Nile Basin Initiative
Nile Tr ansbound ary Environment al Action Projec t (NTEAP)
The Nile Environment
A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF NTEAP
Volume IV, issue 1
Jan March 2007
Editorial
Editorial
Nile Basin Initiative Celebrates the Nile Day
T his issue of the Nile Environment has fo-
cused on the Nile day celebrations because
of its historical importance and its significance
in raising awareness in a concerted manner on
the challenges of achieving the vision of NBI.
The fact that many countries had environmen-
tally related activities as part of the celebra-
tions is a manifestation of the need to put
environment in the forefront as we trek the
path of sustainable development. We in the
NTEAP salute the Executive Director of NBI
and Nile Secretariat at large for translating
the decision of the NBDF into action, and we
take this opportunity to congratulate the ripar-
ians for a successful Nile Day celebrations.
A remarkable achievement for NTEAP during
the quarter was the launch of the wetland and
biodiversity working group. This marks the
starting point for rolling out activities of the
wetlands component. The group will promote
regional cooperation to share experiences in
transboundary management of wetlands and
biodiversity resources in the Nile Basin and
identify and prioritize common problems and
solutions.
NTEAP also successfully conducted its 4th
H.E Kagame (center), H.E Odette Kayittesi (to his left), David Grey (extreme
Project Steering Committee meeting, which
right) and Nile Council of Ministers in a group photograph.
culminated into the approval of the 2007
NTEAP work plan and budget. NTEAP intends
E nhanced Cooperation on the Nile for Peace and Prosperity, was the message
to consolidate its activities/achievements dur-
flagged in all Nile basin countries on the 22nd of February 2007, on the occasion of
ing 2007 and at the same time attempt to inte-
the Nile Day. In November 2006, the Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF), held in
grate them into the national plans.
Addis Ababa, agreed that the 22nd February of every year be dedicated to commemo-
rate the day the agreed minutes that established the Nile Basin Initiative was signed in
We will as much as possible solicit cooperation
Tanzania in 1999. The proposal was endorsed by the Nile Basin secretariat and the
from stakeholders in implementing the activi-
maiden celebrations took place on 22nd February 2007.The regional celebration, offici-
ties.
ated by H.E Paul Kagame, the president of the republic of Rwanda, took place in Kigali,
Rwanda, coinciding with the extra ordinary meeting of the Nile Council of Ministers. The
regional event characterized by speeches, displays by NBI projects and NGOs, cultural
Gedion Asfaw, RPM
performances and sports, was attended by the Nile Council of Ministers, representatives
of Development Partners, government officials and the general public. A Key note ad-
dress was given by H.E Paul Kagame, and others who gave speeches include the Nile
Council of Minister Chairperson H.E Odette Kayitesi, Mr. David Grey on behalf of the
Development Partners and Hon. Bikoro Munyanganizi, the Minister of State for Water
Inside this issue:
and Energy of the Republic of Rwanda.
The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) is a transitional mechanism that includes the ten Nile
Nile Day Collaborations 1
riparian countries as equal members in a regional partnership to promote economic
National Celebrations 2
development and fight poverty throughout the basin. The NBI is led by a Council of Min-
4th NTEAP Steering Committee 6
isters responsible for water affairs in Nile basin countries (Nile-COM) and the vision of
Sunt Wetland recommended for Ramsar site 6
NBI is "to achieve socio-economic development through equitable utilization of, and
NBI Wetlands program launched 7
benefit from, the common Nile basin water resources". (PTO for national celebrations)
NEPAD Action plan & IGAD strategy adopted 8
Joel Arumadri KMS
PAGE 2
THE NILE ENVIRONMENT
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1
Highlights of the Regional Nile Day Celebrations in Kigali
H.E Kagame addressing the audience
The audience at the Nile Day celebra-
NTEAP exhibition stall.
tions
NTEAP used the occa-
sion to expand visibil-
ity of NBI
· Over 200 copies of the
French version of
NRAK CD ROM were
distributed.
