**4. Water scarcity management in the Maghreb**

Water management is the management of water resources, including ground-, surface- and rain water, to promote efficient use and protect water resources from pollution and over-exploitation. Libya, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia are currently facing extremely high-water stress (**Figure 2**). As water is a key driver of economic and social development, the challenge of water scarcity for the Maghreb countries has existed for a long time and hence this region is beginning to recognize the importance of an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) which is a holistic approach involving social equity, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Consequently, to ensure a reliable, universal and sustainable water supply, there is a need for a transformational water management system to water scarcity in the Maghreb region.

The Regional Initiative on Water Scarcity has been formulated to provide a comprehensive framework to ensure the sustainable use and preservation of scarce water resources in the Maghreb countries. The objectives of The Regional Initiative on Water Scarcity are enhancing policies, investments, governance and best practices to sustainably increase water and land productivity; providing tools for strategic planning of optimal and sustainable allocation of scarce water resources; implementing a regional collaborative strategy for a water-reform agenda. Following proposed initiatives, in addition to the initiatives mentioned above, will further address the water scarcity challenge.
