{"id":5967,"date":"2021-06-14T14:07:12","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T14:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cihlebanon.org\/%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b0%d9%87%d8%a8-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%b2%d8%b1%d9%82\/"},"modified":"2022-05-23T19:24:23","modified_gmt":"2022-05-23T19:24:23","slug":"blue-gold","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cihlebanon.org\/en\/initiatives\/blue-gold\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Gold"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Blue Gold<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Based on the principle of people\u2019s right to water, the BLUE GOLD <\/strong>project promotes disruptive measures that ensure sharing of water resources nationwide, reforming the water sector management, transforming water from a commodity to a national wealth, creating platform for public private partnership, enforcing water laws, promoting sustainable use of water and conserving freshwater eco-systems.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t

\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tProject Definition:<\/strong>\n\nBased on the principle of people\u2019s right to water, the BLUE GOLD <\/strong>project promotes disruptive measures that ensure sharing of water resources nationwide, reforming the water sector management, transforming water from a commodity to a national wealth, creating platform for public private partnership, enforcing water laws, promoting sustainable use of water and conserving freshwater eco-systems.read more<\/a><\/li>\n \t
  • \n\nA key element for improving the water sector in Lebanon is the development of an institutional and legal setup that ensures transparency, accountability and participation of all concerned stakeholders including the private sector. Accordingly, the BLUE GOLD proposes the establishment of Lebanon National Council of Water as the higher regulatory authority to work on strategic planning for water resources management, while implementation will be done at the local level, as well as the initiation of a Watch Dog Association from the Civic Society experts to oversee and monitor key performance indicators of all water sector stakeholders.\n\nFinally, another innovative dimension of BLUE GOLD project is to actively involve the Lebanese in water resources management, through creating companies that operate water production and distribution and billing with maximum defined shares.\n\nBackground: <\/strong>\n\nToday, the available water in Lebanon is estimated to 2.7 Bn m\u00b3 during a typical year, of which 2.2 Bn m\u00b3 comprise surface water resources from 17 rivers, and the remaining 0.5 Bn m\u00b3 constitute groundwater resources mainly in 8 aquifers.\n\nAnnual water demand in 2010 was estimated to be 1.5 Bn m\u00b3, which exceeded total withdrawal capacity and created a deficit of 73 MCM. The demand is driven by the agriculture (61%, 810 MCM), domestic (30%, 510 MCM) and industrial (9%, 152 MCM) sectors. Water consumption is not optimized due to obsolete irrigation schemes, a suboptimal crop pattern and the lack of awareness regarding the need to conserve water. With the inevitable increase in population, water demand is expected to increase by 54% in 2020 and reach 2.3 Bn m\u00b3, noting that in 2010 withdrawals accounted for 1.4 Bn m\u00b3, leaving 1.3 Bn m\u00b3 of untapped water as a result of inefficient and under-developed infrastructure. See Figure 1.\n\nFigure 1.\u00a0 Deficit between water supply and demand\n\nWith regards to storage, Lebanon lacks dams and hill lakes capacity and the ability to extract ground water in a controlled and sustainable way. Only 2 dams exist and are partially operational, distribution networks exhibit high leakage rates (48% on average), and treated wastewater accounts for only 8% of the total water consumed.\n\nAs for water quality, the assessment has raised alarming facts about the status of both surface and ground water. In fact, unacceptable levels of dangerous pollutants have been assessed in almost all rivers, especially in Litani.\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nOn the institutional front, the Water Establishments face structural deficiencies, whereby investment planning and execution is scattered among various players. While, the water law 221 of 2000 was designed to improve water service efficiency; however it was not fully implemented. Practically, Water Establishments face a number of organizational challenges that result from staff shortages, lack of training, poor customer relations, unfavorable fixed tariffs and inability to collect bills.\n\nGoing forward, the ongoing plans from the Ministry of Energy and Water and the Council for Development and Reconstruction are primarily focused on increasing surface storage and wastewater treatment capacity as well as the execution of required institutional measures. These initiatives are blocked mainly due problems in accountability, financial\/ political constraints and lack of qualified staff, and if implemented will be able to meet the demand by 2020 without water surplus.\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nObjectives:<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nConsequently, the BLUE GOLD project aims to:\n
      \n \t
    1. Increase water supply<\/u>, through:\n
        \n \t
      1. Enabling the implementation of initiatives to reduce network loss (flow meters, leakage detection, etc. ) an reduce pollution<\/li>\n \t
      2. Developing new sources e.g. increase storage capacity (hill lakes, dams) and non-conventional (reuse wastewater, desalination)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n \t
      3. Optimize water demand<\/u>, through:\n
          \n \t
        1. Devising policies and policy tool packages to incentivize end-users to consume less water: e.g. raise public awareness, review tariffs structures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n \t
        2. Ensure up-to-standard water quality<\/u>, through:\n
            \n \t
          1. Enabling the implementation of monitoring processes and systems to ensure water quality.<\/li>\n \t
          2. Developing proper policies and infrastructure for pollution reduction<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n \t
          3. Improve water management<\/u> efficiency, through:\n
              \n \t
            1. Optimizing the organization of the water sector in Lebanon (e.g. structures, roles and responsibilities, PPPs[1]<\/sup> and WUAs[2])<\/sup><\/li>\n \t
            2. Improving end-users\u2019 satisfaction.<\/li>\n \t
