  • Proper Drainage: Designing trails with adequate drainage systems to manage water flow and prevent trail damage.
  • Natural Landscaping: Using native plants and natural materials in trail construction to blend with the environment.

Trails like the Inca Trail have undergone significant improvements to address issues such as erosion and visitor impact. Sustainable trail design helps preserve the natural landscape and ensures that trails remain enjoyable and safe for trekkers.

8. Support for Local Conservation Projects

Supporting local conservation projects is crucial to sustainable tourism because it directly contributes to preserving natural areas. Many trekking companies and organizations allocate some of their revenue to conservation initiatives that protect and restore ecosystems.

A good example is the Trekking for Kids Program. It channels funds from trekking expeditions into wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and community development projects. This financial support helps ensure that conservation efforts are well-funded and effective in maintaining the health of natural environments.

By supporting these projects, trekkers play a crucial role in preserving the trails they enjoy and contributing to the long-term sustainability of trekking destinations.

solar-powered-powerbank

9. Reducing Carbon Footprint

Mitigating carbon emissions is a crucial element of sustainable tourism. That’s why trekking organizations have started adopting practices to lower their carbon footprint. These practices include:

  • Green transportation: Using electric or hybrid vehicles for airport transfers and local travel.
  • Carbon offsetting: Investing in projects that reduce or capture carbon emissions, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects.
  • Eco-friendly operations: Implementing energy-saving measures and reducing waste in operational activities.

Trekkers are encouraged to choose more sustainable travel options like trains, buses, and overflights. By collectively reducing carbon emissions, both trekkers and trekking organizations contribute to mitigating climate change and preserving natural landscapes.

Final Thoughts

By supporting and advocating for sustainable tourism, we preserve our planet’s most breathtaking trails and foster a legacy of environmental stewardship and respect for the world’s natural wonders.

Water Woes in Palestine

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Water crisis in the West Bank and Gaza is largely overshadowed by the overall political tension between Palestine and Israel. However, the ever-growing water conflict between the two sides is a major impediment to reaching a just and peaceful resolution to the Palestine-Israel conflict, and an essential component for the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Ever since the Nakbah (Day of Catastrophe) in 1948, Israel has sought to control the main sources of water, and after the 1967 conflict Israel has managed to control all of the major water sources it shares with Palestine and other neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. These sources include the Jordan River, Yarmouk River and the underground water reservoirs underneath the West Bank.

Let us take a close look at water crisis in the Palestine:

water scarcity in palestine

West Bank

The rampant discrimination in utilization of water resources is evident with Palestinian farms relying on inconsistent rainwater to irrigate their crops, and illegal Israeli settlement farms using state-of-the-art irrigation systems. Despite controlling 100% of the water flowing from the Jordan River, Israel is using 85% of the water from the aquifers within West Bank territory while  Palestinians are receiving a pitiful 15%.

Though theoretically Palestinians could drill more wells to help sustain their crops, they are forbidden to do so without acquiring permits from the Israeli occupation forces. These permits are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain forcing Palestinians to rely on Israeli authorities for access to their own water. This has lead to per capita water consumption in the West Bank to be approximately 73 liters, whereas Israel’s per capita water consumption is approximately 242 liters. In other words, per capita use in Israel is three and a half times higher than in the West Bank.

Responding to reports reflecting the injustice in water resource distribution, the Israeli government states that it has responded to the needs of the Palestinians and has increased the quantity of water provided to them far beyond that specified in the Interim Agreement. However, what it fails to mention is that 60% of the water it provides is sold to the Palestinians at inflated prices, which most civilians cannot afford.

Of the water available from West Bank aquifers, Israel uses 73%, West Bank Palestinians use 17%, and illegal Jewish settlers use 10%. Another shocking fact is that each Israeli consumes as much water as four Palestinians. Under international law it is illegal for Israel to expropriate the water of the Occupied Palestinian Territories for use by its own citizens, and doubly illegal to expropriate it for use by illegal Israeli settlers

Gaza Strip

Since the blockade imposed on Gaza in 2006, it has been dealing with constant raids, bombardment, and attacks from the Israeli occupation forces, hindering any kind of development that might be possible. One of the greatest sectors affected by continuous Israeli aggression is water supply and sanitation.

palestine-water

Water supply and sewage infrastructure are often damaged leaving the area without proper sanitation and without a reliable water source. This has a large effect on Gaza’s only source of water – the coastal aquifer underneath the Mediterranean Sea coast shared by Gaza, Israel and Egypt. Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip has pushed the already ailing water and sewage system to a “crisis point”.

