5+5 Dialogue adopts common strategy to safeguard water

Water Ministers of Western Mediterranean countries (5+5) on Tuesday in Algiers adopted a common strategy on water.

This conference was held in Algiers, and was co-chaired by Algeria and Spain, as part of boosting Euro-Maghreb dialogue in the water sector.

Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Isabel Garcia Tejerina, said "the strategy aims at implementing a common approach in terms of addressing water-related concerns, through establishing rules for sustainable and good governance of water sector in the western Mediterranean region."

She further noted that this Euro-Maghreb common strategy for water placed a particular emphasis on the need to set up an integrated management system for a better management of water demand while including the environmental component.

Hocine Necib, Algerian Water Resources Minister, said that adopting a common strategy for water is crucial to maintain sustainable development and ensure adequate water resource for next generations.

Necib further warned that the vital resource of water remains threatened by pollution, desertification and repercussions of climate change on the environment.

The next meeting of the 5+5 Water Dialogue is due to focus on establishing a regional mechanism for sustainable development based on consultations and sharing experiences, Necib added.

The 5+5 Water Dialogue was commonly launched by Spain and Algeria during the first 5+5 Western Mediterranean Economic Forum held on October 2013 in Barcelona. Endit