Sahara's hidden seas: Untapped water resources spark hope

The Sahara, the largest desert in the world, conceals beneath its sands vast deposits of fresh water. Just a few thousand years ago, it was a verdant land, populated by humans and animals. The remnants of those times are the subterranean water reservoirs, which now draw the interest of scientists and North African authorities.

The underground water resources beneath the Sahara have long been known. As early as the mid-20th century, their exploitation began on a small scale. In 2010, the Great Man-Made River project, initiated by Muammar Gaddafi, was intended to supply Libya with water. Unfortunately, the civil war in Libya disrupted these plans.

New estimates suggest there are about 150,000 cubic kilometres of water under the Sahara, equivalent to the volume of seven Baltic Seas. The entire region of North Africa could conceal up to 660,000 cubic kilometres of drinking water. This discovery holds significant importance for the future of the region.

Thanks to data from the Grace satellite, it has been determined that the water resources beneath the Sahara are increasing. An analysis of changes in the weight of the Earth's crust confirms that despite exploitation, the amount of water is growing. This finding could be crucial for managing water resources in North Africa.

The subterranean water reservoirs beneath the Sahara represent a tremendous potential for the region. Their appropriate use could benefit both local communities and all of North Africa. However, the challenges associated with exploiting these resources demand careful planning and international cooperation.