Criteria for the solutions have been developed in an earlier phase of the project to enable the SWIM-SM team and the European Commission to select solutions that are relevant, beneficial and potentially replicable among the PCs.
An important criterion, which enhances the potential replicability of the solutions, is the high cost efficiency. With current (and deteriorating) global economic conditions, low cost solutions have higher chances to be endorsed at political level and adopted on the ground. In the same context “the potential for job creation” was also added as a priority criterion for solution selection.
The following criteria will be used for selecting the solution. The fulfilment of all the required criteria is a pre-requisite for the selection of the solutions, while fulfilling the bonus criteria will add value to the solution and improve its chances to be selected.
Required criteria and their weight in percentage (90% of total grade)
1. Adapting/Implementing the IWRM framework and possibly contributing to the implementation of the Draft Strategy for Water in the Mediterranean and/or to the objectives of H2020’s pollution reduction in the Mediterranean.15%
2. Creating jobs and/or generating increased incomein agriculture, tourism, etc. 15%
3. Being low cost or with a high benefit/cost ratio and/or providing affordable products to most countries in the PCs such as affordable water without subsidy and/or improved efficiency of water use and accordingly reduced the cost of production in agriculture and increased profit. (Not applicable to WUAs and policy options. The total score will be prorated accordingly) 15%
4. Being preferably mature/adequately tested. However, if in prototype or pilot/demonstration phase, it shall have enough evidence of impact and sustainability.10%
5. Being of relevance to SWIM countries and with potential for replicability in most SWIM countries while considering the socio-economic, environmental and political specificities of the countries and the region. The replicability of the solution will be measured based on the following sub-criteria. 20%
i. Responsive to the identified and documented regional and/or national needs and priorities.
ii. Adds value to the water policy debate within the region
6. Has a positive impact on the project beneficiaries e.g.; users’ groups (including the ecosystem), and local communities. Impacts include 15%
i. Has a positive impact on health
a. Reduces the negative impact on environment and in particular leads to a more sustainable management of water resources
Bonus criteria and their weight in percentage (10% of the total grade)
1. Has led to the Integration of outcomes into local/national policies/strategies, as applicable; 2%
2. Synergizes with other relevant projects/initiatives within and without the sector, as applicable. 2%
3. Engages beneficiaries and involves relevant stakeholders, such as water providers, water user groups, civil society, community based organizations, universities, NGOs, funding agencies, as applicable, in the design, planning and implementation of the project. 2%
4. It benefitsvulnerable groups (particularly the poorest segments of society) and integrates gender considerations. 2%
5. Has high visibility through press coverage that should be beyond a press release written by the implementers. 2%
Examples of topics for solutions
The examples below are suggestions only the reader and are not meant to limit
1. Desalination with an emphasis on renewable energy
2. Wastewater treatment
a. In rural areas
b. Low tech technology (easy to operate and maintain)
c. Affordable cost technology (capital and operations and maintenance cost and affordable to served population)
d. Policy option, institutional framework, and/or legislation that has improved the coverage of wastewater treatment
e. Process that has led to adoption of policies that are favourable to wastewater treatment
3. Wastewater reuse in agriculture
a. Created and/or improved agriculture
b. Provided affordable cost of service to farmers without subsidy
c. Reduced pollution
d. Led to parallel benefits such as agri and/or eco-tourism
4. Water User Associations
a. Successful transfer of irrigation management
b. Improved services as compared to centralized management
c. WUA providing multiple services to farmers
5. Financing water infrastructure
a. Improved access to finance with cost recovery
b. Increased efficiency of service
c. Decreased cost to the consumer
d. Local financing
6. Adaptation to climate change
a. Use of crops that are adapted to climate change
b. No-regret actions with visible results
7. Enforcement of water legislation
a. Any practices that improved enforcement of legislation
8. Other solutions under the SWIM pillars and fitting the selection criteria