53rd International Groundwater Congress: OSS Showcases African Expertise

Budapest from 14 to 18 September 2026

Drawing on its experience in the shared knowledge and joint management of water resources in Africa, the Sahara and Sahel Observatory is taking part in the 53^rd International Groundwater Congress, held in Budapest from 14 to 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity to bring the Organization's expertise and Africa's experience to the heart of international discussions on this strategic resource.

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) is participating in the 53^rd International Groundwater Congress, organized in Budapest, Hungary, by the International Association of Hydrogeologists. Held under the theme "Groundwater: A Vital and Diverse Resource," this event brings together experts, scientists, academics, and decision-makers around issues related to the knowledge, management, and preservation of groundwater resources.

OSS's participation is part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable and jointly managed water resources in Africa. Through its work on the major transboundary aquifer systems of the Sahara and Sahel, the Organization has developed expertise combining scientific knowledge, decision-support tools, and cooperation among countries sharing the same resource.

African expertise shared in Budapest
In this context, Mr. Mohamedou Sy, Director of OSS's Water Department, presented a paper entitled "Integrated Transboundary Aquifer Management in the Sahara–Sahel: Lessons from ITTAS and SMAS."

His presentation highlighted OSS's experience in the integrated management of transboundary water resources, particularly through the joint management of surface water and groundwater. This approach helps to better account for the interactions between these resources and to provide more coherent responses to growing pressures on water and the effects of climate change.

From knowledge to cooperation among countries
The experience presented draws in particular on lessons learned from work carried out on the Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer System and the Senegalo-Mauritanian Aquifer System, within the framework of projects funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme.

Data harmonization, hydrogeological modeling, resource monitoring, information exchange, and institutional dialogue: these experiences illustrate the approach championed by OSS to translate scientific knowledge into decision-support tools and mechanisms for transboundary cooperation.

In regions where water resources are under heavy pressure and often shared among several countries, this combination of science, governance, and cooperation is a key lever for strengthening water security and climate resilience.

Strengthening partnerships around groundwater
Beyond its scientific contribution, OSS's participation in the Congress also provides a valuable framework for strengthening exchanges with its scientific, technical, and institutional partners, including UNESCO, the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre, the International Water Management Institute, and the International Association of Hydrogeologists.

These exchanges help consolidate existing collaborations and explore new initiatives around the sustainable management of groundwater and transboundary cooperation.

In Budapest, OSS is thus sharing the experience gained from Africa's major shared aquifers and contributing to the international dialogue on groundwater management grounded in knowledge, cooperation, and solutions tailored to countries' realities.