2015年-世界发展银行全球_Cooperation_on_the_Nile___Bringing_Down_the_Glass_Wall_6页_493kb

BRIEFING NOTE 5 Summary: Cooperation on the Nile - Bringing down the glass wall

Core Content

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has played a pivotal role in transforming the relationship among Nile Basin countries from one of distrust and competition to a cooperative framework that supports sustainable and equitable development of the Nile's water resources. The initiative was established in 1999 as a regional intergovernmental partnership, aiming to break down the "glass wall" that previously hindered communication and collaboration.

Main Objectives of the NBI

• To develop the Nile Basin water resources in a sustainable and equitable manner for the benefit of all member states.
• To ensure efficient water management and optimal use of the Nile resources.
• To promote cooperation and joint action between riparian countries for win-win gains.
• To focus on poverty eradication and economic integration.
• To move the program from planning to action.

Key Achievements

• 30 projects with regional, shared benefits have been negotiated, agreed, and prepared.
• Nearly 30 million people are expected to benefit from these projects in the next decade, particularly in terms of food, water, and energy security.
• Over 14,000 individuals have been trained to enhance regional capacity and ensure the success of these projects.
• Policies supporting transboundary water issues are now in place in most Nile Basin countries.
• Regional economic growth is at the core of the vision, with cooperation focusing on improving agriculture, trade, and energy management.

Overcoming Initial Constraints

Before the NBI, the Nile Basin faced several challenges:

• Distrust and cultural differences between countries.
• Nationalistic approaches to water resource management, with little consideration for regional implications.
• Inadequate institutional capacity and lack of technical expertise in transboundary water management.
• No basin-wide mechanism for equitable resource use or dispute resolution.

These constraints were addressed through a combination of technical cooperation, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.

Building the Cooperative Framework

• The TECCONILE (1992–1999) laid the foundation for future cooperation by focusing on environmental and water quality issues and identifying 22 projects.
• The Nile Council of Ministers (Nile-COM) was formed in 1997 to coordinate the establishment of a more inclusive and cooperative process.
• The NBI was launched in 1999 with nine member states (and Eritrea as an observer), creating a neutral platform for dialogue, information sharing, and joint planning.
• The Nile Basin Trust Fund (NBTF), managed by the World Bank, supported the implementation of projects from 2003 to 2015, with over US$140 million pledged by international donors.

Implementation of Shared Vision

• The Shared Vision Program (SVP) and Subsidiary Action Programs (SAPs) were developed to support cooperation:
  • The SVP focused on building trust and capacity.
  • The SAPs identified and prepared mutually beneficial investment projects.
• These programs have been instrumental in promoting joint projects and increasing regional collaboration.
• Eleven projects are currently being implemented, and at least 19 are in preparation, demonstrating the tangible benefits of cooperation.

Impact and Significance

• Transboundary cooperation has improved data sharing and technical dialogue, increasing trust among countries.
• Capacity development has helped level the playing field, ensuring all countries can participate effectively.
• Policy integration has been achieved in eight out of ten NBI-supporting countries, with transboundary considerations now embedded in national policies.
• The NBI has shown that cooperation can lead to sustainable development, even in the face of political tensions and the lack of a formal Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA).

Conclusion

The NBI has successfully brought down the glass wall by fostering trust, capacity building, and institutional development. It has created a platform for dialogue, shared knowledge, and joint action that is essential for the sustainable management of the Nile's water resources. The ongoing efforts and achievements of the NBI demonstrate that regional cooperation is not only possible but also beneficial for all Nile Basin countries.