The Nile basin and the implications of climate change possible – the face of the truth – ✍️ Ibrahim Shaqlawi
In light of the third regional forum for innovative stakeholders in the East Nile Basin “Entro” in Nairobi, the importance of highlighting the climatic challenges faced by this vital region. The Nile Basin is one of the most affected areas of climate change, not only because of accelerated environmental phenomena, but also because of the political, social and economic complications that surround common water resources. Facing these challenges requires real regional cooperation which goes beyond close interests and seeks to build a common vision based on justice, sustainability and mutual responsibility.
The procedures necessary to counter climate change in the Nile basin are not only limited to environmental adaptation, but also extend to radical transformations in development models. At the top of these procedures, the restoration of environmental deterioration systems comes from the driving campaigns and the rehabilitation of depressed areas, and the adoption of flexible agricultural practices which reduce the exhaustion of resources, as well as the application of intelligent irrigation technologies to rationalize water consumption. The need to build early alert systems and the exchange of climatic information between pelvic countries allows proactive action instead of being satisfied with late reactions. At the social level, the empowerment of local communities and the improvement of their ability to adapt remain an essential axis, in particular when societal change harmonizes with the directives of public policies.
In order for climate problems to occupy a central position in national development programs, the decisive roles of stakeholders are underlined. Former diplomats, with their experiences in the complexities of regional relations, can push the wheel of coordination and formulate a cross understanding. Religious leaders also have moral and moral tools capable of directing societies to assume their environmental responsibilities, based on established religious values. With regard to the media, it is broader to transfer knowledge to the public, and thanks to scientific and humanitarian environmental discourse, it can improve awareness and create popular pressure that leads decision -makers to take serious measures. Harmony between these forces is an essential pillar to transfer the climate file of the margin to the heart of development policies.
Despite the dark image drawn by climate reality, underlying opportunities can be built. Climate change, in itself, has become a reason for innovation, and promising areas have emerged in renewable energy technologies, smart agriculture and environmental technology. Some countries in the basin have also started to attract international funds for adaptation and mitigation projects, which open new horizons for investment and development. Indeed, these threats have prompted certain countries to examine their economic models and to adopt more balanced visions towards a sustainable green economy.
However, seizing these opportunities requires thoughtful and conscious approaches. Development plans must be built on an integral basis which takes into account the close connection between water, food and energy. An agricultural or industrial expansion not recorded can cause stifling water attacks. Hence the importance of planning the planning of precise climatic data, as well as the involvement of the private sector and civil society thanks to intelligent partnerships with clear and measurable objectives.
The challenges are exacerbated when we realize that the countries of the basin aspire to achieve development objectives which require water which exceeds what is really available in the current hydrological system. To fill this gap, strategies must merge between the reduction in demand, the increase in the efficiency of use and the enlargement of alternatives. Among these solutions: Improving irrigation and drainage networks, the adoption of agricultural water safeguard models, reuse treated water and invest in desalination techniques. These solutions must be part of an integrated regional framework which takes into account the interests of all and improves the possibilities of integration instead of conflict.
In light of all of the above, the preservation of the spirit of cooperation between peoples and the governments of the basin remains a necessity. The citizen is at the center of any sustainable transformation, and he is supposed to be effectively involved in the community programs concerned by water and climate, and adopt responsible behavior and demand transparency and responsibility. As for stakeholders, they must continue to build trusted bridges and extend the horizons of the partnership as part of the Nile Basin initiative, taking advantage of gains, such as joint information systems and regional infrastructure projects.
According to what we see from the face of the truth, the climatic challenges faced by the Nile basin are existential challenges, but they are subject to opportunities, if political will, informed vision and openness to real innovation and cooperation are available. This is an important step, which can be a new start for a fairer and more sustainable development path that benefits everyone.
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