UNEP roots for improved governance on shared waters to reduce conflicts

NAIROBI (Xinhua) - Countries sharing fresh water resources should develop robust policy and legal safeguards to avert conflicts, a senior UN Environment Program (UNEP) official said on Friday

Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP's Director of Environmental Law and Conventions, noted that shared waters can become flashpoints if they are not managed in a sustainable manner.

"Trans-boundary water resources should be shared equitably to prevent eruption of conflicts. Riparian states have a duty to establish regulatory instruments to promote sustainable utilization of shared waters," Mrema said in Nairobi during the closing ceremony of the first international environment forum for basin organizations.

Ministers and experts from Africa and the Americas met in Nairobi to discuss threats to shared fresh water bodies. UNEP has supported basin organizations to develop policies and guidelines on sustainable management of trans-boundary waters.

Mrema urged riparian countries to promote dialogue and share expertise on protecting shared freshwater resources.

"There is need to strengthen basin organizations to promote conservation of trans-boundary rivers and aquifers. Dialogue is key to avoid conflicts," Mrema told policymakers and experts.

She said basin organizations should invest in integrated water resources management to tackle poverty, food and energy insecurity alongside conflicts.

John Nyaoro, Executive Director of Nile Basin Initiative, said trans-boundary waters across the globe share identical challenges of pollution, over abstraction and negative impacts of climate change.

"We need to regulate the use of shared waters and strengthen the capacity of basin states to protect them from human and climate induced hazards," Nyaoro said.

The Nile Basin Initiative has initiated projects in energy, food production and ecosystems restoration to promote sustainable development in the nine riparian states.

Nyaoro stressed that protection of Nile river ecosystem is key to reduce poverty and conflicts. Countries should establish an independent organ to oversee management of shared waters.