Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria Strengthen Cooperation on Groundwater Management
Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria have decided to reinforce their cooperation on the management of groundwater. The three countries adopted the "Tripoli Declaration" and launched a permanent consultation mechanism.
Meeting in Tripoli
The meeting was held in Tripoli, bringing together the Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fisheries, his Libyan counterpart, and a representative from Algeria. The objective is clear: to better manage the shared groundwater resources in the Sahara. An agreement was signed to create a coordination framework between the three countries. This mechanism aims for a common and sustainable management of these resources, helping to address water scarcity and climate change. Several decisions were made, including the validation of the new instance's regulations and the setting of annual financial contributions. The current presidency is held by Algeria.
The Tripoli Declaration
The "Tripoli Declaration" confirms the commitment of the three states to strengthen technical and scientific cooperation. They also plan to exchange data and develop common policies to protect water resources. The Tunisian Minister affirmed Tunisia's willingness to reinforce this partnership, aiming to ensure water security and support sustainable development in the region.
Maritime Cooperation
On the sidelines of the visit, a meeting took place between Tunisia and Libya in the maritime domain, focusing on fishing and aquaculture. The two countries want to accelerate the signing of a cooperation agreement. This rapprochement comes in a difficult context, as water is becoming increasingly scarce in the region, making groundwater essential for the future.