Ensuring water security and regional cooperation
Water lies at the heart of the OSS strategic priorities. As a vital resource, it underpins human security, regional stability, and sustainable development. Through its 2030 Strategy, the OSS is committed to enhancing knowledge, governance, and the sustainable management of both surface and groundwater resources. The Organization supports its member countries in planning water uses, implementing integrated policies, and developing consultation mechanisms for shared aquifers such as the NWSAS and ITTAS, while working closely with AMCOW, ANBO, and basin authorities to place water high on political agendas and strengthen resilience to climate pressures and socio-economic challenges.
Current projects
IREE - MONO
The “Regional Initiative for Water and Environment in the Mono Basin – IREE-MONO” project aims to promote the integrated and sustainable management of shared water resources between Togo and Benin. It focuses on strengthening governance, protecting ecosystems, and enhancing community resilience to climate change.
Project detail
SMAS
The Strengthening the sustainable management of the Senegalo-Mauritanian Aquifer System to ensure access to water for populations facing climate change - SMAS aims to promote cooperation between four countries (The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal) and build the institutional capacity for the protection and sustainable management of the Senegalo-Mauritanian Transboundary Aquifer in order to improve water and food security and resilience to climate change.
Project detail
Restore NAW
The “Restoring North Africa's wetlands as a nature-based solution to improve water and food security ” project aims to improve the management and conservation of critically endangered freshwater species. It is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening irrigation water efficiency and promoting learning about the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity based on the project sites (Sebou basin in Morocco and the wetlands of Ghar El Melh in Tunisia).
Project detail
ITTAS
The “Improving IWRM, knowledge-based Management and Governance of the Niger Basin and the Iullemeden-Taoudéni / Tanezrouft Aquifer System | ITTAS” project aims to improve the management, governance and conservation of the Niger River Basin and the Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems resources
Project detail