Reports published by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that 95% of this water is unfit for consumption due to the lack of proper sanitation, and that Gaza could become unlivable as early as the year 2016. The good news is that World Bank and Islamic Development Bank have recently approved $6.4 million and $11.14 million respectively for the development of the Gaza’s water and sewage infrastructure to improve extensively damaged sanitation facilities and highly contaminated water supply.

Major Hurdles

Financial assistance from Arab world and international agencies can provide a big boost to improve living conditions in Palestinian areas but do not represent a sustainable solution to the problems at hand. The first problem requiring immediate attention is the unjust distribution in water resource use. To ensure peaceful resolution to the conflict between Palestine and Israel, there must be an equal distribution of water allowing enough water for development and basic human needs of the Palestinians.

Another major hurdle is the Israeli policy of stifling development activities in Palestinian areas. The inhuman blockade of Gaza and construction of the “separation barrier” around the West Bank give Israel full control over the resources entering and exiting Palestinian territories. Much of the land cut off by the West Bank barrier is land with good access to a major aquifer. This greatly restricts any plans for the development and construction of proper sanitation and water storage/extraction facilities that may allow Palestinian cities and villages to communities to flourish.

A recent report by Amnesty International says that on average Palestinian daily water consumption reaches 70 litres a day, compared with 300 litres for the Israelis. Many Palestinians barely get 20 litres a day – the minimum recommended even in humanitarian emergencies. To conclude, the problem at hand is not the lack of water in the region, but the uneven distribution of water resources between Palestine and Israel.

Waste Awareness in Qatar: A Survey

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Waste awareness in Qatar has gained traction in recent years, but more efforts are required to make the masses aware about the consequences of reckless waste generation and disposal, and how sustainable living practices and recycling can help in making Qatar a truly sustainable nation. Below is the outcome of an interesting survey on waste awareness which was conducted among Qataris and non-Qataris (expatriates).

Plastic is the most common waste generated in a typical household in Qatar. One-third of overall respondents say that of all products, the volume of the plastic waste generated is higher, followed by food waste (19%) and paper (12%). Metal, electronic waste and glass are the least amounts of waste generated in Qatar.

waste awareness in qatar

Overall, half of the surveyed people recycle either at home (11%), work (16%) or both (23%). Another half never recycled. Women are more likely to recycle than men. However, the different is not significant (57% vs 48%). There is a sizeable difference between Qataris and non-Qataris. Non-Qataris are particularly more likely to recycle compared to non-Qataris (51% versus 38%). Women recycle more than men.

A clear majority (71%) of Qatari men do not recycle compared to 58% of Qatari women. Low-income non-Qataris are more likely to recycle than higher-income groups. Younger non-Qataris of age group 25-25 are least likely to recycle (80% reported they do not recycle). This shows that the attitude may not necessarily reflect in behavior.

Public’s response to recycling in Qatar

A vast majority (82%) of public say there are not enough recycling facilities close to their home or office and another one-in-ten say it is too time consuming. Roughly three-fourths (72%) of Qataris claim there are not enough recycling facilities and 13% recycling is time consuming.

There is a prominent generational divide. Young Qatari adults, 17-24, say a little over half say there are not enough recycling facilities, 14% of young adults say recycling takes too much time, and an equal share lack of faith in the facilities.

Whereas the response for other age group is not so divided; 93% of Qataris of age group 36-50 said there were not enough recycling facilities. Majority (90%) of public earning more than QAR 20,000 complain that recycling facilities are insufficient.

Public’s response to factors that can encourage recycling in Qatar

The survey asked public’s opinion about having segregated recycling bins in public places. There was an overwhelmingly positive opinion of having segregated recycling bins. A sizeable minority (45%) of public say it makes recycling easier, 42% say it promotes awareness. Only 13% of public remained skeptical; people do not care and will put everything in one bin and a waste of money.

