How Far Does the Nile River Run?
The mighty Nile River stands out as the longest river in the world, traversing a total distance of 6,650km (4,132 miles) from its source at Lake Victoria in East Africa all the way north to the Mediterranean Sea.
Historically, the Nile has played a vital part in the history of ancient civilizations, providing essential irrigation, transportation, and economic benefits to the people of the Nile Valley. Egyptians, in particular, owe much of their culture to its very existence, so much so that it has been referred to as “the gift of the Nile”.
Due to its geographical importance, a number of countries have benefited from the Nile over the course of its existence. It begins in the highlands of Ethiopia and flows through Sudan, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of Congo before entering the Mediterranean Sea.
The river is divided into two branches; the White Nile, which is rich in sediment and drops quickly over a short distance near its source, providing much of the water and power for Egypt, and the Blue Nile, where its water flows from Lake Tana through the Ethiopian highlands.
The power of the river has been harnessed for hundreds of years by people of the region for farming, irrigation and transportation. This has led to immense growth and productivity which has seen the river become an integral part of both the environmental and economic stability in the area.
In recent years, the impact of climate change on the Nile has put large parts of the river’s future in significant peril. The severe droughts and floods experienced by areas on either side of the Nile have jeopardised local essential needs, such as water and food supply, leading to economic insecurity. The international community has been working together to find a long-term solution to ameliorate the effects of these climatic issues.
Impact On Local Wildlife
The Nile River also provides a vital source of sustenance and shelter to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. Some species endemic to the region, such as the Catfish and the Mormyrids, have been found to have adapted to the river and have evolved to fit the rapidly changing environmental conditions.
The diversity of the region’s wildlife is under growing pressure from water resources being drawn from the river, in particular from the growing amount of dams that have been built along its course. This has led to disruption of the natural life cycles, population declines, and displacement, affecting the balance and function of animal life.
Organisations such as the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) are working to protect and revive the local environment, protecting the diverse fauna and flora of the Nile River.
The NBI is committed to engaging local people who live around the river and raising awareness of the vital importance of preserving the natural biodiversity of the area, educating and informing on the practical steps that can be taken to ensure the vital roles the river plays remain protected.
These include the use of integrated river basin management and sustainable farming practices, which encourage local communities to develop the environment responsibly and help ensure their livelihoods.
Political Implications
As the Nile Basin runs through 11 countries, the political implications of using the river’s resources have often been a contentious topic in the region. All countries have their own interests surrounding the Nile and many of them have renegotiated and established a number of treaties in recent years to help regulate its use.
In the most recent of these the “2015 Cooperative Framework Agreement”, countries have addressed the importance of collaboration and cooperation in the management of the river. This includes the sharing of its resources, using water responsibly, and reducing water loss from the waste in each country.
By setting out clear rules and regulations on how the river can be used, countries have been able to make better decisions as to how to manage the immensely valuable resource to benefit all countries in the basin.
In what has been a long and often difficult process, the agreements attempted to satiate the various needs of all countries while protecting the environment. The resulting consensus has been a path towards improved regional economic growth, and socio-political stability.
Environmental Impact
The river is also under threat from a number of human factors, such as unsustainable agricultural practices, land use change, and climate change.
The sudden influx of pollutants into the water has caused large parts of the river to become increasingly polluted, resulting in serious ecological issues, impacting fish, plant and animal habitats. This has caused freshwater shortages in some parts of the valley, degrading both the water quality and the availability of clean drinking water.
There have also been water-borne diseases reported from parts of the river. Contamination from agricultural run-off has been a huge problem, with people living in rural areas often the most affected.
The resulting issues have pushed the already vulnerable population further into poverty and left them exposed to a greater risk of disease and hunger.
Organisations such as the UNEP, GEF and FAO have been working together to help reduce the deterioration of the Egyptian environment, improving biodiversity and creating jobs, promoting sustainable management of the Nile’s resources through educational campaigns, and advocating for the establishment of a sustainable development plan.
Progress So Far
Though a long road lies ahead for the people and wildlife of the Nile basin, there has already been a remarkable amount of progress in recent years.
The establishment of new agreements between countries has helped to create a more cohesive and open-minded approach to settling disputes. International organisations have been doing a great job to raise awareness of the importance of the Nile and its wildlife, encouraging responsible behaviour in the stewardship of its resources.
Organisations working in the region have also had great success in developing sustainable poverty reduction strategies, with projects helping to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
There is still a lot of work to do, but with the work of the international community, it may be that the Nile has the potential to recover and become a huge source of life for the people and wildlife of the region.
Influence On Human Society
Throughout history, civilizations have flourished along the banks of the Nile thanks to its vital irrigation, transportation, and economic benefits. Egyptians in particular are indebted to this incredible river for much of their culture and identity, so much so that it has been referred to as “the gift of the Nile”.
This has been made clear in archaeological findings, such as the town of Amarna, which was discovered to be an ancient Egyptian city that was submerged by the Nile. It was to this that the famous pharaoh Akhenaten had moved the Egyptian capital in order to be closer to the river.
Other ancient sites such as the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, along with the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, also owe much to the river, providing essential water and transport to these incredible monuments of history.
The Nile also stands out as a source of inspiration for many cultures, both old and new, with many art works and books having been inspired by its unique journey from source to sea.
This river of incredible power and beauty has played an incredibly significant role in the development of humanity, and it is clear that its unstoppable force will always be a vital part of its history.
Consequences Of Over Usage
The over usage of the Nile has had serious consequences for local communities, leading to a reduced water flow and a decrease of the ecosystems relying on it. This in turn has had a drastic effect on the local wildlife.
Agricultural practices continue to take its toll on the river, with pollutants such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial waste finding their way into the Nile, further damaging local environments and damaging the river’s long-term sustainability.
Other problems such as the spread of disease, over-fishing, and the construction of artificial dams continue to lead to a general deterioration of the river’s resources, leading to a decrease in the number of species inhabiting its waters.
In an effort to protect the river and its vital resources, both governments and NGOs have been making efforts to regulate the amount of water being taken from the river and educate people on more sustainable ways of using it.
These strategies are showing early signs of success and with the continued support of the local communities and international organisations, it is possible to turn the tide and create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable riverside environment.
