The Nile river is the longest and one of the most iconic rivers in the world, stretching from the mountains of East Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. While the mainstream rivers that run through Egypt, Sudan and other African states have been studied extensively, few people understand that the Nile actually extends to eleven different countries.
Forming in Burundi, the river then runs through regions in Tanzania, Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. From there, it flows nearly 4,000 miles north into the Mediterranean Sea, traversing the following countries: Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, the Great Lakes region, Egypt, Eritrea and Libya. Each of these countries holds a unique cultural and religious significance in the region.
Whilst the Nile is used for different purposes within each country, for many people living near it, it is precious source of life. Water from the Nile is used for drinking water and crop irrigation, meaning it is a key factor in subsistence and survival. The Nile Delta specifically is considered to be the “cradle of Egyptian civilisation” due to its thick, fertile soil which can be used for growing abundant crops.
Experts estimate that the Nile is home to over 250 million people, with activity along the river dating back to 4500 BC. Human activity has had both positive and negative impacts on its environment. While the river has enabled urbanisation, trade, agriculture and other vital activities, poor land management and increased industrialisation has led to land degradation, water pollution and soil infertility.
Due to its economic importance, the use of the Nile has been a source of tension between many of the countries it passes through. Nine states have had to come to an agreement regarding the river’s distribution and management. This has eventually led to the sharing of beneficial rights to the water, as determined in the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement.
Knowing the role the Nile has played in world history, its significant political and cultural connections, and understanding the range of countries it impacts can be an important part of an informed education. It can be useful to research more into the areas where the Nile passes and witness first-hand the economic interdependence between countries.
Impact on Wildlife
In terms of its impact on wildlife, the great diversity of the surrounding countries has resulted in an incredible mix of aquatic life. As a result, the whole area is home to many rare species of wildfowl and fish, incl. the fabled “Nile perch”. As you move upstream, the wetlands and forests act as havens for freshwater fish and several species of bats.
The rich activities of the river are further increased by birdwatchers and ornithologists from all over the world, who come to see the gigantean number of migratory birds which choose to rest on the banks of the Nile. A large number of endemic species can also be found nearby, such as the long-legged bygone ibis, the white-bellied go-away bird and the spur-winged plover.
Despite being home to such an incredible diversity, a higher water temperature caused by the industrial and agricultural activities along the Nile has had a detrimental effect on the species inhabiting the river. As well as this, the use of chemical pollutants by some countries has further polluted the waters, causing irreversible destruction to vulnerable communities.
Building the Aswan Dam
The Aswan Dam, built in the 1960s, is the world’s first high dam and one of the most ambitious ancient engineering projects. Already existing since ancient times, the dam blocks the flow of the Nile every year and creates the Lake Nasser reservoir over 1550 sq. km. to supply power and irrigation.
However, the dam also stirred up resentment from upstream states who claim that it reduces their share of the river’s waters, particularly during the dry season. Up until today, the issue has sparked debate between those in support of the dam and those who are opposed to its continued use.
On the other hand, the dam has created a number of positive outcomes. It has tremendously improved access to electricity in Egypt, as well as greatly increasing the regulation of the river’s flooding. Besides this, locals now benefit from the large scale tourism to boats travelling down the Nile, and irrigation has opened up many opportunities for new agricultural practices.
Egypt’s Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
In 2011, the Egyptians started to build the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile, the largest hydroelectric power in Africa. This caused political disagreements with the Ethiopians who argued that the project was essential for the country’s development, while the downstream countries feared sharing the waters and an economic loss, fearing power shortages and drought.
Although tensions arose, the countries of Sudan and Egypt eventually recognised the importance of sharing a shared river. This led to the establishment of a tripartite technical committee, holding regular meetings and fostering relations amongst the states. Negotiations about the operation and filling of the dam followed for the next 9 years.
The fire was eventually put out with the signing of a trilateral agreement in 2020, concerning water-sharing and operation rules for the GERD. This agreement was welcomed by the international community, who saw it as an example of successful negotiations for the three states involved.
Egypt’s Damming of the Nile
The damming of the Nile is a controversial practice, since the building of dams can have a negative effect on downstream areas. Development projects have altered the natural course of the Nile, leading to reduced water levels and a resulting environmental damage.
Recognising the importance of balanced development, the Egyptian government have taken great effort to both protect the river while also trying to modernise with it. The Ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources has closely studied the chemical composition and sedimentation rates of the Nile since the 1990s, with the goal of maintaining a balance between its exploitation and preservation.
Nevertheless, the damming of the Nile still has the potential to cause ecological imbalances, leading to conflicts between states. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the consequences of these projects are taken into account and managed correctly, in order to ensure the sustainability of the river and the communities it supports.
Traditional Journeys of Local Communities
For many communities in the Middle East, their traditional journeys along the Nile to visit family, friends, or sacred sites have been affected by the restrictions imposed by certain governments as a measure of security. Local cultures have been impacted by limiting the freedom of movement and autonomy, with many communities being unable to visit significant sites during religious or festive times.
At present, the Nile has assumed an international character, with towns and cities emerging along its path, which has meant the erosion of much of the rural which existed before. This has had a large impact on small communities and those dependent on the traditional ways of living, as it is harder for them to live of the land and utilise their knowledge of farming.
Fortunately, there are various initiatives now underway seeking to preserve and promote the local heritage connected to the Nile. This includes educational programmes, as well as initiatives to prevent the pollution of the river. Such projects will hopefully bring back the traditional ways of life while keeping the communities’ ties to the river.
The Protection of the Nile: Whose Responsibility is It?
The protection of the Nile requires a combined effort from all 11 countries it crosses. However, each of them have different environmental responsibilities depending on their location. For instance, those countries directly affecting the river, such as Egypt and Ethiopia, are to focus on the control of pollutants, the regulation of fishing, and the control of the sedimentation.
In addition, other countries such as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are to take responsibility for conserving and preserving the Nile’s biodiversity. This includes monitoring and managing the resources, as well as protecting the fragile nature of the African river basin.
Further upstream, countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are still impacted by the river and must also ensure their resources are sustainably managed. This involves investing in renewable energy and understanding the effects of global warming on the river.
Naturally, the responsibility of protecting and managing the river is shared between all 11 countries, as protecting the Nile involves investing and developing projects related to education, infrastructure and technology. Ultimately, it is the job of governments to ensure the health of the river and to mitigate the risk of environmental damage so it is safe for generations to come.
