The ‘Water Resources Management at Municipal Level in Libya’ is a three-year Programme funded by the European Union within the framework of the 2023 Special Measure “Water Resources Management Facility” for Libya. The programme aims to enhance water resource management and governance in Libya at both national and local levels by establishing a robust governance framework that aligns local actions with national strategies. The approach integrates local-level activities with national-level strategies through a series of interconnected efforts coordinated by Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The component led by AICS under the framework of Delegated Cooperation initiatives, addresses the pressing challenge of acute water scarcity in Libya, where renewable water availability falls significantly below international thresholds. The country depends heavily on non-renewable groundwater sources and major infrastructure such as the Man-Made River, much of which has been compromised due to conflict-related damage, underinvestment, and inadequate maintenance.
This Programme represents a timely and strategic intervention, building on previous efforts and aligning with ongoing initiatives in the sector. It aims to strengthen water governance in accordance with Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles and supports Libya’s decentralisation agenda.
Officially launched in February 2025, the Programme is implemented in partnership with the Consortium constituted by the Province of Trento, the University of Trento and the Center for International Cooperation, under the title ‘Municipal Upgrading of Water Systems for Local Impact’ (MUWALI), and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Local Government, Municipalities and Ministry of Water Resources.
Duration: 3 years (2025–2028)
Where: Libya
EU Contribuitio: € 5 million
Funded by: Contribution Agreement N° 700002244
Sustainable Development Goals:
6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
13 – Climate Action
17 – Partnerships for the Goals
