Facing a future marked by increasing water scarcity, Plan Bleu has published a new report entitled « Towards Sustainable Desalination in the Mediterranean: Integrating Environmental, Economic and Social Perspectives. ». This publication brings together ten scientific studies conducted by fifteen Mediterranean researchers and offers a set of concrete solutions to make desalination more sustainable across the region.
A growingly critical context for water resources
The Mediterranean is currently experiencing an unprecedented water crisis. Since 1990, its population has grown by 44%, ,while renewable water resources are projected to decline by 15% to 35% by the end of the century. This imbalance between rising demand and a fragile resource, both in quantity and quality, poses a major challenge for many countries in the region.
In this context, desalination has emerged as an essential adaptation solution. Often considered controversial, it nonetheless represents a crucial response to securing access to drinking water in the most vulnerable territories.
An innovative and action-oriented report
This fourth Plan Bleu report dedicated to desalination adopts a multidisciplinary approach and offers a constructive vision for the sector’s future. Structured around four key themes, it explores:
- Global challenges and the contribution of desalination to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6
- Economic dimensions, including financial viability and potential synergies with agriculture
- Regulatory frameworks, with an in-depth analysis of Algeria and the integration of desalination into territorial planning
- Integrated approaches, notably the application of the innovative “One Health” concept to desalination
Beyond scientific analysis, the report highlights practical pathways forward: energy coupling, circular economy models, territorial integration, and the development of social equity indicators tailored to the sector.
A key tool for guiding Mediterranean decision-makers
This report serves as a strategic resource to support public decision-making across the Mediterranean. It is fully aligned with the objectives of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD) and the Barcelona Convention.
By offering a clear, well-documented, and sustainable vision of desalination, Plan Bleu helps illuminate the sector’s future trajectories and supports Mediterranean countries in their water transition.
This report is also accompanied by a policy brief available in both French and English.
