Algeria is one of the countries most exposed to water stress in the world. Classified as arid and semi-arid, it relies heavily on limited freshwater resources, with overexploited aquifers and dams often at critical levels during recurrent droughts. In response to this reality, the Algerian government has made seawater desalination a major strategic solution to secure potable water supply while alleviating pressure on natural freshwater resources. This approach goes beyond merely meeting human needs: it also potentially contributes to the preservation of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems, in line with the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022, which includes 23 operational targets to be achieved by 2030 [1–3].
Algeria’s trajectory in desalination is already significant. At the beginning of the decade, the country had about twenty desalination plants along its coast, producing approximately 2.1 to 2.2 million cubic meters of desalinated water per day, covering nearly 17% of the nation’s total potable water consumption [4,5]. Under its national strategy, this capacity has been rapidly expanded: production reached approximately 3.7 million m³/day by the end of 2025, covering about 42% of potable water needs for a population estimated at around 47 million people [4,6].
The ten-year plan aims to reach 5.6 to 5.8 million m³/day by 2030, which would increase desalination’s share to around 60% of national potable water demand [4,7]. These figures illustrate how desalination has become a pillar of Algeria’s water policy, with plants averaging 300,000 m³/day each, deployed from the western to the eastern coastline [4].
Why Desalination Reduces Pressure on Freshwater Resources
In a country like Algeria, where aquifers are not renewable in the short term and rainfall is irregular, relying solely on continental freshwater would accelerate ecological degradation and resource scarcity. Desalination offers an alternative: tapping into the vast Mediterranean marine reservoir to produce potable water, relieving pressure on aquifers and dams and allowing these sources to be redirected to essential ecological needs [2,3].
By reducing direct withdrawals from natural freshwater reserves, desalination acts as a lever to support ecosystem services linked to aquatic environments, particularly wetlands that serve as nurseries for many species, rivers with ecological flows vital for fish and invertebrates, and riparian areas important for terrestrial species. This reduction in withdrawals contributes to several of the Kunming-Montreal Framework targets, notably those aimed at reducing direct pressures on ecosystems (Target 1 and Target 3) [1,2]. In a country where some aquifers are overexploited by more than 50%, reducing dependency on these sources helps maintain a minimum level of availability for nature [3,4].
Desalinated Water as a Vector for Water Security and Climate Adaptation
Algeria’s climate is marked by worsening droughts, a trend observed across the Mediterranean basin and attributed to climate change. These events cause severe shortages in inland regions, such as the Tiaret province, where some dams have completely dried out at times [5]. In this context, having an alternative water source like desalination strengthens socio-ecological resilience, as communities are no longer solely dependent on irregular rainfall or variable reservoir levels.
Furthermore, integrating desalination into a comprehensive water management approach combining desalination, treated wastewater reuse, demand management, network efficiency, and watershed protection better aligns sectoral policies with international conservation commitments. This integration directly addresses Target 14 of the Kunming-Montreal Framework, which calls for incorporating biodiversity and its values into policies, plans, and development processes [6].
Interactions with Terrestrial, Marine, and Freshwater Ecosystems
The impact of desalination on biodiversity is not limited to reducing pressure on freshwater resources: it also has direct and indirect effects on terrestrial and marine ecosystems. On land, increased groundwater availability benefits wetlands, riparian forests, and grasslands dependent on stable water levels. In the marine environment, however, environmental constraints exist, as desalination produces concentrated brine and sometimes chemical residues. If discharged without proper dilution, these effluents can increase local salinity, affect benthic microhabitats, and disrupt the reproduction of certain marine species [2,3]. This issue aligns with Target 7 of the Kunming-Montreal Framework, which aims to reduce pollution risks to levels non-detrimental to biodiversity.
For desalination to have an overall positive effect on marine biodiversity, brine discharge systems must be optimized with controlled diffusion, renewable energy used to reduce the carbon footprint, and strict environmental impact assessments conducted for each project to protect sensitive coastal areas [12].
Socio-Economic and Ecological Co-Benefits
The expansion of desalination goes beyond environmental benefits: it also generates significant socio-economic advantages. A more stable and diversified potable water supply improves access for citizens and supports key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and coastal tourism without increasing withdrawals from aquifers or rivers [4,7].
Additionally, when desalinated water feeds urban networks directly, pressure on natural basins decreases, freeing water to maintain ecological flows and ensure the survival of species dependent on aquatic habitats [1,2].
Towards a Sustainable Transition: Innovation and Environmental Governance
The role of desalination must be considered within a systemic vision integrating technological innovation, environmental governance, and social participation. Innovation improves energy efficiency, reduces costs, and mitigates environmental impact. Governance involves inclusive planning, where decisions on plant locations account for local challenges, sensitive biodiversity areas, and community needs [6,12].
Conclusion
Expanding desalination in Algeria is more than a response to a water crisis: it is a resource management tool that, if well designed, contributes to ecosystem protection and the achievement of Kunming-Montreal Framework objectives. By reducing pressure on aquifers and surface waters, supporting integrated policies, and minimizing impacts on marine environments through innovative management, desalination represents a sustainable and multifunctional approach.
References
[1] Convention on Biological Diversity. Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: 23 Targets for 2030. 2022. https://www.cbd.int/biodiversityplan/targets/
[21] FAO. Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: summary. 2022. Available from: https://www.fao.org/biodiversity/kunming-montreal-global-biodiversity-framework/en
[3] Norden. Local actions for the new Global Biodiversity Framework: 23 Targets description. 2022. Available from: https://pub.norden.org/nord2024-019/appendix-the-23-targets-of-the-kunming-montreal-global-biodiversity-framework.html
[41] Wikipedia. Liste des stations de dessalement en Algérie. Available from: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_des_stations_de_dessalement_en_Alg%C3%A9rie
[5] Reuters. Algeria to produce 3.7 million cubic meters desalinated water/day by end 2024. 2024 May 15. Available from: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/algeria-produce-37-million-cubic-meters-desalinated-water-per-day-by-end-2024-2024-05-15/
[6] Kunming‑Montreal GBF. Target 14: Integrating biodiversity into policies. 2022. Available from: https://ugc.futurelearn.com/uploads/files/22/0f/220fcfa5-5c9e-44de-8758-f3183cd98fac/Kunming-Montreal_Global_Biodiversity_Framework_Targets.pdfutm
[71] Smart Water Magazine. Algeria invests in expanding water desalination capacity 3.7M→5.8M m³/day. 2023. Available from: https://smartwatermagazine.com/news/smart-water-magazine/algeria-invest-3-billion-expanding-water-desalination-capacity-2030
[81] TSA Algérie. Algeria launches three new desalination plants for 9 million inhabitants. 2024. Available from: https://www.tsa-algerie.com/lalgerie-lance-trois-nouvelles-stations-de-dessalement-pour-9-millions-dhabitants/
[91] APS / Algerie360. Algeria strengthens water security with major achievements. 2023. Available from: https://www.aps.dz/fr/economie/habitat-et-infrastructure/md33ncgi-l-algerie-renforce-sa-securite-hydrique-avec-des-realisations-majeures
[10] Biodiv.be. Synthèse des objectifs et cibles Kunming‑Montreal GBF. 2023. Available from: https://www.biodiv.be/convention/outcomes-cop15-Kunming-Montreal-GBF
[11] Wikipedia. Desalement in Algeria. Available from: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dessalement
[12] Biodic.go.jp. Mobilisation of financing and technologies (Targets 19‑20‑21). 2023. Available from: https://www.biodic.go.jp/biodiversity/private_participation/business/en/post2020_target/index.html
