Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) offer sustainable and resilient approaches to water management, especially in arid and semi-arid regions like the Algerian East Sahara. These areas face extreme water scarcity, high evapotranspiration rates, and growing pressure from agricultural, urban, and industrial demands. NbS harness natural processes and ecosystems—such as wetlands, forests, and soils—to enhance water availability, quality, and ecosystem resilience. In the East Sahara of Algeria, traditional practices such as the “Ghout” system in the Souf Valley exemplify early forms of NbS. These involve cultivating date palms in natural depressions where shallow groundwater is accessible, enabling efficient use of limited water. However, due to climate change, urban expansion, and groundwater over-extraction, this system has declined.
To address these challenges, modern NbS strategies are being explored. These include artificial recharge of aquifers using treated wastewater, managed floodwater spreading, and the restoration of degraded oases and wetlands. For instance, reusing treated urban wastewater for agricultural irrigation not only conserves freshwater but also replenishes aquifers through infiltration basins, reducing the impacts of groundwater drawdown. Vegetative barriers and reforestation using drought-resistant species can improve soil moisture retention and reduce erosion. Moreover, green infrastructure—such as bioswales, retention basins, and permeable pavements in urban areas—helps manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and increase groundwater recharge.
Scientific studies from 2010 to 2024 highlight the potential of NbS in the Algerian Sahara to improve water security while preserving biodiversity and socio-economic stability Implementing NbS requires integrated water resources management (IWRM), strong policy frameworks, stakeholder involvement, and capacity building. In conclusion, NbS represent a promising pathway to address the complex water challenges in the Algerian East Sahara by working with nature rather than against it, ensuring long-term sustainability.
