The Nile River is one of the longest rivers in the world. Spanning across 11 countries, the Nile is an important source of water, transportation, and life for millions of people. But, exacting exactly how long is the Nile River? To answer this question, it’s important to understand the measurement used for rivers, and what that means for the Nile.
Rivers are measured in two ways: length and drainage area. Length, typically measured in kilometers or miles, considers the length of the entire mainstem of the river, from its farthest source to its estuary. Drainage area, instead, captures how much surface area the river spans, measured in square miles or square kilometers.
Length-wise, the Nile River has an approximate total length of 4,132 miles (in round figures) or 6,650 km. This figure was established as the accepted answer to ‘How long is the Nile’ in 2016 by a study by the Working Group of Review of Large International-scale Experiments, or WRGRILE. This study was completed after a five-year research effort that considered many different data points and sources.
At the same time, the WRGRILE study estimated the drainage area to be approximately 2.9 million miles squared (465,000 km squared). That number can fluctuate significantly depending on things like the season and the water levels in the region. It is by far the largest drainage basin in the world.
In addition to being a major river based on its length and drainage area, the Nile is also known for its rich history. Ancient Egyptian civilizations utilized the river for drinking water and irrigation to cultivate the land. It remains an important source of life in the region, and an estimated 59.6 million people lived along the banks of the Nile as of 2011.
It’s not a straightforward answer to how long is the Nile River, but the accepted estimations are 4,132 miles and 465,000 km squared for its length and drainage area, respectively.
The Shrinking Nile
Despite its standing as a crucial water source in the region, the Nile is also facing a number of threats. These include climate change, which can lead to less flooding and a decreased average flow, as well as over-utilization from humans, especially in Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan.
In Egypt specifically, water over-utilization comes not just from individuals, but from large-scale irrigation projects. Most recently, the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Crisis brought to light the growing concerns over water pollution, economic dependence, and other issues surrounding the health of the Nile.
The crisis was sparked by the Mideast country’s decision to build the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile, a major source of water. The dam, which was expected to be completed in 2020, has been the source of continuous tensions between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Egypt sees it as a threat to the country’s already-strained water supply and many experts have warned of future droughts if the water flow is stopped.The dam could also affect the population of several endemic species to the region, as there are fears that it may prevent them from migrating upriver to reproduce.
Though the three countries are still engaged in talks, there is still the potential for a decreased water supply in the region, which poses a large threat for both the people who rely on the Nile for their livelihoods and the water itself.
The Economic Impact of the Nile
Water pollution, which was caused primarily by large industrial complexes and agricultural runoff, is another major threat to the Nile. Polluted water can damage the habitats of fish, which can lead to the death of fish, and generally lower the quality of the river water. This can have a direct impact on the economic activity around the river, and even the health of people living near it.
The Nile is a major economic resource in all 11 countries it touches and it is home to millions of people, as well as countless species of flora and fauna. Its positive economic impacts come in the form of fisheries, transportation, and hydropower. According to a 2020 report, the Nile basin countries’ combined GDP crossed the $1 trillion mark in 2017. That same year, the basin’s total yearly income from fishing reached $1.95 billion.
In light of its economic importance, the river is also getting increased attention from international organizations and agencies, such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Bank. These organizations are looking for ways to develop the water resources of the river, improving farming yields and fish production, and increasing the availability of electricity from hydropower stations.
Groups like the African Development Bank are also looking for ways to improve access to water in the region, in part to help those who are most in need. And, initiatives like Water Resources and Financing Initiative (WRFI) are looking to boost societal development and sustainability in the region by building collaborations between stakeholders in the region, such as NGOs and governments.
The Environmental Impact of the Nile
The Nile is a major contributor to the environment in the area. As a source of water, the Nile helps maintain the biodiversity of the region, supporting the habitats of many species of plants and animals. It’s estimated that around 186 species of fish inhabit the river, including the endangered Nile perch, which is found in waters up to 350 km south of the delta.
The Nile also has a direct impact on climate, as its waters evaporate over the land and contribute to the development of clouds and rain showers. The river is also thought to support the development of specialized ecosystems in the region, such as the unique ‘evergreen forests’ that are located along the banks of the river.
In spite of its importance, the environment of the Nile is facing increasing threats from factors like pollution, climate change, and over fishing, which threatens the habitats of river species. To further this, the construction of the GERD puts the environment of the region at risk, as the dam could prevent some species from accessing the sources of water they need.
Organizations like the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) are looking to mitigate the environmental damage caused by these threats by raising awareness and advocating for the protection of the river’s habitat and species.
Conservation Efforts Along the Nile
A number of initiatives have been put in place to improve the health of the Nile and the wellbeing of the communities living along it. One of these is the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), which is a collaborative effort between 10 countries in the Nile basin, looking to manage the shared water resources in the region. The NBI works to promote cooperation between countries and to find sustainable solutions to water management issues in the region.
At the same time, the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) is working to scale up renewable energy in the region, such as solar and wind, to reduce the dependency on water resources for energy generation. And, organizations like Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) are fighting to protect the plants and animals living in the river, especially endangered species such as the Nile tilapia.
The governments of the region’s countries also play a crucial role in the protection of the river, as well as its people. Measures such as wetland protection zones, fisheries management plans, and dams management strategies can all work to improve the health of the Nile, and of those living along it.
Pollution Control Along the Nile
Water pollution, especially from agricultural runoff or industry waste, is a major concern in regards to the health of the Nile. To control pollution, the governments of the region have put in place laws regulating effluent discharge, as well as incentives and tax breaks to encourage businesses to use pollution-reducing technologies.
Some governments, like Egypt, are also working to improve the monitoring and evaluation of water quality in the area, with the goal of understanding the effects of pollution on ecosystems, as well as on humans. This can help inform policy, and allow customs authorities to better detect and respond to illegal and unregulated activities in the river.
At the same time, conservation efforts and environmental organizations, such as the WWF, are advocating for more action and raising awareness about the importance of the Nile, and the need to protect it from further damage.
The Role of the Communities Along the Nile
While there are a number of initiatives and organizations looking to protect the Nile, it’s important to understand that local communities also play an essential role in preserving the river. Having a strong engagement with these communities can help inform policy and management decisions, as well as support conservation efforts.
Organizations like the International Peace Research Institute (IPRI) are looking to foster stronger connections between local communities, governments, and other stakeholders, in order to protect the river and manage it efficiently. This helps ensure that the needs and interests of local communities are taken into consideration when any decisions that could affect them are made.
At the same time, local communities are working on their own initiatives, such as creating nurseries where people can learn how to grow their own food and produce in a sustainable manner. These projects help minimize the risk of over-utilization of the region’s water resources, and build the capacity of local communities.
International Cooperation and the Nile
International cooperation is an essential element of the work being done to protect the Nile. The collaboration between the countries of the basin as well as regional organizations, and other stakeholders, like intergovernmental agencies and NGOs, is vital to ensure that the river remains healthy and continues to provide an essential source of life for millions in the region.
Organizations like the Nile Basin Initiative are working to promote open dialogue and understanding, as well as promote a shared interest in the best use of the Nile’s waters. This type of cooperation, between all groups and stakeholders, is the only way to ensure the sustainable management of the river.
Efforts from governments, organizations, and local communities are all essential when it comes to preserving the Nile. It is only through collaboration and a shared effort that the river will be adequately protected for the people, plants and animals that rely on it.
