Rural Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are subject to serious environmental threats. These threats stem from gaps in institutional and policy measures available. Discharge of untreated wastewater, unregulated agricultural practices, and a general lack of infrastructure lead to adverse environmental impacts – such as deterioration of ground and surface water quality.

With generous support from AGFUND, UNU-INWEH and the Palestinian EQA undertook the development and deployment of small-scale wastewater treatment plants. This approach was based on the following strategic advantages:

	Maximizing coverage of rural households
	Promoting the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation purposes
	Introducing low-cost, localized technologies for wastewater treatment

The project, completed in April 2006, included the establishment of a national Rural Environment Protection Committee. The committee comprised rural beneficiaries, related NGOs, scientific organizations, and Palestinian ministries. The committee provided recommendations to stakeholders and monitored outcomes of the project. Based on an integrated assessment of the wastewater treatment options, four small-scale wastewater treatment plants were constructed in schools:

	West Bank: (El Ameer Hasan School, Birziet and Al Khadoree, Tul Karem)
	Gaza Strip: (Al-Hertani School, Jabalia and A’kah School, Khan Yunis)

Last updated: 6 October 2006