Libya, Algeria and Tunisia strengthen cooperation for the sustainable management of the North Western Sahara Aquifer System

Libya, Algeria and Tunisia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on the sustainable management of the North Western Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS), one of the world’s largest transboundary groundwater reserves.

During a first consultation meeting held in Tripoli on 29 April 2026, representatives of the three countries adopted the “Tripoli Declaration”, highlighting the importance of coordinated and equitable management of shared groundwater resources. The agreement aims to reinforce cooperation mechanisms, improve data exchange and ensure the long-term sustainability of this non-renewable freshwater reserve.

The North Western Sahara Aquifer System extends across Algeria, Libya and Tunisia and contains an estimated 40,000 billion cubic metres of fossil groundwater. According to available estimates, around 62% of the aquifer lies within Algerian territory, 30% in Libya and 8% in Tunisia.

The consultation mechanism established by the three countries will focus on preventing overexploitation and pollution risks while promoting rational water use in the context of increasing water demand and climate change pressures. A joint monitoring system based on mathematical modelling and water level assessments is expected to support the allocation and management of groundwater resources among the participating countries.

Algeria will chair the rotating presidency of the consultation mechanism for the next three years.

The initiative also reflects growing regional concerns regarding water scarcity, food security and climate resilience across the Middle East and North Africa region. Libya’s Minister of Water Resources, Hosni Awedane, stressed the importance of optimising groundwater use in response to increasing water needs and climate-related challenges.

The meeting follows earlier discussions held in April 2024 between Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Mohamed al-Menfi, Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, who agreed on the establishment of a consultation framework dedicated to the shared management of the aquifer system.