The Scientific and Technical Research Center for Arid Regions “Omar EL-BERNAOUI” (CRSTRA) was established in 1991 (modified in 2003/2011), it is a Public Establishment of a Scientific and Technical Nature (EPST) with legal personality and financial autonomy, operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, focuses on :
1- Desertification Control: Researching, mapping, and monitoring wind erosion, sand encroachment, and degradation of steppe/forest ecosystems.
2- Resource Management: Managing and valorizing water resources and arid soils.
3- Biodiversity Protection: Monitoring and protecting plant, animal, and ecosystem biodiversity under climate change.
4- Agricultural Innovation: Researching date palm cultivation, biotechnology, and biological disease control.
5- Ecology and Environment: Studying the ecology of arid ecosystems and managing natural risks like drought.
Sustainable irrigation
Treated wastewater irrigation
Soil–plant interactions
Crop productivity
Nutrient recycling
Soil fertility
Climate-resilient agriculture
Water reuse
Wastewater valorization
Decentralized treatment systems
Low-cost water treatment
Water quality improvement
Sustainable water management
Non-conventional water resources
Aquaculture wastewater
Functionalized biochar
Bio-based materials
Algal biotechnology
Physio-biochemical responses
Oxidative stress mitigation
Green technologies
We seek to establish a balanced consortium involving partners from Northern and Southern Mediterranean countries, including:
1- Research institutions and universities (expertise in wastewater treatment, biochar production, microalgal biotechnology, and soil–plant interactions)
2- Agricultural research centers and experimental farms (implementation of irrigation trials and validation under realistic conditions)
3- SMEs / industry partners (biochar production, aquaculture systems, and water treatment technologies)
4- Stakeholders and end-users (farmers, aquaculture operators, water agencies)
The collaboration will follow a co-development and knowledge-sharing approach, including:
1- Joint experimental protocols to ensure harmonized data collection
2- Exchange of materials and samples (biochar, EPS, treated water)
3- Short-term research stays and training workshops
4- Shared data platforms for integrated analysis
***Contribution to PRIMA Thematic Areas***
Thematic Area 1: Water Management in the Nexus
The collaboration will:
*Develop nature-based, low-cost wastewater treatment systems
*Improve water quality for safe agricultural reuse
*Reduce pressure on freshwater resources.
Thematic Area 2: Farming Systems in the Nexus
The collaboration will:
*Promote sustainable irrigation practices using treated wastewater
*Enhance crop productivity and resilience under water stress
*Support circular bio-economy approaches in agriculture.
Our mission is to integrate scientific and technological advancements in agriculture with the practical needs of farms and consumers. We are dedicated to developing technologies that enhance and fortify the natural cycles of crop growth.
We have experience in utilizing bioproducts for fertilization across various crop varieties, we stand ready to offer valuable insights and knowledge to support agricultural projects.
I am committed to actively participating in and contributing to successful PRIMA project consortia. I believe that my expertise and experience, combined with the strengths of other consortium members, can lead to impactful solutions for sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean region.
I am eager to discuss potential collaboration opportunities with interested parties. Please feel free to contact me to explore how my expertise can benefit your PRIMA 2026 project proposal.
