Workshop on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Planning in Libya - Current Status and the Way Forward Demonstrated by National, Regional and International Experiences

The Regional Seminar on IWRM Planning in North Africa (Rabat, 24-25 January 2006) assessed progress and discussed the challenges towards achieving the IWRM Target in the countries of North Africa. The Seminar has concluded with the ‘Rabat Declaration on Regional Cooperation for National IWRM Planning’ that calls for action at the country level. In addition to challenges regarding the IWRM implementation in the North Africa region, the severe water scarcity that Libya faces further exacerbates the problem. With virtually no rainfall except in the narrow coastal belt, the country has increasingly relied on its groundwater resources. As a consequence, the country has experienced heavy over-drafting and mining of aquifers associated with growing problems of aquifer quality deterioration and saline water intrusion.

The Workshop contributes to the Mediterranean Component of the EU Water Initiative (MED EUWI) and the GEF Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Large Marine Ecosystems (GEF SPM). The main objective of the Workshop is to review the process of national IWRM planning and implementation in Libya. More specifically, the Workshop aims to:

- discuss key water sector challenges, strategies in Libya and possible mitigation measures within an IWRM approach. The discussions will focus on four themes ie. Water Governance; Water Efficiency; Water Assessment and Monitoring; and Non-Conventional Water Resources.
- provide a platform among policy makers, technical experts and stakeholders from Libya as well as from North Africa countries and the Mediterranean region, to share experiences on good practices and lessons learned on the Workshop themes.

Deadline for registration (Registration form available) is: 26th March 2007.