The Iullemeden–Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer System programme supports joint groundwater governance across Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Nigeria. It combines shared scientific assessment, a Strategic Action Programme and a consultation mechanism for sustainable management of the transboundary resource.
<p>The IAS faces multiple constraints; in particular difficulties of access to water resources related to the excessive depth (over 600 m) in some regions. Moreover, the lack of sub-regional strategic water resources management has led to changes in aquifer hydro-dynamics and water quality degradation. It constitutes the main perennial resource of potable water and a strategic resource for the sustainable development of the concerned countries. </p>
<p>One major outcome of this project this project aims to achieve is to improve the understanding of the functioning of the Iullemeden basin aquifer system in Mali, Niger and Nigeria and to provide key parameters for the establishment of a groundwater flow model to help in the management of the water resources of the Iullemeden basin. </p>