Benghazi – The 2025 “Green Sustainability” initiative concluded today in Benghazi. A specialized workshop addressed Libya’s water crisis scenario. The House of Representatives organized the event. Its slogan was “Small Steps Towards Big Changes.”
Development Organization 306 hosted the workshop. Several heads of Libyan research centers participated. They focus on climate change and environmental issues. Specialists and stakeholders from various water security entities also attended.
Wael Al-Hashibi oversaw the initiative’s sessions. He affirmed the workshop’s goal. It aims to prepare a database for an integrated water security strategy in Libya. This strategy aligns with sustainable development goals. It includes legislative development. It also involves activating dialogue with international institutions. A timetable for implementing recommendations on the ground will be established.
The workshop reviewed several papers. These focused on current water sources. They also addressed challenges and risks facing the Great Man-Made River project. The role of the General Authority for Water and Wastewater was also presented.
Interactive sessions discussed the water crisis. Stakeholder perspectives were central. Discussions focused on emergency management response plans. Sustainable solutions were explored. Required institutional and legislative reforms were examined. A national roadmap to overcome water challenges was proposed.
Participants examined problems related to decreasing wells. These are in the Great Man-Made River project fields. They also noted a lack of financial resources impeding continuous maintenance. The importance of establishing wastewater treatment plants was discussed. These plants should cover all areas of Benghazi municipality, especially after population expansion.
Sessions also covered wastewater treatment technologies in Libya. They reviewed strategies for operating plants in local conditions. Emphasis was placed on diagnosing the current situation. Building human capacities was highlighted. Localizing technologies was a key point. Appropriate treatment techniques were proposed. Establishing specialized research centers was recommended. Reducing reliance on electromechanical pumps using gravity was suggested to minimize malfunctions.
Entisar Al-Majbari is Director of International and Technical Cooperation at the Ministry of Environment. She affirmed the ministry’s full commitment to supporting the workshop. This includes formulating a national roadmap to protect water sources. The focus is on rapid response and sustainable solutions. This will ensure water security in Libya.
In conclusion, participants stressed the importance of resolving overlapping institutional authorities. This overlap increases sector challenges and disperses results. They emphasized the need to enhance coordination among relevant parties. This will ensure the effectiveness of future plans and strategies.