ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LIBYA THROUGH KARST GEOCHEMISTRY

• Osama R. Shaltami

  Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benghazi University, Libya

  Author

• Mustafa A. Ben Hkoma

  Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benghazi University, Libya, Libyan Centre for Sustainable Development Researches

  Author

• Mohamed M. Dulayoum

  Libyan Center for Olive Tree Research - Libyan Authority for Scientific Research

  Author

• Abobakar E. Algomati

  Department of Engineering Geology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bright Star, Libya

  Author

• Firas Khamis Muhammed

  Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

  Author

• Kamal Abraheem Almahdi

  Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

  Author

Background: Karst in Libya is primarily found in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar region and Benghazi plain in the northeast. Karst is also observed in the Tripolitanian pre-desert region in the northwest and the Tibesti Mountains in the south. Accomplishing sustainable development in Libya through karst geochemistry involves a three-pronged approach: water resource management, hazard mitigation, and eco-tourism, all supported by ongoing scientific research. Karst systems are vital for identifying and protecting groundwater resources, which are crucial for water supply in Libya. Geochemical analysis helps monitor water quality and vulnerability to pollution, enabling better management of these resources and mitigation of hazards. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of karst systems supports the creation of geoparks and a sustainable tourism industry that conserves the environment and engages local communities. Results: Karst features in Libya are primarily concentrated in the Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Benghazi Plain regions, with secondary occurrences in the Tripolitanian pre-desert and Tibesti Mountains. Crucially, karst aquifers serve as vital but highly vulnerable groundwater sources, facing significant threats from pollution, overexploitation, and geomorphological hazards, necessitating urgent intervention. To address this, the study identifies a three-pronged approach for sustainable development: water resource management, hazard mitigation, and eco-tourism. Furthermore, the paper highlights that geochemical analysis is fundamental for monitoring water quality, tracing pollutant transport, and accurately delineating vulnerable zones within these complex systems. Conclusion: The paper concludes that karst geochemistry is essential for understanding and protecting Libya's vulnerable water resources, particularly in the critical Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Benghazi regions. To ensure sustainability, the primary recommendation is the immediate implementation of sophisticated monitoring networks and vulnerability mapping tools, alongside the development of specialized climate change adaptation strategies, all aimed at comprehensively understanding the hydrodynamic behavior and preserving the integrity of these sensitive karst ecosystems.

1. Osama R. Shaltami , Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benghazi University, Libya

   Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benghazi University, Libya

2. Mustafa A. Ben Hkoma, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benghazi University, Libya, Libyan Centre for Sustainable Development Researches

   Libyan Centre for Sustainable Development Researches

3. Mohamed M. Dulayoum, Libyan Center for Olive Tree Research - Libyan Authority for Scientific Research

   Libyan Center for Olive Tree Research - Libyan Authority for Scientific Research

4. Abobakar E. Algomati, Department of Engineering Geology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bright Star, Libya

   Department of Engineering Geology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bright Star, Libya

5. Firas Khamis Muhammed, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

   Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

6. Kamal Abraheem Almahdi, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

   Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

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Copyright (c) 2025 Osama R. Shaltami , Mustafa A. Ben Hkoma, Mohamed M. Dulayoum, Abobakar E. Algomati, Firas Khamis Muhammed, Kamal Abraheem Almahdi (Author)

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