Egypt – Key Holder of Good Fortune
The Nile river is one of the world’s longest rivers, spanning over 4132 miles in length. Its source is located in two countries, Burundi in Africa and, incredibly, Egypt in the Middle East. The value and importance of the river to Egypt cannot be overstated.
The river is considered to be the lifeblood of the country as it supplies over 80% of Egypt’s freshwater in addition to providing fertile land for farming and generating electricity. Egypt would not be the powerful nation it is today without the Nile River.
Statistics show that the majority of the Nile is located in Egypt, precisely 89% of its total length. In some places, Egypt’s borders stretch to the both sides of the river. As a result, Egypt enjoys exclusive and superior rights in terms of the use of its waters since the Nile is the main source of freshwater for the entire Middle East.
The local government is at the helm of decisions concerning the river, with international diplomacy also playing an increasingly important role. Due to the strong current of the river, agriculture and hydropower production is restricted to certain areas. This limits the ability of people to access water and sometimes results in a very uneven distribution of water for farming, fishing and drinking.
The Benefits of the River
Earliest records show that Egyptians have worshipped the Nile since pre-historic times. It is no surprise that the river is viewed as critical to life and prosperity. Because of its connection to nature and its association with Egyptian history, the river is recognised as the cornerstone of national identity.
Agricultural land is abundant due to the Nile Delta, located towards the north of Egypt. Natural irrigation also ensures that plants can be harvest all year round. This has allowed Egypt to develop a world-leading export industry, trading crops and commodities such as fruits, cereals and cotton fabric.
Recent advances in science and technology have allowed Egyptians to make further use of their country’s affiliation with the river. Hydropower plants have been built along its banks and hydroelectricity is now the main source of power for many in the local area. There are also plans to build a massive waterway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, a project set to significantly reduce shipping times and provide more efficient transport.
The recent construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum on the banks of the Nile has further cemented the river’s importance in the nation’s identity. The museum showcases the country’s storied past and provides the public with a greater understanding of the ancient Egyptians and their culture.
Regulation of the River
In 1929, the governments of Egypt, Sudan and the United Kingdom signed an agreement offering both countries exclusive rights to the Nile waters. This was later fully incorporated into Egyptian domestic law in 1959. Years of mismanagement and large-scale projects have seen the waters of the Nile gradually diminish.
In recent years, the government of Egypt has taken a more proactive role in the preservation of the river. They have implemented a number of reforms to curb water wastage, such as increasing water tariffs and introducing new irrigation systems. While these measures are helping preserve the waters, their effects are yet to be felt.
Efforts by the Egyptian government have been aided by international organisations. The World Bank is currently funding a project that seeks to strengthen water governance in Egypt. A particular focus of the project is the modernisation of the country’s water infrastructure and the regulation of river usage.
The cooperation between international organisations and the Egyptian government is essential to ensure that the country can sustainably use its resources and ensure the future of the Nile.
Environmental Consequences
Environmental damage to the Nile is a growing concern. It is essential that efforts are made to protect the river and its biodiversity. As one of the longest rivers in the world, the Nile serves as a valuable source of water to many species of wildlife. Increased human activity along its banks, however, have led to habitat destruction.
The government of Egypt has taken steps to protect the wildlife of the Nile. A large portion of the river has been declared a ‘protected area’, with fishing and other activities strictly regulated.
Organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund are also currently working to protect the river’s wildlife. The organisation’s efforts to combat the illegal trade of wildlife and restore habitats have helped keep the river viable.
Egypt also has plans in place to restore the polluted parts of the river. A major clean-up operation was recently launched to remove debris, oil and other pollutants that have been building up over the years.
It is clear that the health of the river relies heavily on improved cooperation between the international community and the Egyptian government. It is essential that both work together to ensure the protection of the river’s wildlife and the maintenance of its habitats.
Conflict and Negotiations
In recent years, tensions have been growing between Egypt and other Nile basin countries. This is primarily due to the fact that Egypt holds exclusive rights to the river and is highly dependent on its waters. Ethiopia is particularly keen to deploy some of the Nile’s water for its own use, leading to repeated negotiations between the two countries.
The recent construction of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has sparked further concern in the Egyptian government. It led to the establishment of a trilateral agreement between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan, which sets out the countries’ collective positions on water sharing, management and access.
Nevertheless, the negotiations between Ethiopia and Egypt have not been without issue. Both countries have accused the other of intransigence and brokered deals have often been hard to sustain. Further talks are scheduled to be held in the near future, with the hopes of improving relations between the two.
The future of the river is being decided in the present. Cooperation and compromise must be reached, otherwise the sustainability of the river and its wildlife is at risk.
Conclusion
The Nile river is of vital importance to Egypt, providing much needed resources such as water and electricity. It is also a part of the national identity, with a long history of worship and connection to nature.
Due to Egypt’s exclusive access to the river, tensions with the likes of Ethiopia have threatened an equitable deal. This has sparked debate and opened the door to international diplomatic negotiations, which are ongoing and are yet to fully develop.
As it stands, 89% of the Nile is located in Egypt, with plans in place to protect and sustain the river and its wildlife. It is essential that international communities and organisations continue to cooperate with the Egyptian government to ensure the security of the great source of good fortune.
