Water stress: A call for strategic solutions and sustainable governance

Due to climate change and inefficient water management practices, water scarcity has become a pressing global issue, leading to social, economic and environmental consequences. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore alternative methods to ensure a sustainable and resilient water supply. One vital solution to address this challenge is seawater desalination, which make it suitable for various applications, including drinking, agriculture and industrial use.

In the case of Morocco, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) in its 12th annual report recommends incorporating desalination into a concerted national vision to achieve a resilient water mix in the face of climate changes. This approach should be capable of responsibly and sustainably harnessing both conventional and non-conventional water resources to meet the demand for drinking water in households as well as the specific needs of productive sectors and territories.

The CESE, drawing from a shared diagnosis, has formulated a set of recommendations that chart a course for future actions and reforms. These recommendations are designed to fortify the country’s sustainable water security and bolster resilience against the evolving risks posed by climate change, with a specific focus on the escalating phenomenon of drought.

One key recommendation is the development of a national drought plan founded on an advanced early warning system. This plan would leverage real-time agrometeorological and hydrological data to define, for each alert level, the necessary measures and identify the entities responsible for their swift implementation.

Implementation at the territorial level involves adapting a suite of measures relating to water supply and efficiency. Crucially, establishing an institutional arbitration and coordination mechanism during drought periods, grounded in broad multi-stakeholder consultations at both central and territorial levels, is vital. This aims to achieve inclusive and equitable arbitration among various water uses while safeguarding agricultural heritage, ensuring food and water security and preserving employment opportunities as well.

Additionally, contemplation of the creation of an independent body tasked with optimizing the allocation of this national resource and formulating a water resource pricing policy is essential. This should align with the directives of the Higher Council for Water and Climate within the framework of integrated water resource management.

The council further advocates the acceleration of unconventional water mobilization programs. This includes empowering local authorities to enhance their capacities in collecting and treating wastewater, diversifying the application of treated water in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and potentially recharging groundwater. Encouraging investments in rainwater collection and utilization is also recommended.

Furthermore, heightened awareness initiatives are necessary to sensitize water users to the rationalization of water use and the importance of water conservation. By implementing these strategic recommendations, Morocco can proactively address the evolving challenges posed by water stress and fortify its resilience against the uncertainties of a changing climate.