Nile Basin experts meet over water security in Kigali

Oct 24, 2017

Experts and policy makers will present research papers and discuss climate change, water ecosystems, ensuring water availability and governance.

PIC: Leaders at Nile Basin Initiative meet last year

NILE BASIN

Scientists and policy makers from 10 countries in the Nile Basin, and development partners, have converged in Kigali to discuss water security as River Nile continues to face mounting pressure from the rising population.

The 5th Nile Basin Development Forum is taking place at Kigali Conference Centre, organised by the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), an intergovernmental partnership for the 10 Nile Basin countries.
 
In the opening remarks yesterday evening, Rwandan environment minister, Vincent Biruta, said co-operation among the Nile Basin countries regarding the use of water in the word's longest river is not an option, but a must. 
 
The theme of the conference is Investing in Nile Cooperation for a Water Secure Future.
 
The NBI executive director, Innocent Ntabana, noted on Tuesday that co-operation among the countries is paramount in ensuring sustainable utilisation of the river.
 
He said the increasing population is translating into demand for energy and food.
 
"These increasing demands are putting strain on the Nile. We are providing a platform for countries to meet and have candid discussions on the use of Nile resources," Ntabana said. 
 
Uganda hosted the first Nile Basin Summit this year. The summit was proposed by President Yoweri Museveni to continue to promote dialogue to find solutions to the touchy issues among the Nile countries regarding the use of river.

During the three-day forum, experts and policy makers will present research papers and discuss among others, climate change, sustaining water ecosystems, ensuring water availability and governance in the Nile.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});