Sludge treating facility. Ph: Archives.

This project, the first of its kind in Morocco, was prepared by Moroccan researchers belonging to Chouaib Doukkali University, in cooperation with National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) as well as other public institution and civil society organisations.

The objective of MOROCOMP is to develop and establish an innovative composting system for the treatment of biodegradable organic waste (BOW), and sludge generated by urban waste matter treatment plants and drinking water refineries.

The treated sludge will be used to improve soil on arable land, act as a substitute to chemical fertilizers, and prevent soil degradation.

This project also aims to copy European environmental policies, enhance the protection of the environment and the population's health, and protect arable lands against the degradation of the quality of soil and underground waters to avoid any contamination.

MOROCOMP is also designed to develop instruments for competent authorities to be able to use the appropriate schemas in the management of sludge and BOW, besides acquiring a national autonomy in terms of technology.

It also targets the reduction of the use of chemical manure, and the protection of water reserves which are sensitive to eutrophication.

The project is also meant to train the personnel that will be involved in the development of the studied technology, the resolution of the problems stocking sludge and BOW, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

The budget allocated to the project, which will be carried out in about 24 months (Feb. 2006 Feb. 2008), amounts to Euro 637,808 The EU will pay Euro 438,228 and other partners will pay Euro 199,580.

LIFE-Third countries is part of the LIFE programme . LIFE is EU's financial instrument supporting environmental and nature conservation projects in the EU's member states and some neighboring countries. Its objective of the programme is to bolster the development and implementation of EU's environmental policy.

Since 1992, LIFE-Third Countries has co-financed some 2,500 projects, contributing Euro 1,500 million to the protection of the environment.