            3. Supporting participatory and inclusive water management by engaging all stakeholders.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nRoad Map Foreseen Results:<\/strong>\n\nThe project identifies a set of initiatives that increase water supply in a sustainable way based on Integrated Water Resources Management and looking at water sector planning and management in a more strategic and integrated way. \u00a0In total, 40 promising Initiatives have been identified that if implemented at the long term will ensure a surplus of 1.5 Bn m\u00b3 by 2030.\n\nHowever, 13 supply\/demand side initiatives are short-listed .to cover the water deficit by 2020 ( in 5 years), and yield a total of 650 MCM as surplus of water for use at a cost of USD 3.546 Bn as seen in the figure below.\n\nFigure 2 cost vs MCM of supply demand initiatives\n\nFigure 3 below shows the implementation roadmap of the supply and demand levers discussed above. Each initiative is termed as short, medium, or long term. The total cost in each term is tabulated along with the total MCM of the initiatives\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n
              0.0.715<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n.\n\nThe water resources are progressively exposed to sources of domestic, industrial and agricultural pollution impacting water quality for multipurpose use and the self-purification and ecologic viability. As such, it is critical to instate proper water quality monitoring to insure sustainable access to safe domestic water, enhance water productivity and pre-treatment and reclaim waste water effluents to protect human health and ecologic wellbeing. Accordingly Blue Gold suggested the following initiatives.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              ID<\/strong><\/td>\nInitiative\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\nYear1<\/strong><\/td>\nYear 2 to 5 <\/strong><\/td>\nYear 5 to 10<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              3.1<\/strong><\/td>\nProtect and increase\n\nvegetation cover in watersheds<\/td>\n18 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              3.2<\/strong><\/td>\nDevelop off-network\n\nwastewater treatment solutions<\/td>\n25 MUSD<\/td>\n100MUSD<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              3.3<\/strong><\/td>\nBuild and operate\n\nwastewater treatment plants\n\nto treat\u00a0 industrial wastewater<\/td>\n200 MUSD<\/td>\n900MUSD<\/td>\n1200MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              3.4<\/strong><\/td>\nStudy burden of disease\n\nresulting from bad water quality<\/td>\n4 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              3.5<\/strong><\/td>\nPromote and devise an urban\n\ndevelopment plan for industries<\/td>\n6MUSD<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              3.6<\/strong><\/td>\nDevelop knowledge and awareness\n\non water quality in Lebanon<\/td>\n20 MUSD<\/td>\n60 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              TOTAL<\/strong><\/td>\nBn USD<\/td>\n0.273<\/td>\n1.065<\/td>\n1.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nMCM\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 38\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 114\n\nNevertheless, the implementation of the supply and demand side levers and water conservation solutions need to be coupled with a series of institutional and legal reforms. As such, the project suggests institutional changes entailing more involvement from the private sector, planning at the national and the river basin levels, advanced monitoring and controlling capabilities, as well as reviewing and updating and enforcing water laws. Accordingly, the Blue Gold Project suggests implementing the following Management side initiatives by 2020 as a pre-requisite for results optimizations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              ID<\/strong><\/td>\nInitiative<\/strong><\/td>\n1<\/strong><\/td>\n2 to 5<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.1<\/strong><\/td>\nCreate a monitoring centre that provides information on water resources and systems<\/td>\n2 MUSD<\/td>\n8 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.2<\/strong><\/td>\nImplement performance monitoring systems to track financial\/ operational performances of service providers<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.3<\/strong><\/td>\nMonitoring of\u00a0 the impact of climate change on water resources<\/td>\n<\/td>\n8 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.4<\/strong><\/td>\nImplement river basin organizations and enable planning at local level<\/td>\n<\/td>\n8 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.5<\/strong><\/td>\nInvolve the private sector in the operations and maintenance of water supply and sanitation services<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.6<\/strong><\/td>\nInvolve the private sector in the construction and operation of water systems at the production stage<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.7<\/strong><\/td>\nInvolvement of\u00a0 the private sector in water conservation by creating the Water PSP Platform<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.8<\/strong><\/td>\nImplement volumetric pricing<\/td>\n1 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.9<\/strong><\/td>\nIntroduce tariff for wastewater<\/td>\n1 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.10<\/strong><\/td>\nEstablish the water court<\/td>\n1MUSD<\/td>\n5 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.11<\/strong><\/td>\nCreate a training centre<\/td>\n3 MUSD<\/td>\n12 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.12<\/strong><\/td>\nEstablish a hydro-diplomacy function<\/td>\n1 MUSD<\/td>\n2MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.13<\/strong><\/td>\nDevelop a risk management competency<\/td>\n1 MUSD<\/td>\n4 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              4.14<\/strong><\/td>\nAssess the environmental impact of ongoing water projects<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              \u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nTOTAL<\/strong><\/td>\n9 MUSD<\/td>\n59 MUSD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\u00a0Investment <\/strong>\n\nThe quantification of the total social costs and benefits of a Blue Gold must take into consideration Tariff planning. The costs and benefits concerned in this document only include direct pecuniary costs and benefits, the discount rate used is 5%. \u00a0The tariff planning was designed based on data of BMLW as it has the highest rate of collection 70% and more concrete data. As seen in the figure below. If this tariff apply at the current demand for water before the addition it will enable a 45o MUSd per year. This tariff model is estimated.\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n