· Over 400 NTEAP cal-
endars were given
Nile COM Chair giving
Rwandese Cultural dancers
Basket ball team
out.
a speech
· Over 400 NTEAP bro-
chures distributed
This was the inaugural celebration of the Nile Day and it will now be an annual event.
Nile Day Celebrations in Tanzania
1
2
3
challenges'', at St. Augustine Uni-
versity of Tanzania in Mwanza,
and tree planting. The guest of
honour launched the "Promotion
of community involvement in pro-
tecting the environment of the
surrounding areas and the waters
of Lake Victoria project', to be fi-
1 Dr. Msekala giving a speech, 2 Audience, 3 Tree planting
nanced through the NTEAP's mi-
I n Tanzania the celebrations memorate the Nile Day. Activities crogrants program. A contribution
were held in Nyashimo village, included cultural dances, speeches of Tshs. 30,083,000/= (Equivalent
Magu District in Mwanza Region, by Hon. Dr. Alex Msekela, the Re- to US $ 23,158.58) will be made
and were presided over by Hon. gional Commissioner for Mwanza, available by NTEAP to the pro-
Dr. Alex Msekela, the Mwanza on behalf of Minister for Water, ject. NTEAP addresses high prior-
Regional Commissioner on behalf Hon. Dr. Shukuru J. Kawambwa ity transboundary environmental
of Hon. Dr. Shukuru. J. and the Regional Project Manager issues within the context of the
Kawambwa, the Minister for Wa- Power Trade (RPT) Project, Mr. NBI's Strategic Action Program.
ter. Hundreds of local residents Kamu Karekaho on behalf of the
and leaders of Magu district, lo- Executive Director. There was also
cal NGOs, Nile Development Fo- a public lecture on "Enhanced Co- Abdallah Shah NPC Tanza-
rum and NBI projects gathered operation Over the Nile for Peace nia
at Nyashimo village to com- and Prosperity the benefits and
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1
THE NILE ENVIRONMENT
PAGE 3
Nile Day Celebrations in Burundi
tree planting at the catchment area
of the southern most source of the
Nile River, organized by the National
Project Coordinator Capacity Build-
ing and Stakeholder Involvement
(CBSI) in Burundi and the local gov-
ernment of the Commune of RUT-
OVU, the District administration of
BURURI and the Nile Basin Dis-
course Forum (NBDF).
The ceremonies were attended by
the Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry
Hon. Kayitesi (centre) addressing
Tree planting exercise
for Land Management, Tourism and
press conference
Environment, Mr. Fabien SINANK-
WAKURE, the Administrator Ad-
B urundi marked the day starting ship of the Nile Basin Initiative family, viser of the Governor of BURURI, Mr
with a press conference organized status of the co-operation between the Nile Jean Claude NSENGIYUMVA as
by the Minister of Environment, Hon. basin countries and the challenges, singling well as the Administrator of the
Odette KAYITESI, who talked about the cooperative framework between the Nile Commune of RUTOVU.
the history of the Nile Day, the main basin countries as the biggest challenge. Salvatore Ruzima NPC
NBI achievements so far, advantages Other activities were delivery of speeches to
that Burundi draws from its member- Secondary Schools and the general public,
Nile Day Celebrations in DR Congo
and Water Resources. This was fol-
lowed by a discussion session where the
Secretary General of the Ministry of
Environment (NTEAP PSC Member)
and the National Project Coordinators
of NTEAP, CBSI, ATP, EWUAP,
WRPM, FAO Nile basin project and the
Nile Basin Discourse provided answers
to the questions asked by the partici-
pants. Most of the questions asked were
Energy saving stoves
related to NBI objectives, its programs,
Resource persons at the Nile Day
its policy and interventions in Democ-
ratic Republic of Congo, followed by re-
C elebrations in the Democratic Republic freshments. Leaflets carrying aware-
of Congo took place in both the capital ness messages, T-shirts and caps were
city of Kinshasa and in Goma (within the distributed to participants. The Na-
Nile basin area). In Kinshasa the Nile Day tional Project Coordinators of CBSI and
was celebrated in the conference room at the NTEAP participated in an interview on
Grand Hotel Kinshasa, attended by more NBI activities on two TV Stations.
