Quenching Jordan's thirst for water research
'Integrating Jordan into the European Research Area' (IJERA) is a project aiming to reinforce cooperation capacities and research activities in Jordan's water sector. It will facilitate participation in European water research initiatives and inclusion in the Euro-Mediterranean research and innovation area. IJERA is taking a three-pronged approach to realise its varied goals. The first strand supports Jordan's participation in the Seventh Framework Programme's (FP7’s) water research area. The second consolidates national strategies, research priorities and available funding schemes to bring together all relevant support schemes. Lastly, the consortium (comprising four European and Jordanian organisations) will facilitate the uptake of identified common water research areas, and the monitoring of this cooperation's performance and its impacts. IJERA has carried out a detailed assessment of EMARCU/RSS’s needs, with a view to developing an experimental wastewater treatment pilot plant; this will help identify the competences necessary for the targeted research activities. Among other activities in this area of project work, synergies between EMARCU/RSS and other research centres have been fostered, and meetings held with representatives of relevant public and private organisations and European Commission officers. The project has developed a long-term business plan for EMARCU/RSS to attain status as an excellence and reference centre for water use and treatments in Jordan, as well as in neighbouring countries and the Mediterranean area. Coaching sessions have been organised to enhance Europe–Jordan S&T partnerships in wastewater treatment research as well as build capacity at EMARCU/RSS for resolving specific water issues. In addition, the project has set up a sustainable, well-trained and efficient environment national contact point in Jordan, with contact details provided on the IJERA website. The project has disseminated research results on its website and updated a database of water research actors. Networking in relation to FP7 and ERA is ongoing, and a conference has also been held, further facilitating the dissemination of scientific information and experience in water-related issues. IJERA will help improve water management in Jordan, one of the world's driest countries. Project efforts will also advance the integration of Jordanian researchers into networks of FP-active EU organisations.
