The Knowledge of water resources is not an end in itself. It should lead to the fulfillment of the populations’ needs and should provide decision makers with reliable and updated information for an informed and adapted decision-making.
The sustainable management of water resources is a classical concept which integrates surface waters, ground waters, and non-conventional waters and takes into account the qualitative and quantitative aspects, water governance, water pricing and users contribution.
OSS has been conducting, for many years, studies aimed at improving water knowledge and management. Thus, the SASS III project (focused on the North Western Aquifer System shared by Algeria, Libya and Tunisia) studied the socio-economic aspects of water utilization through the implementation of agricultural demonstration pilots. It also focused on non-conventional waters and renewable energy.
The CREM project (Regional Cooperation in the Water Sector in the Maghreb: Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) aims to exchange effective Integrated Water Resources Management practices and improve groundwater resources management methods in the countries concerned. This project could be adapted/replicated in other areas of the OSS zone of action.
OSS activities have also included the elaboration of a water allocation master plan, notably for the Senegalo-Mauritanian Aquifer System and the Taoudeni-Tanezrouft Aquifer System. The master plan will facilitate the fulfillment of water demands depending on water availability based on a long-term planning which integrates both the financial and energy aspects.