Water as parameter of cooperation between Morocco and Algeria: the case of transboundary stressed aquifers of Bounaïm-Tafna basin

The hydrological basin of Bounaim-Taffna shared between Morocco and Algeria is an example of the politics of silence and non-cooperation. The basin is situated in the north of the Morocco-Algerian administrative border. It is formed by two aquifers (confined and unconfined), which symbolise a major asset for the region’s socioeconomic development. On both sides of the border, a remarkable decrease of piezometric level has been recorded with a drying up of some wells, adding to this, the presence of contaminants (nitrate) on the plain. These impacts are felt on both sides of the border, but no action has so far been undertaken because of the bilateral problems. This work is an action reflecting an unofficial cooperation that will evolve to real cooperation by establishing a confidence between the local actors of the two countries. Thereafter, the identification of the objectives and actions will be tacked.