Special Issue : Water Desalination in North Africa

Water scarcity has become an increasingly critical issue across North Africa, driven by climate change, population growth, and unsustainable resource management. Countries like Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco are facing unprecedented water stress, with per capita availability falling well below global thresholds. In response, desalination has emerged as a key strategy to secure potable water. However, this technology presents complex economic, environmental, and social challenges, raising questions about its long-term sustainability and equity.

Tunisia has prioritized desalination to alleviate acute water shortages, with projects such as the Djerba plant blending modern technology with traditional water management systems like fasqiya cisterns. While promising, the economic and ecological costs of desalination, including high energy consumption and brine disposal, demand careful consideration to ensure environmental and community benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Desalination Projects in Tunisia: Fresh Water at What Cost?

Algeria, a leader in desalination on the African continent, has invested heavily in infrastructure, with plans to meet 60% of its potable water needs through desalination by 2030. Despite advancements in technology, the country faces significant challenges related to energy demand, environmental impact, and the financial burden of scaling up its operations.

Seawater to the Rescue of Algeria: The Challenge of Desalination

In Morocco, desalination is a cornerstone of its National Water Supply Program, aimed at mitigating the impact of declining rainfall and over-exploitation of water resources. However, the high costs of desalination, reliance on international financing, and the privatization of water services have sparked public concern. The environmental risks, including marine ecosystem damage from brine discharge, further highlight the need for innovative, sustainable solutions.

The Water Challenge in Morocco: A Growing Crisis

This special issue delves into these pressing concerns, exploring the role of desalination in addressing North Africa’s water crisis while emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches that balance technological advancement with ecological preservation and social equity. By examining the experiences of Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the opportunities and trade-offs involved in securing a resilient water future for the region.