than 200 people, including His Excellency
the Minister of Scientific Research, represen- In Goma, the Nile Day was celebrated
Football team
tatives of the Ambassadors of Kenya and at Ihusi Hotel, attended by over 500
Egypt, Representatives of the UNOPS pro- people. Activities carried out included
jects , representatives from various Minis- tree planting by the students from the
tries, University Professors, Journalists,
Great Lakes University (Universite des
members of Media houses, NGOs and CBOs, Grands Lacs), sports, poems, demon-
NBI staff and members of Nile Basin Dis- stration by women on the use of im-
course. The speech from the NBI Executive proved stoves to save charcoal, in addi-
Director was read by the NTEAP NPC and tion to delivering the NBI Executive
the Secretary General of the Ministry of Director's message in 15 schools.
Environment read the speech from His Ex- Joseph Afata NPC
cellency the Minister of Environment, Forest
Tree planting
PAGE 4
THE NILE ENVIRONMENT
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1
Nile Day Celebrations in Ethiopia
public of Ethiopia, Hon. H.E. Mr.
Augistin Nsanze, Ambassador of
Burundi, Mr. Edyathumanga
Jagannathn, World Bank repre-
sentative, Mrs. Catherine Be-
dard, representative of the Em-
bassy of Canada, representatives
of CBOs, NGOs, NTEAP envi-
ronmental journalists, Environ-
VIPs at the Nile day
mental Education & Awareness
Invited guests at the pavilion
I
working group members, NBI
n Ethiopia Nile day was cele-
staff, officials from MoWR and
brated at the premises of the Wa-
Environmental Protection
ter Resources Project Management Agency ( EPA), and invited
Unit (WRPM PMU) and was pre-
guests from the five administra-
sided over by H. E. Mr. Adugna Je-
tive regions. Over 200 guests at-
besa, State Minister of Water re-
tended the 2007 Nile Day Na-
sources. Present at the celebration tional celebration characterized
were H.E. Mr. Tarekegn Emagnu, by speeches and songs by stu-
member of parliament and chairper-
dents. NBI posters, T-shirts and
son of the Natural Resources and caps were distributed to the five
Environment Standing Committee Regions prior to the Nile Day.
in the House of Peoples Representa-
Students singing songs
tives of the Federal Democratic Re-
Wobua Mekonen NPC
Nile Day Celebrations in Egypt
I n Egypt, a reception to mark the meters per day of liquid waste pro- (NDF), attended by NGOs « We
Nile Day was organized by CBSI duced by cruise ships can be treated have organized this meeting to dis-
on the 24th February 2007, attended by the plant. « The treated water cuss the local activities of local fo-
by the Minister of Irrigation & water will be used to irrigate 69 feddans rums in the 16 wards in Egypt», the
Resources, Dr Mahmoud Abou-Zeid, (29 hectares) », confirmed Georges. Coordinator said.
experts, NGO representatives and
The Minster also informed partici-
the Minster for Environment, Ma-
pants that his ministry stopped the Certainly, this first Nile celebration
gued Georges, who made some re-
discharge of industrial waste water has reached a tiny minority of
marks on the on-going environmen-
into the Nile in 2006.
stakeholders. However, it repre-
tally related projects «We are building
sents an important step forward. In
at this moment a station for waste The reception was preceded by a the coming years more concrete
collection and treatment emanating meeting organized by Dr Emaded-
actions are expected from the gov-
from cruise ships in the region of 'Al-
dine Adli, the president of the Nile ernments and other partners.
