Water Security and Sustainable Development in Libya: A Policy Approach to Resource Sustainability and National Stability

Abstract

Water security is one of the most significant strategic challenges facing Libya due to its heavy dependence on non-renewable groundwater resources, climate change, population growth, and weak institutional governance. This research aims to analyze the current state of water security in Libya from a political science perspective by evaluating the role of water policies and the Great Man-Made River Project in promoting sustainable development and national stability, as well as examining the influence of institutional, climatic, and geopolitical factors on water resources management. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach using a qualitative methodology based on content analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with officials and experts from the Ministry of Water Resources and the Great Man-Made River Project Implementation and Management Authority, in addition to the analysis of official documents and reports. The findings indicate that achieving water security depends primarily on the effectiveness of institutional governance rather than the abundance of water resources. They also reveal that the Great Man-Made River Project remains the cornerstone of Libya’s national water security; however, its long-term sustainability is threatened by the depletion of non-renewable groundwater resources, weak institutional coordination, inadequate legislative and regulatory frameworks, increasing operational costs, and the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of integrated water resources management, strengthening regional cooperation and water diplomacy, investing in seawater desalination and wastewater reuse, and promoting digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications to improve water management efficiency. The research provides an analytical framework linking water security, governance, sustainable development, and national stability, thereby contributing to the advancement of Arabic scholarship and supporting the development of more sustainable water policies in Libya.