Created in 1992 & based in Tunis, The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) in an organization with an international scope & an African vocation. It operates in the arid, semi-arid, sub-humid & dry areas of the Sahara-Sahel region. OSS members include 26 African countries, 7 non-African countries, 13 organizations (representing West, East, & North Africa, & UN organizations) & 3 non-governmental organizations.
OSS mission is to support its African member countries in the sustainable management of their natural resources in an unfavourable context of climate change through:
- The implementation of international multilateral agreements on desertification, biodiversity & climate change
- The promotion of international and regional initiatives in relation with the major environmental challenges faced by Africa
- The definition of concepts & harmonization of Land & Water Resources Management & Climate change Adaptation & Mitigation approaches & methodologies.
OSS mission is based essentially on knowledge transfer, capacity building & awareness-raising.
Its programs & projects are financed by voluntary contributions, grants & donations from its members and development partners.
A light & flexible structure, transparent financial management, effective governance & a competent, multicultural & multidisciplinary team constitute important assets that entitle OSS to make a significant contribution to the regional & international response to environmental challenges.