Northern Sahara Nations Form Water Consultation Mechanism

The development of Saharan agriculture in Algeria necessitates a long-term strategy for water mobilization. This strategic focus is deemed critical for future investments and national food security. While the vast subsoil reserves of the Sahara are considerable, their long-term availability requires careful and sustainable management.

Algeria shares the extensive Northern Sahara Aquifer System (SASS) with Tunisia and Libya, with approximately 700,000 square kilometers of this system located within Algerian territory. The SASS waters are vital for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses, impacting population supply and economic activities in dependent regions. Preserving this valuable resource involves aligning agricultural practices with a deep understanding of aquifer dynamics, recognizing that the distinction between accumulated reserves and annually renewed resources is essential for sustainable exploitation. Moreover, the efficiency of irrigation practices, including judicious crop selection and controlled water distribution, forms a key component of this comprehensive strategy.

The cross-border nature of these aquifers underscores the importance of regional coordination. This cooperative imperative led to a ministerial meeting involving Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya on April 29, 2026, in Tripoli. During this significant gathering, a declaration was signed, alongside the constitutive act for a permanent consultation mechanism focused on the Northern Sahara groundwater. The commitments established through this agreement include enhanced technical and scientific cooperation and the sustainable management of these shared water resources, providing a robust institutional framework to advance these critical objectives.