Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in Faculty of Science at Islamic University of Gaza (IUG), in cooperation with Water and Environmental Quality Authority, and on the occasion of celebrating World Water Day 2022, held a study day under the title: “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible”, in the presence of Dr. Youssef Ibrahim – Head of Water and Environmental Quality Authority, Dr. Tariq Zaida – Head of Chemistry and Environment Departments, Dr. Ziad Abu Hein – Head of the Preparatory Committee, Dr. Muhammad Al-Abwini – Coastal Municipalities Water Utility, and a group of interested researchers, concerned institutions, members of administrative and academic staff and students of the department.
Opening Session
Dr. Ibrahim said: “The significance of this study day lies in concluding recommendations for decision makers towards the citizen and the planner, because there is a real crisis in terms of the amount of water deficit per year due to the population increase, the change in consumption patterns, and the use of agricultural land”
Dr. Zaida explained that the participation of the Islamic University in the celebration of World Water Day occurs to raise awareness of the importance of water and the role of society in preserving it; As it is an essential building block of life and vital to creating job opportunities, and supports economic, social and human development, in addition to implementing policies concerned with preserving water sustainability.
Dr. Zaida pointed out that the Faculty of Science embraced the study day to express the extent of interest in water resources, through the launch and development of specialized academic programs and numerous different activities such as conferences and study days.
Dr. Al-Abwini clarified that the Coastal Municipal Water Authority has been able to attain considerable achievements and projects at a great cost, an effort in partnership with local and international water institutions, to develop strategic plans to reach clean and potable water for citizens in the Gaza Strip.
Scientific Sessions
Regarding the scientific sessions, Eng. Mazen Al-Banna – Water and Environmental Quality Authority presented a working paper entitled: “Water Sources, Reality, Challenges and Solutions”. The representative of Coastal Municipalities Water Utility discussed a working paper entitled: “The Reality of Projects in Water and Sanitation Sector”. Prof. Dr. Yasser Al-Nahal, a faculty member in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, demonstrated a working paper entitled: “Pollution of drinking water with pesticides” . Mr. Abdel Salam Yassin referred to a working paper entitled: “The vision of the private sector in reducing water crisis”.
