This project improved water management and address water pollution problems in Morocco by strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and by implementing pilot projects that focus on the policy/regulatory and institutional frameworks, technology choice, and community participation. The project, which is the centerpiece of USAID/M's environmental strategic objective, will be implemented primarily by the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and an institutional contractor. Project activities will highlight solutions that utilize U.S. expertise and technology. To improve the MOE's water management, project staff will conduct constant dialogue with the MOE and the Project Steering Committee on water policy, regulatory issues, and development of a comprehensive water strategy. The project will strengthen the MOE's ability to identify and prioritize water-related problems through such activities as management workshops, seminars, field visits, formalization of periodic meetings between the MOE and other ministries, and, of particular importance, training of MOE professional staff in identifying and managing water-related programs, environmental assessment and analysis, environmental auditing, water pollution aspects of industrial processes, environmental policy, etc. Training will be given in the United States and in Morocco. U.S. training will not only introduce MOE staff to the newest techniques in water management and the U.S. way of doing business, but will increase the potential for engaging U.S. environmental service and equipment businesses in Morocco. The pilot/demonstration activity component will be the key vehicle through which policy/regulatory development, technology selection and application, and public participation are accomplished. The activities will generally be no more than 3 years in length, will use appropriate, known (not experimental) technologies, and will include active participation of the MOE, local communities, and private industry. Three pilots have already been identified: (1) selection and testing of a sustainable low-cost, low-maintenance appropriate technology for water treatment and reuse in small to medium-sized communities in the Agadir area; (2) selection/implementation of a clean technology' to prevent water pollution in tanneries in Fes; and (3) implementation of a farmer-participatory soil erosion control program in Oued Laou watershed. The United States will be the primary source of new equipment and management techniques used in these activities, creating the potential for a sizable market of U.S. equipment and services in the years to come. U.S. and in-country technical and managerial training will be offered to both government and private sector staff and will highlight areas of U.S. comparative advantage such as environmental law, water pricing policies, and pollution prevention techniques. The contractor will also carry out public awareness activities, e.g., publication of activity results, public seminars, and newspaper articles