Both men and women are optimistic about recycling bins in public places. Roughly half of women and 44% of men claim that segregated recycling bins in places makes recycling easier and promotes awareness. A fewer than 10% of men and women are pessimistic about this idea. An overwhelming number (87%) of Qataris strongly support this idea claiming it will help in promoting awareness and facilitating recycling.

Overall, people are willing to take simpler actions to avoid household waste. Eighty percent of public say they would buy exactly what is required (be it food and other products), 10% said avoiding over-packaged goods, and 6% report donate/sell items for reuse.

Only a 3% of public say they would make an effort to get broken appliances and other items repaired before buying new ones. Even the younger people among Qataris and non-Qataris prefer easy option – buying exactly what is required. Income does not influence people to mend their appliances and reuse them.

Seawater Desalination – A Better Choice for MENA

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Water scarcity is a major problem in many parts of the world affecting quality of life, the environment, industry, and the economies of developing nations. The MENA region is considered as one of the most water-scarce regions of the world. Large scale water management problems are already apparent in the region. While the MENA region’s population is growing steadily, per capita water availability is expected to fall by more than 40-50% by the year 2050. Also, climate change is likely to affect weather and precipitation patterns, and the consequences of which may force the MENA region to more frequent and severe droughts.

desalination in MENA

Technology trends in desalination industry

Growth in desalination has increased dramatically as countries seek solutions to water scarcity caused by population growth, climate change, pollution and industrial development. In addition, the industry has done much to lower the cost of desalination. Advances in technology have led to increased energy efficiency, and greater economies of scale have also helped lower costs. The majority of new commissioned capacity is seawater desalination.

Existing desalination plants work in one of two ways. Some distil seawater by heating it up to evaporate part of it. They then condense the vapour—a process that requires electricity. The other plants use reverse osmosis. This employs high-pressure pumps to force the water from brine through a membrane that is impermeable to salt. That, too, needs electricity. Even the best reverse osmosis plants require 3.7 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy to produce 1,000 litres of drinking water.

Recent researches indicate that we can produce that much freshwater with less than 1 kWh of electricity, and no other paid-for source of power is needed. This process is fuelled by concentration gradients of salinity between different vessels of brine. These different salinities are brought about by evaporation.

desalination in middle east

The process begins by spraying seawater into a shallow, black-bottomed pond, where it absorbs heat from the atmosphere. The resulting evaporation increases the concentration of salt in the water from its natural level of 3.5% to as much as 20%. Low-pressure pumps are then used to pipe this concentrated seawater, along with three other streams of untreated seawater, into the desalting unit.

Perspectives for MENA

Seawater desalination powered by renewable power offers an attractive opportunity for MENA countries to ensure affordable, sustainable and secure freshwater supply. The MENA region has tremendous wind and solar energy potential which can be effectively utilized in desalination processes. Concentrating solar power (CSP) offers an attractive option to power industrial-scale desalination plants that require both high temperature fluids and electricity.

desalination plant in uae

The renewable energy potential is now starting to be more seriously considered in the MENA region, driven by rapidly increasing energy usage, high insolation rates, a young and empowered workforce, and an increasing awareness of the costs of burning natural resources.

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco, have ambitious solar power generation goals as well as evolving policies and regulatory frameworks to support these goals. Demonstration projects are being deployed in some countries, while large scale projects are being deployed in others.

Conclusion

Water demand and supply have become an international issue due to several factors: global warming (droughts are more often in arid areas), low annual rainfall, a rise in population rates during last decades, high living standards, and the expansion of industrial and agricultural activities. Freshwater from rivers and groundwater sources are becoming limited and vast reserves of freshwater are located in deep places where economical and geological issues are the main obstacles.

Therefore, it has turned into a competition to get this vital liquid and to find more feasible and economical sources that can ameliorate the great demand that the world is living nowadays and avoid water restrictions and service interruptions to domestic water supply. And, desalination powered by renewable energy resources seems to be an excellent alternative for getting fresh water and electricity in MENA countries.

What Size Solar System Do I Need For My Home?

