During 2024, the OSS, in close collaboration with all the stakeholders, laid the essential foundations for the deployment of the project. This preparatory phase was marked by in-depth consultations, the signing of an agreement with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the official launch of the project. Major achievements include the development of concept notes for the pilot projects, the implementation of a robust communication strategy, the organization of the Inception workshop (25-26 July 2024), and the first steering committee meeting (26 July 2024). These actions, both strategic and concrete, were decisive in ensuring a firm commitment from the countries and a smooth start-up in line with the project's ambitious objectives.

The Inception workshop was marked by constructive exchanges and provided essential clarifications. The collective efforts and high-quality contributions of the participants laid a solid foundation for the implementation of the project. The momentum created by this workshop augurs well for the successful implementation of the planned actions. It is recommended that this momentum be maintained with strong and continuous involvement of all stakeholders, thus ensuring the sustainability and positive impact of the initiative on water resources management in the Senegalo-Mauritanian basin region.

The steering committee approved the annual work plan and associated budget. The ToRs for the recruitment of consultants for the implementation of groundwater management tools, as well as the development of the transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) / Strategic Action Programme (SAP) process recommended by the GEF for International Waters.

In addition, the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), represented by its Executive Secretary, Nabil Ben Khatra, actively participated in the ministerial session on the Senegalo-Mauritanian Aquifer Basin (BASM), which was held on the sidelines of the 10^th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention, on 23 October 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This participation is part of the implementation of the Aquifer Basin Concertation Mechanism.

The OSS welcomes the remarkable results achieved by the Regional Working Group (RWG), highlighting the significant progress made in the sustainable management of transboundary water resources. This session was an opportunity to reaffirm OSS's unwavering commitment to supporting the efforts of the RWG and the Member States in implementing this strategic initiative.

The OSS's participation in this ministerial session demonstrates its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting sustainable solutions to the climate challenges affecting the basin. This close collaboration with governments and regional stakeholders is helping to consolidate what has been achieved and to identify new opportunities for improving resilience in the face of the impacts of climate change. OSS remains firmly committed to supporting integrated water resources management initiatives in West Africa while ensuring inclusive and sustainable governance for the well-being of present and future generations.

Words by SMAS project.