Aaqab, east of Aswan, at the cost of 5 Basin Discourse (NBD) and the Na-
Dalia NTEAP Environmental
million Egyptian pounds», he ex-
tional Coordinator for National Fo-
Journalists Network
plained. He also said up to 900 cubic rum for Nile basin development
Nile Day Celebrations in Sudan
S udan celebrated the Nile Day with the civil society organized a cleaning by students and the Nile day mes-
series of events over a period of 4 and tree planting exercise at White sage from the Executive Director
days starting from 19 - 22nd February Nile state at Kosti, in White Nile delivered to the students.
2007. The Delegation from Sudan to State. Canals discharging rain wa-
the regional celebration in Kigali, ters into the river were cleaned and The climax of the celebrations was
comprising of H.E the Minster of wa-
signs for keeping the place clean on the 22nd of February at the Min-
ter, the Undersecretary, and the TAC installed within the area. Trees istry (.......continued to first col-
member gave Media interviews and were planted along the river bank umn page 5)
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1
THE NILE ENVIRONMENT
PAGE 5
Nile Day Celebrations in Sudan (.....from page 4)
of Irrigation & Water Resources course & NBI by Prof. Asim
attended by H. E State Minister for Moghrabi.
Irrigation and Water Resources, and
H.E State Minister of Environment In Juba, Southern Sudan, students
& Physical Development, who ad- of Comboni and Superi secondary
dressed the gathering. The NTEAP schools cleaned the school compound
R e g i o n a l P r o j e c t M a n a g e r , and the speech from the Executive
Mr.Gedion Asfaw and Dr. Idris M. Director of NBI was delivered to
Idris, the acting undersecretary of them by the NTEAP Local Micro-
Tree planting at UNOPS offices in
Ministry of Irrigation and Water grants Coordinator. An appeal was
Juba
Resources also addressed the gather- made by the schools to NTEAP to
ing at the opening session.
continue supporting the school pro-
gram. The event ended with plant-
The program included a Workshop, ing of tress at the UNOPS offices in
exhibitions and a presentation on collaboration with the Acting Direc-
cooperation before NBI delivered by tor of UNOPS Mr. Grey Wilson.
Eng. Ibrahim Salih, overview of NBI
by CBSI NPC, Shared Vision Pro-
gram by NTEAP NPC, Subsidiary Abdelslaaam (NPC) & Alex
Action Program by ENPM NPC and Jubek (LMGC)
Cooperation between Nile Basin Dis-
Cleaning drainage canal at Kosti
Nile Day Celebrations in Kenya
I n Kenya celebrations to mark the 22/2/07, characterized by speeches,
Nile day took place in Busia town, poems and songs encouraging the
bordering Uganda, in an event that audience to preserve and protect the
lasted for 2 days starting from 21st -
resources of river Nile, its tributar-
22nd February 2007. Exhibitions were ies and the environment for the fu-
organized by Nile Basin Initiative, ture. The Guest of Honor presented
displaying NBI activities to the public certificates of participation to the
and invited guests which included the various groups and the trophy to the
District Commissioner, Mr. Ole winning football team. Speeches
Kepas, Her Worship the Mayor of were given by Mr. Vincent Kabalisa
Busia Ms Imelda Obwana, His Excel-
who read the Nile Basin Initiative DC Busia (Right in tie); Mayor (His right).
lency the High Commissioner of Tan-
Executive Directors speech, the
zania represented by Minister Coun-
Civil Society representative - Chair-
selor Mr Mboi, several dignitaries, person Kenya Nile Development
students and members of the commu-
Forum Dr. Raburu, Her Worship
nity . The NTEAP Schools' project dis-
the Mayor of Busia Ms Imelda
played very impressive work.