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Are you ready to transform your home into a hub of eco-friendly energy and take control of your power usage? Making the switch to a solar power system is a game-changing decision that promises both environmental benefits and energy independence. But with this exciting change comes a crucial question: “What size solar system do I need for my home?” In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider, helping you determine the perfect solar setup to meet your household’s unique energy needs.

solar system for your home

How Energy Providers Can Help

Energy providers such as Smart Solar Energy can help you determine the right size of a solar system for your home by conducting a thorough assessment of your energy needs. This typically involves analyzing your past electricity bills to understand your average monthly and yearly energy consumption. By assessing your energy usage patterns, they can recommend a solar system size that will meet your needs without overestimating, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Additionally, energy providers can offer tailored solutions by considering factors unique to your property. They will evaluate the available roof space, orientation, and tilt of your roof, as well as local weather conditions, to maximize the efficiency of your solar panels. With their expertise, energy providers can design a custom solar system that optimizes energy production, ensuring you get the most out of your investment and contributing to a greener environment.

Analyze Your Energy Consumption

The first step in determining the size of the solar system you need is to understand your current energy consumption. This can be achieved by reviewing your electricity bills over the past year. Look for the kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage on each bill and calculate the average monthly and daily energy consumption.

If you use 12,000 kWh of electricity in a year, here’s how to break it down:

  • Your monthly use is about 1,000 kWh (12,000 divided by 12). 
  • Your daily use is about 33 kWh (12,000 divided by 365). 

It’s also essential to consider any future changes in your energy needs. If you plan to buy an electric vehicle, install a pool, or expand your home, these factors can significantly increase your energy consumption. Make sure to account for these changes in your calculations.

Solar Panel Efficiency and Sunlight Availability

Solar panel efficiency measures how much sunlight is converted into electricity, typically ranging from 15% to 22%. Higher-efficiency panels produce more electricity in the same space, making them ideal for smaller roofs. Choosing these efficient panels boosts your energy output and saves you money over time.

Assessing sunlight availability is crucial for determining the right size of your solar system. Key factors include geographic location, roof orientation and tilt, and potential shading from trees or buildings. Homes in sunnier areas with south-facing, properly tilted roofs receive more sunlight, enhancing solar panel efficiency.

installing a rooftop solar plant

Energy calculators or talking to local solar installers can help you figure out how much sunlight your home gets each day. Knowing this helps you choose the right solar system size for the best energy production and efficiency.

Calculating the Size of Your Solar System

Once you know your average daily energy use and the average amount of peak sunlight your home gets, you can use a simple formula to figure out the size of the solar system you need:

Average Peak Sunlight Hours / Average Daily Energy Consumption (kWh) =  Solar System Size (kW) 

Using our earlier example, if your average daily consumption is 33 kWh and you receive 5 peak sunlight hours per day:

Solar System Size=33 kWh / 5 hours =6.6 kW 

It’s important to know that the actual power your solar system produces can be affected by various factors, such as the efficiency of the panels and losses from the system, inverter issues, shading, and dirt on the panels. A common practice is to multiply the calculated system size by a factor that accounts for these inefficiencies. This factor is typically around 1.25 to 1.35.

Using a factor of 1.3 for our example:

Adjusted Solar System Size=6.6 kW×1.3=8.58 kW 

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Solar System Size

Below are the important considerations when you are choosing the right solar system size for your home:

1. Roof Space and Panel Placement

The physical space available on your roof will impact the size of the home solar system you can install. Standard residential solar panels are about 1.7 square meters (18 square feet) and generate approximately 300-400 watts each.

To estimate the roof space required, you can use the following formula:

Required Roof Space (sq. meters)= Solar System Size (kW)×1,000 W/kW / Panel Wattage (W) × Panel Area (sq. meters)  

For an 8.58 kW system using 350 W panels:

Required Roof Space= 8,580 W / 350 W/panel ×1.7 sq. meters/panel = 41.8 sq. meters 

2. Budget and Incentives

The cost of a solar system is another critical factor. While prices have decreased significantly over the years, the upfront cost can still be substantial. However, many regions offer incentives, rebates, and tax credits to offset the cost.

Additionally, financing options such as solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can make solar installations more affordable.

