Webinar Blue Justice

Webinar Blue Justice #15 – January 27 2026, 11h AM (France)

With Dr. Samir B. Maliki, University of Brest, UMR AMURE

Desalination for a Sustainable Mediterranean: Economic Viability, Environmental Risks, and Policy Priorities

Abstract : Desalination is increasingly central to water security strategies in the Mediterranean, as climate change, demographic pressures, and competing sectoral demands intensify water stress. This study assesses the economic viability and environmental implications of desalination in 11 Mediterranean countries from 2000 to 2025, using panel data and regression models (fixed effects, random effects, pooled OLS). The analysis shows that population density and the deployment of renewable energy are key drivers of desalination capacity, while indicators of ocean health are negatively associated with reliance on desalination, underscoring the risks of unmanaged expansion. Cases such as Israel and Algeria illustrate that ambitious desalination strategies can advance even in lower‑GDP contexts when supported by targeted energy policies and large‑scale infrastructure planning. However, unresolved environmental challenges—including brine disposal, marine ecosystem impacts, and CO₂ emissions from fossil‑based power—threaten long‑term sustainability. The findings highlight the need for integrated policy frameworks that: (i) align desalination with national climate and energy strategies; (ii) embed marine conservation and monitoring in project design; and (iii) promote circular economy approaches, including brine valorization and efficiency gains. Overall, the study argues that desalination can contribute to a more water‑secure and sustainable Mediterranean only when developed under strong environmental governance, clear regulatory standards, and sustained investment in renewable energy.

Bio:

I am Full Professor of Economics at the University of Tlemcen (on leave) and an Associate Professor Fellow at the University of Brest since September 2022. My research in economics and business relies on applied economics, environmental economics, innovation and entrepreneurship with a focus on sustainability. I also teach at the IU Monaco, EM Normandie Business School, Panafrican University and Board member in several international academic organisations. Prof. Maliki co-edited a book for Taylor & Francis in 2023 entitled “Competitive Advantage, Strategy and Innovation in Africa: Issues and Applications “and has published several articles in indexed journals, such as Economic Modelling, World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, Int. J. Innovation and Regional Development, Management International, International Journal of Services, Economics and Management, Regional Studies in Marine Science, Frontiers in Climate, Environ Econ Policy Stud and more.

About the Blue Justice Webinar : https://www.umr-amure.fr/recherche/axe-b/#webinar-blue-justice