MedRESOURCE is a pioneering project funded by the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, and intertwines the cooperation of four countries: Italy, Palestine, Tunisia and Jordan. The initiative aims to provide sustainable management of wastewater sludge in the Mediterranean region. Read the interview with Eng. Monther Hind of project lead partner the NGO Palestinian Wastewater Engineers Group, to delve deeper how the “Mediterranean initiative to Regenerate wastewater Sludges for Optimal Use toward a Circular Economy” aims to improve regional collaboration across Mediterranean countries on water scarcity.
Eng Hind, how will you describe the spirit of this initiative of international cooperation?
The international cooperation network behind MedRESOURCE happened following MEDISS results and recommendations. It grew from a simple but urgent reality we all share in the Mediterranean: water is becoming scarcer, environmental pressures are increasing, and our regulatory systems are not always adapted to innovative solutions. A key challenge we detected was how to securely and sustainably reuse wastewater sludge in agriculture. This is not a problem for a single country alone, but a regional issue that requires regional cooperation. With this in mind, we brought together partners who each bring something essential to the table. Public authorities who understand governance and regulation, research institutions with strong technical expertise, utilities and engineers who can test solutions on the ground, and policy networks that can help turn project results into real regulatory improvements. This balanced partnership reflects the spirit of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme and shared responsibility, equal cooperation, and practical impact.
What contribution is offering the NGO Palestinian Wastewater Engineers Group as leader of the partnership?
Regarding the company I represent, we specialize in environmental management and wastewater engineering, with an emphasis on transforming obstacles into long-term opportunities. We provide policy support, capacity building, and technical expertise. We conduct environmental assessments, collaborate closely with public institutions and utilities, and advocate for circular economy strategies throughout the region. MedRESOURCE is more than just a technical project in my opinion. Finding practical, long-term solutions for our shared Mediterranean is the goal of this partnership, which is based on cooperation and trust.
What kind of environmental and agricultural problems are you facing on the field?
Climate change and water scarcity are the primary causes of our region’s agricultural and environmental problems. Droughts are occurring more frequently, rainfall is becoming more erratic, and groundwater supplies are being strained. This makes irrigation more challenging and expensive for farmers and breeds uncertainty. Simultaneously, as demonstrated by the MEDISS (“Mediterranean Integrated System for Water Supply”) project, intensive farming methods, low levels of organic enrichment, and high soil salinity are all contributing to a decline in soil quality. Productivity is impacted, and the use of chemical fertilizers is increased. We also face regulatory and infrastructure gaps that limit the reuse of treated wastewater and sludge, even when it could safely support agriculture.
Eng. Hind, can you talk about your day-by-day tasks in MedRESOURCE?
My responsibility at MedRESOURCE is to ensure that everything proceeds in unison. I oversee the steering committee, manage our international partners, and make sure we don’t lose sight of our goals. In front of the Joint Secretariat and the Managing Authority of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, I also represent the partnership, ensuring that we adhere to the program’s regulations and fulfill our commitments. Beyond management, though, my true responsibility is to maintain team cohesion, address issues as they emerge, and ensure that our efforts produce tangible, practical outcomes. My objective is straightforward: MedRESOURCE should have a significant impact and improve regional collaboration.
What do you think will be the decisive aspects in making relations and coordination easier in the project implementation?
It’s never easy to work across borders. We operate in different ways and with different systems. However, that does not imply that it must be difficult. Clear communication and trust facilitate coordination. Things go smoothly when everyone is aware of their responsibilities, communicates honestly, and has the same objective. Projects ultimately succeed because of people, and positive relationships facilitate the process.
With your permission I would like to add something to your question.
Please go ahead.
In my opinion, the most significant influence in the project implementation will come from the dialogues and communication we are fostering among individuals. The technical work will largely succeed, BUT not only the technical work, but also the times when institutions, engineers, and legislators gather at the same table and pay close attention to one another. Something shifts when individuals begin to comprehend one another’s difficulties and observe workable solutions in action. Mentalities change. And after that, the effects extend well beyond the project.
Eng. Monther Hind is the founder and General Director of Palestinian Wastewater Engineers Group (PWEG). He holds sstrong business development professional and experience, with a Bachelor in Civil Engineering focused in Water Resources Engineering from University of L’Aquila. He coordinated several initiatives of international and decentralised cooperation in Palestine. Within MedRESOURCE, Eng. Hind serves as Technical Director of the project. He is also the head of the Project Steering Committee.
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