3. System Maintenance and Lifespan

Solar systems require minimal maintenance, but regular cleaning and periodic checks are essential to ensure optimal efficiency and performance. Most solar panels come with a warranty of 25-30 years, and inverters typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years.

tips to choose a solar panel

Example Scenarios

Here are some example scenarios to help you calculate the size of a solar system for your home:

1. Small Household

For a small household with an average daily consumption of 15 kWh in a region with 5 peak sunlight hours per day, the calculation would be:

Solar System Size= 15 kWh / 5 hours =3 kW 

Adjusting for efficiency and losses:

Adjusted Solar System Size = 3 kW×1.3 = 3.9 kW

This system would require approximately 19 square meters of roof space and around 10-13 panels.

2. Large Household

For a large household with an average daily consumption of 50 kWh in a region with 4 peak sunlight hours per day, the calculation would be:

Solar System Size= 50 kWh / 4 hours = 12.5 kW 

Adjusting for efficiency and losses:

Adjusted Solar System Size = 12.5 kW×1.3 = 16.25 kW 

This system would require approximately 79 square meters of roof space and around 45-55 panels.

Conclusion

Figuring out the right size solar system for your home means considering your energy use, the efficiency of the solar panels, and things like roof space and budget. By following these steps and talking to a professional installer, you can make a smart choice that will give you the best performance and save you money in the long run.

Prospects of Algae Biofuels in GCC

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Algae biofuels have the potential to become a renewable, cost-effective alternative for fossil fuels with reduced impact on the environment. Algae hold tremendous potential to provide a non-food, high-yield, non-arable land use source of renewable fuels like biodiesel, bioethanol, hydrogen etc. Microalgae are considered as a potential oleo-feedstock, as they produce lipids through photosynthesis, i.e. using only CO2, water, sunlight, phosphates, nitrates and other (oligo) elements that can be found in residual waters.

Algae also produce proteins, isoprenoids and polysaccharides. Some strains of algae ferment sugars to produce alcohols, under the right growing conditions. Their biomass can be processed to different sorts of chemicals and polymers (Polysaccharides, enzymes, pigments and minerals), biofuels (e.g. biodiesel, alkanes and alcohols), food and animal feed (PUFA, vitamins, etc.) as well as bioactive compounds (antibiotics, antioxidant and metabolites) through down-processing technology such as transesterification, pyrolysis and continuous catalysis using microspheres.

Microalgae are the fastest growing photosynthesizing organism capable of completing an entire growing cycle every few days. Up to 50% of algae’s weight is comprised of oil, compared with, for example, oil palm which yields just about 20% of its weight in oil. Algae can be grown on non-arable land (including deserts), most of them do not require fresh water, and their nutritional value is high. Extensive R&D efforts are worldwide, especially in North America and Europe, with a high number of start-up companies developing different options for commercializing algae farming.

Prospects of Algae Biofuels in GCC

The demand for fossil fuels is growing continuously all around the world and the GCC countries are not an exception. GCC’s domestic consumption of energy is increasing at an astonishing rate, e.g. Saudi Arabia’s consumption of oil and gas rose by about 5.9 percent over the past five years while electricity demand is witnessing annual growth rate of 8 percent. Although GCC countries are world’s leading producers of fossil fuels, several cleantech initiatives have been launched in last few years which shows the commitment of GCC countries in exploiting renewable sources of energy.

Algae biofuels present a good opportunity for Middle East countries to offset the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry. The region is geographically ideal for mass production of algae because of the following reasons:

  • Presence of large tracts of non-arable lands (deserts) and extensive coastline.
  • Presence of numerous oil refineries and power plants (as points of CO2 capture) and desalination plants (for salt reuse).
  • Extremely favorable climatic conditions (highest annual solar irradiance).
  • Presence of a large number of sewage and wastewater treatment plants.
  • Existence of highly lipid productive microalgae species in coastal waters.

An algae photobioreactor at a power plant in Germany

These factors makes it imperative on GCC countries to develop a robust Research, Development and Market Deployment plan for a comprehensive microalgal biomass-based biorefinery approach for bio-product synthesis. An integrated and gradual appreciation of technical, economic, social and environmental issues should be considered for a successful implementation of the microalgae-based oleo-feedstock (MBOFs) industry in the region.