New Initiative to Address Water-Related Climate Challenges in the Nile Basin

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Floods caused by excessive rainfall can devastate regions, as recently witnessed in Libya, while droughts due to insufficient water have severe impacts on many countries within the Sahara Desert area. Experts highlight that effective water management is crucial in combating climate change.

On September 22, 2023, a joint announcement was made by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) regarding the launch of a significant new climate change initiative centered on water management.

Named “From Satellites to Sandbags: Prioritizing Water in Climate Action,” this initiative is supported by a $64.75 million grant from the Netherlands and will be implemented over a five-year period. It will focus on high-risk countries in the Nile River Basin, including Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, which are particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change.

The project’s objective is to address climate-related risks that are frequently overlooked in national water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) policies.

“This initiative will significantly contribute to the early warning system effort for everyone,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.

By combining the expertise of international organizations with local knowledge and leveraging advanced global technology, the initiative aims to equip communities with the tools needed to identify and manage water-related risks before they become disasters.

“Our collaboration will provide essential information and advanced technology to enhance forecasting and monitoring capabilities,” stated IFRC Secretary-General Jagan Chapagain.

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