Regional Training Workshop on
Wastewater Reuse within a Circular Economy Context
January 21-22, 2025, Tehran, Iran
- Introduction
The Circular Economy is a model focused on the optimal use of resources, waste reduction, and material recycling, aiming to keep products and materials within the production and consumption cycle for as long as possible. Given the limitations of water resources, wastewater reuse has also gained significant importance as an element of the circular economy. With increasing pressure on freshwater resources and the consequences of climate change, the role of wastewater reuse in reducing the vulnerability of freshwater supply and treatment systems, enhancing community resilience to water stress, and maintaining and sustaining water resources and the environment has become more prominent. Despite technological advancements and the numerous benefits of wastewater reuse, industries and markets still face challenges such as a lack of technical knowledge and low public acceptance in integrating these technologies. The circular economy approach to wastewater reuse emphasizes investing in reuse technologies and infrastructure, reducing wastewater disposal costs, and producing new resources from wastewater, such as recycled water and nutrients. Additionally, this approach encourages business models based on recycling, including public-private partnerships and offering tax incentives for companies involved in wastewater reuse.
In this ration, the Regional Center for Urban Water Management – Tehran (under UNESCO) in collaboration with the National Water and Wastewater Engineering Company, Iran Water Resources Management Company, and the Bureau of Urban and Rural Water and Wastewater Supervision and Management of the Ministry of Energy, and in line with its mandate and the project proposals approved in the 13th of Governing Board Meeting held in Tehran (February 2023), is planning to hold a workshop entitled “Wastewater Reuse within a Circular Economy Context”. The topics and objectives of this workshop are detailed below.
The Regional Center for Urban Water Management – Tehran (RCUWM-Tehran) is a regional organization that collaborates with international organizations and countries in the region to improve water resource management in urban and semi-arid areas. The center focuses on advancing knowledge, sharing experiences, and implementing joint projects in the fields of water supply, wastewater treatment, and water resource management. It is expected that with the participation and support of all member countries of the Governing Board and other countries with practical experience in implementing theoretical and practical knowledge of wastewater recycling and reuse within the circular economy approach, we will explore the challenges and opportunities in this field and reflect researchers’ experiences through practical presentations in this workshop.
The workshop will hopefully be an effective step towards raising awareness, improving water resource management, and facilitating the adoption and implementation of water reuse technologies in industry and agriculture. The continuation of such programs will not only help in conserving limited freshwater resources but also prevent the negative consequences of water scarcity.
- Workshop Topics
It is expected that the presentations will bring and share scientific experiences through local case studies related to the following topics (but not limited to them):
2.1. Introduction to the principles and foundations of the circular economy and its application in the water and wastewater industry with a focus on wastewater reuse
2.2. Technical, economic, social, and environmental evaluation of wastewater reuse
2.3. Financial-economic models of wastewater reuse projects and methods of their implementation
2.4. Incentives and supportive policies for the development of wastewater reuse within the circular economy approach
2.5. Introduction of successful case studies of wastewater reuse using the circular economy approach
- Workshop Objectives
3.1. To enhance knowledge and share innovative experiences based on the principles and applications of the circular economy in the water and wastewater industry, focusing on wastewater reuse
3.2. To build the capacity of specialists in the technical, economic, social, and environmental evaluation of wastewater reuse projects and to provide optimal solutions for improving performance and sustainable development of projects
3.3. To assess policies and supportive incentives to accelerate and facilitate the adoption and implementation of wastewater reuse projects within the circular economy framework
- Deadline for Submission of Presentation Files
The deadline for submitting presentation files is Monday, November 19th, 2024. Priority will be given to presentations with practical problem-driven experiences.
The presentations are expected to be delivered in PowerPoint formats and the acceptance notification as well as method of presentation (face to face/online) will be announced within two weeks after receiving the PPT. file.
- Official Language
The official languages of the workshop will be English and Persian (simultaneous translation will also be provided).
- Date and Location of the Workshop
The workshop is planned to be held in a hybrid mode in Tehran, Iran on 22nd and 23rd of January 2025. The link to the virtual platform will be announced one week prior to the event.
- 7. Financial Support
The internal costs including accommodation, meals and local transportation for those whose presentations have been accepted to be presented in Tehran will be covered by the organizers.