Obwana, the representative of HE
the High Commissioner of Tanzania
Other activities were tree planting, Mr Mboi and the Guest of honor,
launched by the District Commis-
the Provincial Commissioner West-
sioner Mr. Ole Kepas, a clean up exer-
ern, represented by the District
cise carried out by students, govern-
Tree planting
Commissioner Busia - Mr. Ole
ment officers, civil society groups and Kepas.
a `Nile Day Football Match" played
between St. Mathias Boys' High The Theme of the speeches was En-
School soccer team and Busia Youth hanced Cooperation on Our Nile
Polytechnic team. St. Mathias Boys to help in curbing environmental
won the trophy which will be com-
degradation, poverty eradication
peted for annually during Nile day and ways of improving economic
celebrations.
growth in our individual countries.
The climax of the celebrations was on Lily Kisaka NPC
NTEAP stall
PAGE 6
THE NILE ENVIRONMENT
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1
NTEAP Project Steering Committee Approves 2007 Work plan and Budget
Ms Theresa Siricio Iro and at- Mirey Attalla, the GEF Regional Focal
tended by the Project Steering point for International Waters, allayed
Committee (PSC) members/ the fears of participants when she pre-
representatives from NBI coun- sented short term solutions to the prob-
tries, the PSC Chair, Dr. Saadeldin lem and key scenarios. She proposed an
Ibrahim, Mr. Ian Myles of CIDA, action plan up to July 2007, for secur-
the Executive secretary of Lake ing NTEAP GEF funding, highlighting
the roles of the different partners/
Victoria Basin Commission, Dr Tom donors (Nile Sec, CIDA, UNDP, World
Okurut, the Country Director of Bank, and UNOPS) in an effort to en-
UNDP Sudan, Mr. Jerzy Skura- sure approval of financing of NTEAP
towicz, the Country Representative during the July 2007 GEF meeting.
of World Bank, a representative of
Participants at the 4th NTEAP PSC meeting
the Ministry of foreign affairs of The NEPs are an initiative of the
NTEAP PSC to provide financial sup-
T
Sudan, NTEAP staff and Mr. Au-
he work plan and budget for 2007 dace Ndayizeye, the Executive Director port to national projects which are not
for the Nile Transboundary Envi- of Nile Basin Initiative. During the micro grants eligible and address is-
ronmental Action Project (NTEAP) was meeting a number of recommendations sues of environmental significance.
PSC meeting is an annual event to ap-
approved, subject to the project manage- and decisions were made by the Project prove NTEAP budget and work plan
ment unit presenting a suitable imple- Steering Committee (PSC) to guide and at the same time discuss project
mentation mechanism for the National project implementation during 2007, implementation challenges.
Eligible Projects (NEPs) and raising the and the recommendation of the NTEAP
budgetary allocation for NEPs, among Mid Term Review to extend the project The NTEAP project is supported
other issues. The budget approval was up to September 2009 was endorsed.
through the World Bank GEF and the
done during the 4th NTEAP steering
multi-donor Nile Basin Trust Fund
committee meeting held during 12-14th High on the agenda were the GEF sec- (NBTF) established for financing NBI
February 2007, in Khartoum, Sudan. ond tranche funding uncertainty, as a activities.
result of the inclusion of NTEAP
The meeting was officially opened by among projects struck from the list of
the State Minister of Environment and projects receiving funding from GEF in
Physical Development for Sudan, H.E. 2007, and the NEPs. However Ms. Joel Arumadri-KMS
Sunt Wetland Forest in Khartoum Recommended to Become a Ramsar Site.
which gets wet for about six months in group recommended that the site be
the year while the other six months elevated to international protection
are dry.
status and declared a Ramsar site.
The members of the Wetlands and Bio- The Ramsar Convention is an interna-
diversity regional working group made tional treaty for the conservation and
an excursion to the wetland. The cur- sustainable utilization of wetlands,
rent managers who are the forest de- recognizing the fundamental ecological
partment in Khartoum were encour- functions and their economic, cultural,
aged to manage the garbage and keep scientific, and recreational value. De-
the place clean in order to give more claring a wetland a Ramsar site pre-
Sunt wetland in Khartoum city
value and attract visitors to the area. vents the progressive encroachment
A t the heart of Khartoum is a unique They proposed the introduction of a on and loss of the wetland.