              <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nFigure 3 Tariff planning\n\nFigure 4. Tariff analysis at the current situation.\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nAs mentioned earlier this tariff is normalized based on BMLW data hence it is structured as depict in the figure 5 below: this tariff is also constructed from the production and distribution side and allow the participation of the private sector.\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nFigure 5 Tariff constituents\n\nThe next step is distribute the BLUE GOLD Initiatives cost both capex and opex in addition to the revenue due to MCM generation over the year:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              Initiative<\/strong><\/td>\nBenefits<\/strong><\/td>\nWater produced in MCM<\/strong><\/td>\nCost in USD<\/strong><\/td>\nTimeline<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Supply-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Surface storage and Interconnectivity between basins<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase surface storage with minimum number of dams.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Adequate water flow all year long.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Private Sector involvement.<\/td>\n753<\/td>\n1,300<\/td>\n5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Network rehabilitation<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce water leakage from 48 to 20%\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Saving around 340 MUSD due from technical losses\/year.<\/td>\n50<\/td>\n372<\/td>\n5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Waterways optimization<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase around 77.5 MUSD as revenue from water produced.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Facilitate water quality and quantity measurement at the production units.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Improve water quality<\/td>\n62<\/td>\n100<\/td>\n5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Increase forestation<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce the effect of climate change.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase water absorption in the ground.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 \u00a0Increase green cover by more than 20%.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Improve water quality in watersheds.<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Artificial recharge of underground aquifers<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 160 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Improve water quality.<\/td>\n128<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n5years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Capture water from sea springs<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 65 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Provide fresh water for the northern cost of Lebanon.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Meet the demand for the current and future touristic resorts.<\/td>\n52<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n5years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Grey water system<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 5 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce the stress on fresh water resources during the dry season.<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Rainwater harvesting<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 5 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce the stress on fresh water resources.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Decrease the high tariff cost for water delivering by trucks<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n69<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Demand-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Implement Smart drip irrigation schemes<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 335 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce water demand from 10,000 m\u00b3\/ha to 5,500 m\u00b3\/ha.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce the stress on fresh water resources.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce agro-chemicals in fresh water.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Improve crops production<\/td>\n270<\/td>\n40<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Crops mix alteration<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 75 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce demand on water.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Production of added value and economically viable crops<\/td>\n60<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Water efficient household appliances<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 18 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce stress on fresh water during dry season.<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              No-till farming<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the revenue from water by 11 MUSD \/ year.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce the stress on fresh water resources.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce agro-chemicals in fresh water.<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Awareness campaigns<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Reduce water demand\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Improve water quality<\/td>\n<\/td>\n0.5<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Quality-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Develop off-network wastewater treatment solutions<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase the availability of surface water for usage by around 45%.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Improve water quality at the river basin levels.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Private Sector involvement.<\/td>\n<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Management-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Monitoring and Information center on Water<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase knowledge on the status of water resources & infrastructure Monitor and control water supply and sanitation services.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Information exchange among key stakeholders in the water sector.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Monitor water use and shares.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Increase integrated water sector planning and management at both national and basin level.<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              River Basin Organizations and planning at the local level<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Engage key stakeholders in planning and implementation processes.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Avoid dominance of one sectoral interest group.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Management of the water sector in an integrated approach<\/td>\n<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              National Training Center on Water<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0 Build the capacities of stakeholder working in the water sector (private and public).\n\n\u00b7\u00a0 Create and implement university degree major on Integrated Water Resources Management.