International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Protection of the North West Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS) and related humid zones and ecosystems


The project for the Transboundary Aquifer System of the Northern Sahara (Algeria, Libya and Tunisia) has as its objective the protection of this critical resource, and in particular of the recharge areas and humid zones and ecosystems related to the aquifer. It includes two complementary components: (I) improving the knowledge of the aquifer and related ecosystems and (ii) implementing a consultation mechanism at the hydrogeologic basin level. In the three countries concerned - Algeria, Libya and Tunisia - the management of the NWSAS water resources will cover arid and semi-arid areas that are presently affected by desertification. Recent assessments have indicated the partly renewable nature of this aquifer, and hence the opportunity for its sustainable management, which would necessarily include the protection of water quality (recharge areas) and of humid zones, such as oasis, shebkas etc, which are critical from the socio-economic and environmental points of view. The project represents a significant first step in this direction taken by the three countries.


Groundwater
Aquifers

http://nwsas.iwlearn.org

Northwest Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS)


TDA/SAP
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Documents & Resources
General information
GEF ID 1851
Project type Medium-Size Project
Status closed (Project Closure)
Start Date 06 May 2003
End Date 30 Jun 2006
GEF characteristic:
Focal Area International Waters
GEF Allocation to project USD 600,000
Total Cost of the project: USD 1,416,000
Results
YES - See results data (1851)
Partners
Algeria , Libyan Arab Jamahiriya , Tunisia , Regional

UN Environment (UNEP)


Project contacts
Abdel Kader Dodo Project Manager
Djamel Latrech Project Coordinator
Khatim Kherraz Executive Secretary