NEW INBO WEBINAR SERIES – Integrating Unconventional Waters into the Water Mix: Challenges and Opportunities for IWRM at Basin Level

WEBINAR 1 - Strengths and Weaknesses of Seawater Desalination as part of the Water Mix for Integrated Water Resources Management

19 March 2026 | 13:00-14:45 CET | in English, French and Spanish

Integrated Water Resources Management, especially in coastal areas requires to consider the sea as a surface resource in its own right. From source to sea, this applies to the impact of land-based coastal activities on marine resources, including urban discharges and all contaminations. From sea to land, it also takes into account saline and brackish coastal waters for drinking water supply through desalination. Integrating sea water resources into the water mix allows us to examine their advantages for diversifying resources in arid regions, while also addressing the challenges they convey in terms of energy, economics, and the environment.

IWRM is particularly relevant in addressing these challenges (new cross-sectoral issues, for example between the water and energy sectors, strengthening the link between freshwater and marine waters from an environmental perspective, strategic allocation of water resources, etc.).

The speakers are from the Cape Verde National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANAS), the Mediterranean Network of Basin Organisations (MENBO) and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).