CAIRO: The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) will meet in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 26-28 in order to discuss the impact of climate change along the world's largest river. The meeting will see over 200 officials, inlcuding water minister from the NBI, and will look into the implications of sustainable development and cooperation along the Nile river. According to the NBI, the theme “is in recognition of the current global climate change, its potential impacts in the Nile Basin and the necessity to adapt to expected conditions, incluidng loss of species and ecosystems, desertification, droughts, floods, reduced river flow and high temperatures.” It comes as Egypt continues its obstinate stance toward the NBI, demanding that its lion's share of water not be reduced in favor of upstream countries attempts to develop infrastructure along the Nile. However, the NBI told Bikyamasr.com in an email that the upcoming conference will be an attempt to look at the role climate change and its effect on the river's environmental changes in integrating countries efforts to bolster sustainable development. “Outcomes from the three day forum will include a Ministerial Declaration and a Policy Statement,” said the NBI. “The 3rd NBDF will also promote a sense of collective responsibility and custodianship regarding the Nile, as well as promote on-going efforts by the Nile Basin Countries to face the challenges of Climate Change.” This will be the third such meeting since 2006 and is being organized by the Rwanadan ministry of natural resources. Governance along the Nile will also be discussed, with key issues such as Egypt's role in the NBI and cooperation in developing infrastructure along the Nile will also be top points, which the NBI hopes will help bring to the table the different ministers in order to achieve compromises on a number of issues. “The first ever River Nile State of Basin report, which is currently under preparation, will be introduced,” continued the NBI statement. “Among other things, this report provides access to accurate, credible and timely information to help in raising awareness and increasing understanding and appreciation about the natural environment, the people, communities and economic development of the basin.” BM