feature, the Sunt Wetland Forest, small fee payable by visitors as a token The wetlands and biodiversity working
surprisingly found in moderately arid of appreciation of nature, to assist in group promotes regional cooperation
climate. It is a beautiful forest with a the conservation of the area. The area to share experience in transboundary
canopy of Acacia niloticus, the Sunt is also used by riparian communities management of wetlands and biodiver-
trees. It has everything required for for river edge gardening and it pro- sity resources in the Nile Basin.
biodiversity including the humans who duces a lot of organically grown vege-
frequent it for leisure. It is the pride of tables. There is need for more informa-
Khartoum and can be a center for envi- tion on its socio economic and biodiver-
ronmental education and ecotourism. It sity value since it is recognized as site Henry Busulwa- Wetlands & Bio-
is a seasonal wetland which gets wet for for migratory route of the birds. The diversity Lead Specialist
wetlands and biodiversity working
PAGE 7
THE NILE ENVIRONMENT
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1
Nile Basin Regional Wetland and Biodiversity Programme Launched.
prioritizing common prob- ing enhancing national institutions
lems and solutions. The capacity to manage wetlands and biodi-
group will not only link versity in the Nile basin. He proposed
activities but experts and various options for the institutionaliza-
institutions where they tion and policy development and sug-
operate at national level, gested solutions for consideration by
and a directory will be de- the working group to strengthen the
veloped for easy follow up.
capabilities in the management of the
Nile Wetlands.
During the workshop, the
members discussed the The Regional Project Manager of
mechanisms that identify NTEAP Mr. Gedion Asfaw informed the
the working group as a Nile participants that a lot is expected from
wetlands and biodiversity them to operationalize the working
working group, with its group and it is their activities at the
own mission and working national level that will enable the Nile
Participants at Wetlands Workshop
modality, ensuring a sus- Basin initiative to realize the outputs
O n 5th March 2007 H.E Minister
tained link into the Nile and sustainable utilization of the Nile
of Water and Irrigation H. E Commission.
Basin resources. He said the Group
Kamal Ali Mohamed launched the
should transform itself into the `'Nile
Other envisaged component outputs
long awaited Nile Wetlands and Bio-
Wet'' so that it is the main Ramsar Con-
include the development of wetlands
diversity working group. This was at
vention group that will follow up wet-
education and awareness materials,
a regional workshop held in Khar-
lands and biodiversity issues within the
carrying out trans boundary ecological
toum, Sudan, aimed at providing a
Nile basin.
and socio economic studies to generate
platform for discussion, sharing ex- information for guiding investment and The workshop was closed by the Minis-
periences and prioritizing wetland managing transboundary sites and the ter of State for Environment H.E Ms
management activities.
development of transboundary manage- Theresa Siricio who said she had a lot
The Wetlands and biodiversity work- ment plans.
of hopes in the group which she expects
ing group will promote regional coop-
to provide technical assistance in the
In his key note address, the Chairman
eration and capabilities that will en-
management of the Sudd, in Sudan, the
of the Ramsar Standing Committee for
able countries to share experience in
biggest wetlands in Africa.
the Ramsar Secretariat, Mr. Paul
transboundary management of wet- Mafabi, gave an overview of the issues Henry Busulwa Wetlands & Biodi-
lands and biodiversity resources in of wetland management in the Nile re- versity Lead Specialist
the Nile Basin, by identifying and gion, citing the main challenges includ-
World Water Day 22 March 2007
C oping with Water Scarcity geted to hit 8.1 Billion in 2030. To keep crucial"
was the Theme of this year's pace with the growing demand for food,
World Water Day Celebrations. 14% more fresh water will have to be The main WWD ceremony took place in
It highlighted the increasing scar-
withdrawn for agricultural purposes for Rome, Italy, at the headquarters of the
city of fresh water resources World the next 30 years.
