Regional initiative | “Water stress and climate change in North Africa” Enhancing unconventional and fossil water in a context of climate change in North Africa: Challenges and solutions

North Africa has a naturally predominantly arid climate, characterized by a scarcity of renewable water resources, compromising the sub-region's sustainable development. The sub-region is also experiencing a strong drying-up trend and a reduction of available renewable water resources. At the same time, the total population of the area and the rate of urbanization are rapidly increasing, leading to high demand for water. For all the countries in the sub-region, this situation represents a serious threat to their already scarce water resources, and a common and urgent challenge for meeting water needs in the short, medium and long term. Aware of these challenges, the countries of the sub-region have been making substantial investments for several decades to implement policies and strategies through projects and programs aimed at reinforcing the rational management and availability of water. Sustainable water resources management and development best practices have been capitalized on through these initiatives. The mobilization of water resources and alternatives such as unconventional water (treated wastewater, drainage water, etc.) and fossil water are top measures to think of. This capitalization integrates the information and data required for the exchange of best practices and experiences between North African countries, as well as with other water-stressed African countries.

The document provides the means to facilitate interaction and strategic dialogue between the research community and decision-makers in the formulation of public policies for the mobilization and sustainable management of water resources. It is also intended as a decision-making tool for the effective implementation of these policies.