<\/td>\n<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n\u00a05 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              <\/td>\nyear 1<\/td>\nyear 2<\/td>\nyear 3<\/td>\nyear 4<\/td>\nyear 5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              supply<\/td>\n1445<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              demand<\/td>\n70.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              quality<\/td>\n273<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              management<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nFigure 6. Capex expenditure over 5 years\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              <\/td>\nyear 1<\/td>\nyear 2<\/td>\nyear 3<\/td>\nyear 4<\/td>\nyear 5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              supply<\/td>\n100<\/td>\n150<\/td>\n175<\/td>\n185<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              demand<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              quality<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n35<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nFigure 7 opex expenditure over 5 years\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\n<\/td>\nyear 1<\/td>\nyear 2<\/td>\nyear 3<\/td>\nyear 4<\/td>\nyear 5<\/td>\nyear 6<\/td>\nyear 7<\/td>\nyear 8<\/td>\nyear 9<\/td>\nyear 10<\/td>\nyear 11<\/td>\nyear 12<\/td>\nyear 13<\/td>\nyear 14<\/td>\nyear 15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Capex<\/td>\nsupply<\/td>\n1445<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              demand<\/td>\n70.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n22.5<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              quality<\/td>\n273<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n266<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              management<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n1797.5<\/strong><\/td>\n800.5<\/strong><\/td>\n800.5<\/strong><\/td>\n800.5<\/strong><\/td>\n800.5<\/strong><\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Opex<\/td>\nsupply<\/td>\n100<\/td>\n150<\/td>\n175<\/td>\n185<\/td>\n200<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n225<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              demand<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              quality<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n35<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Total<\/td>\n135<\/strong><\/td>\n190<\/strong><\/td>\n225<\/strong><\/td>\n250<\/strong><\/td>\n275<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Capex+Opex<\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n1932.5<\/strong><\/td>\n990.5<\/strong><\/td>\n1025.5<\/strong><\/td>\n1050.5<\/strong><\/td>\n1075.5<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n300<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nextra water<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n180<\/td>\n355<\/td>\n360<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nDomestic<\/td>\n510<\/td>\n690<\/td>\n730<\/td>\n810<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n850<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nTourism<\/td>\n27<\/td>\n54<\/td>\n60<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nIndustrial<\/td>\n152<\/td>\n260<\/td>\n280<\/td>\n320<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n325<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nAgriculture<\/td>\n810<\/td>\n950<\/td>\n975<\/td>\n1025<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n1150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nrevenue MUSD<\/td>\n390<\/td>\n430<\/td>\n475<\/td>\n525<\/td>\n590<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n680<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\nRevenue if extar water is counted MUSD<\/td>\n360<\/td>\n619<\/td>\n847.75<\/td>\n903<\/td>\n1115<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n1205<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nTable I\/O of expanditure and revenue\n\nFigure 8 expences vs. revenue over 15 years\n\nA close analysis of this cash flow shows a NPV over 15 years of near 1.9 BNs at 5 % discount rate and 2.2 BN at 8% discount rate \u00a0the IRR over 15 years is 18 %\n\nThe scurve of the project is also shown below\n\n\n\n\n
              <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              <\/td>\n\n\n\n\n
              BLUE GOLD Project – Legal Aspects<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nLegal aspect<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
              Initiatives <\/strong><\/td>\nLegal aspects – Ref: Code de l’Eau (2012) currently under study by the Council of Ministers<\/strong><\/td>\nMatching with the proposed BLUE GOLD Initiatives\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Cross-cutting Initiatives <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Watch Dog<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to Articles 32 to 39, the MoEW is directly responsible for monitoring and following-up of production, distribution, and metering and billing through the Water Establishments.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The MoEW will monitor the water quality, and implementation of the Environment Law 444\/2002 articles 24 to 48 regarding industries.\n\nRemarks<\/u>:\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The new proposed law does not mention external entities to monitor the water quality and the management of the water sector.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No link between the monitoring process and the Water National Commission.<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Right to access to information law.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A new law to establish the Watch Dog.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Supply-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Surface storage and Interconnectivity between basins<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The storage capacity and the need to conduct water from basin to basin it to be identified by the MoEW as needed.<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 .<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Network rehabilitation<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The new law kept all maintenance actions at the water establishment\u2019s level.<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Need to highlight the role of PPP in rehabilitation of networks as part of distribution operations. Recently approved<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Waterways optimization<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law identify different ways to protect the water resources including the rivers.