An international conference on the topic “Beyond H2O - Israel's innovative model for water management“, organized by the Embassy of Israel in Bulgaria, was held.
The event brought together representatives of state institutions and leading experts from Israel and Bulgaria. The main focus of the forum was on the exchange of knowledge and good practices from Israel that can support sustainable water resources management in Bulgaria. This was announced by the Embassy of Israel in Sofia.
The conference was opened by H. E. Yossi Levi Sfari, Ambassador of Israel to Bulgaria, who emphasized that Israel considers Bulgaria one of its closest friends in Europe and the world. He stated that the Israeli side is ready to share its experience and technologies to help Bulgaria in addressing the challenges related to the water sector. “Years ago, Israel was forced to import water to meet the needs of its population. Today, thanks to innovation and effective management, we are able to provide all the necessary resources. If we can contribute to solving this problem in Bulgaria, we are available,“ he said.
Minister of Environment and Water Petar Dimitrov, who was a guest at the opening of the event, emphasized the seriousness of the situation with the water sector in Bulgaria. He noted that in some areas water losses reach 90% and called for urgent modernization of water transmission networks and facilities. The minister emphasized that it is imperative to introduce strict monitoring and analysis of losses, as well as to direct investments to scientific research and training of personnel in the sector.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Neviana Miteva emphasized the importance of the long-standing sectoral cooperation between Bulgaria and Israel, which is based on the signed in 2023 agreement on cooperation in the field of water. “Israel is an undisputed leader in the management and utilization of water resources, and our partnership is of great benefit for the modernization of the sector in Bulgaria,“ she said.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of “Bulgarian Water and Sanitation Holding“ Prof. Dr. Eng. Gancho Dimitrov emphasized the enormous financial resources needed to restore the water sector in Bulgaria. He emphasized that Israeli companies can be a key partner, especially in innovative technologies such as seawater desalination and satellite leak detection.
The Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria (NAMB) Silvia Georgieva drew attention to the need for modern technologies for effective water resource management that can be implemented at the local level. She noted that the topic of access to water is key for all municipalities in Bulgaria, especially against the backdrop of climate and demographic changes. “Water is a public good that everyone should have the right to use at a socially acceptable price,“ she added.
The keynote speaker at the conference was Danny Greenwald, Senior Deputy Director General for Regulation at the Israel Water Authority, who presented Israel's successful water management model. He shared that thanks to technologies such as satellite leak detection systems and infrastructure modernization, Israel has reduced water losses from 14% to 7% in 13 years. “Israel relies on “produced water“, including desalination, to meet the needs of its population. This is a model that can be adapted to the needs of Bulgaria,“ he emphasized.
The third panel of the conference presented leading Israeli companies in the water sector.
The forum, which was held in partnership with “Bulgarian Water and Sanitation Holding“ and the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria (NAMBB), emphasized the importance of international cooperation in overcoming challenges in water resources management and served as a basis for a more active dialogue between Bulgaria and Israel in this area.