Tunis, January 29-30, 2026
Intensified climate, environmental and socio-economic pressures made the coordinated management of transboundary water resources a strategic priority for resilience and sustainable development in the Sahelo-Saharan regions.
The Niger River Basin and the Iullemeden–Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer System (ITTAS) clearly illustrate the hydrological, ecological, and human interdependence that links States across shared water systems.
Within this context, the regional project “Enhancing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and knowledge-based management and governance of the Niger River Basin and the Iullemeden–Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer System – NB-ITTAS” is being implemented. The project is coordinated by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through its implementing agencies, UNEP and UNDP, and aims to strengthen Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and promote governance grounded in scientific knowledge, in support of sustainable regional cooperation. After seven years of implementation, it has reached a key milestone by consolidating a shared scientific knowledge base that is essential for integrated water resources management, transboundary governance, and informed, coordinated decision-making.
Structuring achievements in support of inter-State dialogue
The TDA/SAP process launched during the first phase of NB-ITTAS has significantly improved the understanding of hydrological dynamics, pressures, and risks affecting both surface and groundwater resources within the Niger River Basin and the ITTAS aquifer system. Based on a shared and scientifically robust diagnosis, this process paved the way for a coordinated approach to the sustainable and integrated management of water resources, fully accounting for interactions with ecosystems and socio-economic uses. Within this framework, the NB-ITTAS consultation mechanism has emerged as a central lever for strengthening political and technical dialogue among the countries, contributing to the development of a shared, consistent, and forward-looking governance framework for transboundary water resources.
Diplomatic engagement at the heart of regional dynamics
The conclusion of the first phase of the project, marked by the organization of a regional workshop, forms part of a broader regional consultation dynamic bringing together representatives of national and regional institutions, technical and financial partners, as well as diplomatic missions from the relevant countries.
Alongside Mr. Bachir Tanimoun, representing the Niger Basin Authority, Mr. Aurélien Dumont, representing UNESCO, Ms. Kaisa Uusimaa, representing UNEP, and H.E. Ms. Gertrudis Nsang Ndong Nsuga, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Tunis and Dean of the African Ambassadors Group in Tunisia, Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra, OSS Executive Secretary, opened the workshop whose discussions highlighted the central role of political and diplomatic dialogue, regional solidarity, and continuity of commitments in consolidating a shared, equitable, and sustainable management of transboundary water resources.
Towards a second phase focused on operationalization and impact
Beyond the achievements that were reviewed, exchanges laid the foundations for a potential second phase of the NB-ITTAS project, conceived as a phase of consolidation and scaling-up. This phase would aim to strengthen institutional ownership of the tools developed, support their integration into national and regional policies, and enhance the tangible impact of actions on the ground.
Building on shared knowledge, proven consultation mechanisms, and renewed diplomatic engagement, NB-ITTAS II will seek to make a lasting contribution to equitable and resilient transboundary water governance, for the benefit of both populations and ecosystems.