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The Maghreb region, which includes Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and Mauritania, is considered an important source of natural gas for the world. These countries have vast gas reserves, making them a potentially significant source of revenue and economic development for the region. However, exploiting these reserves also poses significant environmental challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable and responsible development.

The seminar organized by KAS REMENA and CMES was an opportunity to discuss these environmental and development challenges as well as current plans and strategies around natural gas exploitation in the Maghreb.  Experts, academics, and policymakers from the Maghreb region participated in the event to share their ideas and experiences.

The head of CMES, Dr. Didi Ould Salek, in his opening remarks highlighted the environmental challenges related to gas production and explained that all stages, from exploration to production and decommissioning, will have an impact on the environment. He added that the majority of gas reserves discovered in the Maghreb countries are located in the sea, which could also threaten the fishing industry, which is one of the sources of food security and the pillar of the economy in Mauritania and Morocco. With a broader view to economic development, he also emphasized the importance of adopting national strategies to develop local content and strengthen governance in the management of public affairs, such as in resource management. 

The experts present at the seminar discussed several topics, including the regional and international context and its relevance to gas extraction in the Maghreb, the importance of the gas wealth of these countries, how to make the most of these revenues and the priority areas in which gas revenues should be spent.

Gas exploitation can threaten food security and the economy in countries like Mauritania and Morocco, where fishing is an important economic pillar. The experts emphasized the need to put in place measures to protect the environment and biodiversity to minimize the negative impacts of gas exploitation.

The experts also discussed the geostrategic challenges that gas exploitation could pose to the Maghreb region, particularly in terms of relations between the countries of the region and with neighbouring countries. As many countries turn to Maghreb countries to meet their gas needs, this could also lead to geopolitical tensions. The experts emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation to ensure that the benefits of gas exploitation are distributed equitably among the different countries in the region and that this does not lead to conflicts between them.

Another important point of discussion during the seminar was the need for governments in the Maghreb countries to adopt national strategies to develop local content and prioritize local products and labour. This would maximize the economic benefits of gas exploitation for local communities while strengthening governance in the management of public affairs.

The seminar concluded with a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders in the Maghreb region to work together to address the environmental and developmental challenges associated with gas exploitation. Experts emphasized the importance of responsible and sustainable development and the need for collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society to ensure that the benefits of gas production are maximized while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

In summary, the seminar on the challenges of development and the environment for gas exploitation in the Maghreb region provided a valuable platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with gas production in the region. The seminar highlighted the need for responsible and sustainable development, the importance of protecting the environment and biodiversity, and the necessity for collaboration and cooperation between governments, industry, and civil society.