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Enhancing transboundary water governance in the Medjerda river basin: BRIDGE 5

IWRA World Water Congress 2025 Marrakech Morocco
Subtheme 1: Water Governance, Financing, and Planning during Uncertainty
Author(s): Diego Pozzoli - IUCN MED
Diego Pozzoli - IUCN MED
Poster: PDF

Abstract

The Challenge: The Medjerda River Basin, shared by Tunisia and Algeria, is classified as a High-Risk Area (TWAP) due to severe drought, ecosystem degradation, and fragmented governance.

The Risk: Limited formal cooperation agreements pose a substantial threat to nature's integrity and the livelihoods of local populations.

The Goal: BRIDGE 5 aims to create the foundational basis for dialogue and technical cooperation (Water Diplomacy, IWRM). It seeks to promote sustainable management on transboundary natural resources while respecting national sovereignty Current

Context: Recent bilateral dialogues and agreements between Algeria and Tunisia (2024-2025) on shared groundwater resources (SAS) and the Medjerda indicate an existing willingness toward regional hydro-cooperation, providing a positive backdrop for BRIDGE's work and the future of regional cooperation on natural resources.