The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), represented by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra, accompanied by Mr. Lamine Baba Sy, Director of the Water Department, and Mr. AbdelKader Dodo, Water Advisor, is taking part in the Ministerial Conference for the Adoption of the Strategic Action Program (SAP) of the Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer System (ITTAS), held on April 10, 2025, in Nouakchott - Mauritania.
This is the third high-level Conference after those in Bamako (2009) and Abuja (2014), which constitutes a major step in strengthening regional cooperation for the sustainable and integrated management of shared water resources. It comes after the experts’ preparatory works who gathered from April 7 to 9 for the review, update and finalization of several strategic documents, including the Strategic Action Program, the preamble to the Memorandum of Understanding, and its Roadmap for the establishment of a Consultation Mechanism between the relevant countries.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra praised the unwavering commitment of the partners—UNDP, UNEP, NBA, UNESCO, and UNIDO—who helped lay the foundations for solid governance around ITTAS. He emphasized the importance of valuing every resource mobilized, recalling that every dollar invested can help change lives and ensure a more resilient future for future generations.
Mr. Moctar HENDE, Secretary General of the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation of Mauritania, delivered the opening remarks, expressed Mauritania's pride in hosting this strategic event and reaffirmed his government's commitment to promoting integrated, equitable, and sustainable management of transboundary water resources. He also called for strengthening regional cooperation to address the growing challenges of climate change and pressure on water resources.
The SAP official adoption reflects a strong commitment to collaborative management of one of Africa's largest aquifer systems. It illustrates the shared desire of Member States to consolidate the achievements of the NB-ITTAS project and breathe new life into governance based on scientific knowledge, regional solidarity, and inclusion.
This Ministerial Conference also marks the main guidelines for Phase II of the project, which focuses on the practical implementation of the SAP, building on proven solutions at the pilot demonstration sites.
The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), represented by its Executive Secretary,…
The Sahara and Sahel Observatory had the honor of welcoming His Excellency Mr.…
Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra, Executive Secretary of the OSS and the representatives of…