<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Law enforcement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Increase forestation<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law recognizes the environment impact of water related projects at the production level. However, it doesn’t recognize the importance of forests eco-systems and watersheds for groundwater and surface water and the direct correlation with climate change<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Law amendment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Artificial recharge of underground aquifers<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The new law state clearly that all water resources in Lebanon are publicly owned except water rainwater and water collected inside building and facilities, and the acquired rights to the ownership of water (the same as the previous water law). and these acquired rights would be dropped and the landowner won’t be able to use the water in case of land use change.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 However, the new law enable the government represented by the MoEW to put hand on all water resources for public interest, but with compensation of the affected groups.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to the Law, it is forbidden to use or exploit any groundwater without permission from concerned authorities.\n\n\u00a0<\/u>\n\nRemarks<\/u>:\n\nThere are no guidelines in the law about how to calculate the tariffs for using groundwater<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Further research to be done about the different types of water resources ownership, types of permissions and tariffs and amend the law accordingly.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose a new law to reclaim the acquired rights to the ownership of water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Capture water from sea springs<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law mentions that only the government can use the sea springs but without putting any guidelines<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Law amendment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Grey water system<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law doesn’t mention this<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is part of the municipalities law<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Rainwater harvesting<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law doesn’t recognize rainwater harvesting as part of the government water strategy, and gives the right to individuals and groups to use this water taking into consideration the quality of collected water before usage.<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose a new incentives mechanism to encourage individuals and investors to collect rainwater.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Demand-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Implement Smart drip irrigation schemes<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The proposed law mentions that the MoEW will collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture in order to optimize water demand, but not specifically using drip irrigation<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose a new incentives mechanism to encourage farmers to use new technologies such as drip irrigation to optimize water demand.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Crops mix alteration<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The proposed law mentions that the MoEW will collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture in order to optimize water demand, but not specifically working on crops alteration<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A new strategy involving both ministries MoA and MoEW for crops alteration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Water efficient household appliances<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law doesn’t mention this<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Municipalities\u2019 law.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              No-till farming<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law doesn’t mention this<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose a new incentives mechanism to encourage farmers to use this method.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Awareness campaigns<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law doesn’t mention this<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Involve the WEs and the local communities in awareness campaigns<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Quality-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Develop off-network wastewater treatment solutions<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law doesn’t mention this<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose a new incentives mechanism to encourage industries and investors to establish wastewater treatment solutions at the production level and involving the private sector in collaboration with municipalities.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Management-side Initiatives<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Monitoring and Information center on Water<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to Articles 32 to 39, the MoEW is directly responsible for monitoring and following-up of production, distribution, and metering and billing through the Water Establishments.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The MoEW will monitor the water quality, and implementation of the Environment Law 444\/2002 articles 24 to 48 regarding industries.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law indentifies a mechanism of reporting between the Water Establishments and the Ministry.<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose new law for the national monitoring center.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Right to access to information law.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Introduce the private sectors as water services operators (production, distribution, mitering and billing)<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Private Sector Involvement: According to article 31, The MoEW and subcontract private sector companies to manage surface and groundwater resources, such as lakes, rivers, dams. This can be achieved based on the recommendations of the Minister of Energy and Water and after approval from the Council of Ministers.\n\nPrivate sector involvement: According to Article 71, the private sector companies can be delegated by the Minister of Energy and Water to manage the potable water, wastewater, irrigation, after the approval of the Council of Ministers.\n\nRemarks<\/u>:\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The new law didn’t clearly stated the participation of the private sector at the local level in the three main operations (production, distribution and mitering and billing), it was limited to above mentioned categories. And these operations are to be managed only by the Water Establishment.<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose a new law for involving the private sector as operators for production, distribution, mitering and billing.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Propose a law for distribution of shares on water (not more than 5% per shareholder).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              National Training Center on Water<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The law doesn’t mention this<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Develop a new mechanism to establish this training center.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Regulatory Authority<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
