This forum brings experts in Nile and other transboundary river issues of the world to discuss experiences in diffusing tensions, sharing the common good, build trust and develop collaboration and cooperation.

SPEAKER
Mekdelawit Messay Deribe | PhD Student, Florida International University (FIU)

TITLE
Evaluating international transboundary water management practices for contextual lessons for the Nile Basin

ABSTRACT
Transboundary waters account for 80% of the world’s fresh water supply and more than 40% of the global population depends on these resources for their daily water needs. There have been efforts across the globe and throughout history since ancient times aimed at utilizing these shared resources collaboratively. Many countries have used transboundary rivers as a means to build collaboration and develop projects that have mutual benefits. Some still struggle to develop trust and share the common good in an equitable manner. In this talk, we will review major successful experiences of transboundary water management from all corners of the world. We will also address the main sticking points in the Nile basin which have made it difficult to learn from and apply experiences from other basins. Finally we will extract contextual lessons to apply and potential pitfalls to avoid in the development of a long term, sustainable and equitable water use regime in the NIle River Basin.