Key Basin Project Results
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Catalytic Impacts
The project has had a catalytic effect in terms of:
Scaling up efforts in the region through the promotion of a second phase, which is to include the Taudeni-Tanezouft aquifer systems which includes Algeria, Mauritania and Burkina Faso.
The ABN has developed an interest in groundwater resources as part of its ‘integrated water management programme’.
Generating interest in the IAS process at international meetings such as the 4th World Water Forum, Mexico City, March 16-22, 2006. The project was presented as workshops organized under the IWLEARN project. This carried a strong catalytic effect since many of the other groundwater projects wanted to see the IAS case, since the IAS project carried out the TDA for a shared groundwater aquifer system for the first time.
Replication of the process in the region. Mali is looking to replicate the process used to develop cooperation under the IAS program to other aquifers it shares such as in the region of Le Fosse de Naras, which are shared aquifers with Mauritania; and the Plan de Gondo aquifers, which are shared with Burkina Faso.
At a national level, academics in Mali are developing university courses in groundwater modelling to build future capacity and capability, and looking to use the tools for national issues.
Results Indicators
x. Actual and planned groundwater abstractions and pollution pressures and salinization hazard are jointly monitored for transboundary risk and adverse environmental impacts on the IAS,
Joint monitoring is occurring through the update and sharing of the database.
ix. Land use change in recharge areas and humid zones with transboundary risk of adverse environmental impacts on the IAS, jointly monitored and managed,
Joint monitoring is occurring through the update and sharing of the database.
v. Development of common agreed policy and management measures for groundwater development and extraction, pollution and salinity control and land use management in the recharge areas and humid zones and outflow sections of the IAS, reflected in a joint development and conservation strategy for the IAS,
Policies identified, but no ‘common policy’ agreed to. (OSS, 2008g)
iii. Existence of a joint legal and institutional Iullemeden cooperative framework, including:
(a) recognition of opportunities for institutional sustainability and integration with parallel initiatives (NBA, NNOCC) for cross-border land and water management and conservation,
Partially – discussions with ABN, ECOWAS etc
(b) mechanisms for harmonization of national policies and legislation,
Mostly – through draft protocol. (OSS, 2008i)
(c) a basin organization structure approved and committed for continuing support by the countries and their development partners
No – only temporary structure in place.
(d) existence of a transboundary aquifer monitoring system with basin-wide and national components.
Mostly – Temporary structure is functioning
vi. Existence of a legal cooperative framework and institutional and communication mechanism to address transboundary risk and water conflict,
Informal mechanism for consultation exists. And Draft protocol exists.
vii. Existence of an inter-government communication programme for effective, timely contact and consultation between national water resources institutions
Mostly, the Inter-governmental tool has been developed and agreed to. (OSS, 2008d)
xi. National governments and local communities are involved in the management of transboundary risk and uncertainty related to the IAS,
National programs to date focus on monitoring and awareness building.
Existence of a jointly prepared and politically accepted Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis, based on the country positions and perceptions, identifying transboundary concerns, risk and uncertainty in the IAS;
Yes -TDA developed and approved.
viii. Jointly adopted environmental goals and criteria identified in a joint Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis, including quantitative and qualitative indicators upon which priority actions can be identified and implemented,
TDA does not list adopted goals and indicators, this is partially covered in the Policy Elements document. (OSS, 2008g)
iv. Transboundary risk and uncertainty issues from land use change, climatic change and extractions and pollution are jointly identified and addressed;
Identified, not addressed. To be addressed under an SAP
Information sources
UNEP Terminal Evaluation (2009)