              Regulatory Authority<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Article 15: Establish a Water National Commission including:\n\n– Minister of Energy and Water, Chair\n\n– Director General of water and electricity resources, Member\n\n– Director General of\u00a0 Investment, Member\n\n– Director Generals, Head of Water Establishments, Members\n\n– Director of Litani Department, Member\n\n– Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Member\n\n– Director General of the Ministry of Finance, Member\n\n– Director General of the Ministry of Public Health, Member\n\n– Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Member\n\n– Director General of Urban Planning, Member\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 One member will be selected from NGOs according to a decree from the Council of Minister for two years with possibility to extend its membership only once.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The National Commission can request the assistance of experts as needed.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The main role of this Commission is:\n\n– National policies\n\n– National planning\n\n– National programs\n\n– Possible funding resources\n\n– Recommendations\n\nRemarks<\/u>:\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The proposed Commission in the new law doesn’t have clear mandates and the recommendations as well.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As per Article 23, MoEW is responsible for putting the General Master Plan for water that should be approved by the Council of Ministers, with no role<\/u> for the Water National Commission.<\/td>\nNeed to amend the existing law or propose a new law for the Regulatory Authority:\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0To establish the RA under the council of ministers;\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To involve the non-governmental stakeholders in addition to the private sector.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To secure the right to access information about water within the different concerned public and private entities.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To make the recommendations of the RA mandatory.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To have a key role in the planning process and in putting the national strategies for water management.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nBLUE GOLD Impact <\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nEconomic – Social – Environment <\/strong>\n\nBlue Gold tackles the water sector in an innovative approach for the first time in Lebanon, where equal attention is given to all water sides including increasing supply, optimizing demand, improving quality and management of the sector. BLUE GOLD will help to meet the water demand and to yield a surplus of 500 MCM water. Consequently, it will have a great impact on economic, social and environmental aspects as summarized in the following chapter.\n\nEconomic Impact\n\nThe water surplus of 500 MCM can serve the following objectives:\n
                \n \t
              • Increase the agricultural areas.<\/li>\n \t
              • Improve livestock industries.<\/li>\n \t
              • Export water to the Gulf and neighboring countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDifferent stakeholders will benefit economically from BLUE GOLD as follows:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Households<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provision of water 24\/24 even during dry season.\n\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Decrease the water bill per household from 700 USD currently to 285 USD per year.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Government<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 23% profit from public-private partnerships projects.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Private Sector<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12% annual profit after tax from Service Providers Contracts (production, distribution, metering and billing).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Lebanese Citizens<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ability to invest in the water sector through a crowd fund with a minimum benefit of 5% after tax.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Hotels<\/td>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reduce the hotels water bill annually from 13,000 USD to 9,000 USD.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nSocial Impact\n\nThe implementation of Blue Gold will also help socially through:\n
                  \n \t
                • Reducing the cost of health due to water diseases by improving the quality of water estimated to 800 MUSD per year.<\/li>\n \t
                • Helping creating more than 500,000 seasonal jobs in local communities, which will decrease the displacement of people to big cities.<\/li>\n \t
                • Bringing all the Lebanese together to protect and value their common wealth of water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nEnvironment Impact\n\nBLUE GOLD will have a significant impact on environment that can be summarized as follows:\n
                    \n \t
                  • Supporting the national reforestation initiative to plant 40 million native trees, which will help reducing of CO2 emissions by 3 million tons of CO2\/year, increasing O2 by 4 million tons of O2\/year, increasing rain and helping in increasing underground water by 35% due to infiltration.<\/li>\n \t
                  • Reducing the percentages of agro-chemicals in ground water resulting from current irrigation techniques through shifting to localized irrigation.<\/li>\n \t
                  • Decreasing the stress on rivers and watersheds by limiting the pollution resulting from wastewater and industrial wastewater impacting the ability of the river to dilute and handle organic and inorganic contaminants.<\/li>\n \t
                  • Limiting the number of dams to 16 instead of 40 as proposed by Government, which will save many natural sites in Lebanon from deterioration and degradation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t\t\t
                    \r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t
                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t