OSS provides a North-South-South partnership framework to mobilize and strengthen the capacity of African member countries to address environmental challenges in a sustainable development perspective.
OSS is a scientific and technical instrument of its member countries and organizations for the development of concepts, approaches and methodologies related to environmental monitoring, land management and water resources and adaptation to climate change in the Sahel-Saharan region.

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) is an international, intergovernmental organization operating in Africa’s Sahara-Sahel region. OSS was founded in 1992 in Paris and moved its headquarters to Tunis (Tunisia) in 2000.
OSS members include 22 African countries, five non-regional countries, ten organizations (including sub-regional organizations representing West Africa, East Africa and North Africa), and a non-governmental organization.

OSS works with its member countries according to the principle of subsidiarity. It acts as both an initiator and a facilitator of partnerships to address common environmental challenges.  The management of trans-boundary water resources and the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, notably those addressing desertification, biodiversity and climate change, constitute key areas in the organization’s work.

Our programs and projects are funded by voluntary contributions, grants and donations from member countries, organizations, and partners.

A light and flexible structure, transparent financial management, effective governance and a competent, multicultural and multidisciplinary team constitute important assets that entitle OSS to make a significant contribution to the regional and international response to environmental challenges.