Water Crisis: Experts Call for Sustainable Solutions
The Center for Climate Change/IACE organized a conference-debate on Monday, November 24, 2025, titled "RésEau d'opportunités: résilience & eau, les clés de demain" (Network of Opportunities: Resilience and Water, the Keys to Tomorrow). Experts presented a worrying assessment of the current water situation, while exploring sustainable solution paths for the horizon of 2050.
Current Water Crisis
At present, the world, including Tunisia, is facing a major structural water crisis. According to the World Bank in partnership with the FAO, in 2023, renewable water resources per inhabitant were less than 380 m³ per year, compared to 420 m³ in 2010, well below the threshold of extreme water stress set at 500 m³/inhabitant/year. Agriculture absorbs between 85 and 90% of water resources, significantly limiting the volumes available for domestic and industrial uses. This crisis is exacerbated by prolonged droughts and the overexploitation of 57% of groundwater, with significant losses in networks (30 to 40%) and a degradation of water quality. This situation goes beyond the technical framework; it requires strategic governance choices involving companies, public authorities, local authorities, and citizens.
Role of Enterprises in Finding Solutions
During the conference, it was mentioned that companies play a key role in finding innovative solutions. These include the reuse of treated wastewater, currently valued at only 30%, desalination, industrial recycling, digitalization of irrigation, and reduction of losses. "The strategy for the reuse of wastewater, REUT 2050, is coupled with a strategy for the horizon of 2050, forming two major policies in the field of water and wastewater reuse," said Olfa Mahjoub, a professor specializing in water quality. She added that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fisheries is working on various projects.
Projects and Financing
Some of these projects will be financed by the state, while others will be funded through partnerships with the World Bank and bilateral collaborations. "These projects are subject to rigorous cost-benefit analyses. The investment will be significant, particularly in energy, which represents between 50 and 60% of the total cost," she continued.
Obstacles and Challenges
However, several obstacles slow down these advances. From a technical standpoint, infrastructure, particularly wastewater treatment plants, must be modernized to ensure water quality that meets standards. Irrigation networks suffer from aging and breaks, requiring training for farmers and managers. In terms of governance, agricultural development groups, the main managers of wastewater, struggle to ensure the financial sustainability of their activities, depending on revenue from water sales.
Emphasis on Renewable Energy and Nature-Based Solutions
Consequently, the focus is on the use of renewable energy and nature-based solutions, which are less energy-intensive and costly.
Private Sector's Role
Finally, Olfa Mahjoub emphasizes the imperative for the private sector to play a driving role, not only in permanent financing but also as a vector of innovation. "The private sector, whether small or large investors, must open up to existing solutions, adapt them to the local context, and collaborate closely with the state. This dynamic is essential to effectively respond to user needs and the socio-economic challenges posed by the water crisis. An integrated approach, combining research, innovation, and cooperation, is indispensable."
Recommendations
The experts present call for the following recommendations to be implemented:
- Mobilize companies as essential actors in sustainable and innovative water management.
- Identify and promote innovations from the private sector, particularly the reuse of wastewater, desalination, and digitalization.
- Foster a permanent and constructive dialogue between companies, public authorities, and local authorities.
- Promote and disseminate good practices to engage other actors.
- Develop concrete and operational recommendations.
- Enhance the value of water and new technologies in the service of agriculture.
- Promote efficiency in agricultural water use.
- Create a national framework for water innovation involving companies, startups, and research centers. These recommendations were emphasized throughout the two panels.