Food and Agriculture Organization of
wide and the need for increased in-
the United Nations (FAO). Speaking at
tegration and cooperation to ensure The United Nations Secretary-General the ceremony, His Royal Highness Wil-
sufficient sustainable and equitable Ban Ki-moon said in his message mark- lem-Alexander, Prince of Orange urged
management of the scarce water
that the emphasis of future celebrations
Emphasis of future WWD
resources both at the national and
should shift from awareness-raising to
international levels.
celebrations should shift from action under the new name "World Wa-
ter Action Day".
awareness-raising to action.
Speaking at the WWD celebrations
at the FAO HQs in Rome Italy the
As population grows development needs
Director of FAO Dr. Jacques Diouf
call for increased water demand for
said that "Water Scarcity was the ing World Water Day (WWD), "With cities, agriculture and industries. The
Greatest Global Challenge of the 21st some 700 million around the world cur- pressure on fresh water supplies will
Century". The main challenges lie in rently suffering from water scarcity, a intensify and lead to tensions and con-
finding out ways to conserve and use figure that could increase to more than 3 flicts among users and lead to a strain
and protect the world's water re-
billion by 2025, integrated cross-border on the environment. John Omwenga
sources. Global population is tar-
management of this vital resource is WQM LS, NTEAP
PAGE 8
THE NILE ENVIRONMENT
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1
N IL E BA SIN IN IT IA TI VE
NEPAD-Action Plan and IGAD Strategy on Environment and Natural Re-
N IL E T RA NSBO UN DA RY
E NV IR ONM ENT A L
sources Adopted
A C TI ON P RO JE C T
The meeting was attended by Djibouti,
Al Jamhuria Street
Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan,
House No. 2, Plot 15
P. O. Box 2891
Uganda, and Tanzania. It was also at-
tended by experts from NEPAD Secretariat,
Phone: 249-183-784206/26
AMCEN Secretariat, Lake Victoria Basin
Fax: 249-183-784248
Commission, IGAD Secretariat, UNEP, the
Email: info@nilebasin.org
Nile Basin Initiative and WWF. The minis-
terial session was preceded by the experts
Visit us at:
meeting which reviewed NEPAD's SREAP
and IGAD's ENRS. The ministerial meeting
www.nileteap.org
was presided over by Hon. Bazivamo Chris-
Participants at the meeting
tophe, Minister for Lands, Environment,
Editorial Committee
Forestry, Water & Mines of Rwanda and
Gedion Asfaw, Chair
T he NEPAD-Action Plan and IGAD strat- Vice President of AMCEN.
Joel Arumadri
egy on environment and natural re-
Editor
sources has been adopted. This was at the The RPM discussed enhancing NBI-IGAD
Amir Baker, member
ministerial meeting for the adoption of the collaboration with the IGAD representa-
Intisar Salih, member
NEPAD sub-regional environment action plan tive.
John Omwenga,
(SREAP), IGAD environment outlook and
IGAD environment and natural resources Gedion Asfaw, RPM, NTEAP
member
strategy (ENRS) that took place in Nairobi,
Maushe
Kenya during March 28-30 2007.
Kidundo,member
Mohammed Rahim,
layout and publishing
Hydro Informatics Training Organized
assistant
March 11-24 2007 Khartoum
two weeks training in hydro informatics for
participants from the Nile Basin countries.
The NTEAP facilitated the conduct of the
training and the RPM of NTEAP , made an
opening remark at the start of the training
and participated at the award of certifi-
cates to participants. Dr William KudoJa of
ATP made a close follow up ensuring the
Putting the Shared
success of the training. Twenty eight par-
Vision into Action
ticipants from the nine NBI countries took
part in the training.
Please send your articles / com-
Left to right: Dr Bashar and Prof. Abdalla, of
ments to
UNESCO Chair, Dr Saleh , V/Chancellor of Is-
The collaboration of UNESCO Chair in Wa-
The Editor
lamic University of Omdruman and Gedion As-
Nile Environment at
ter Resources and NBI has been exemplary
faw of NTEAP at certificate award ceremony
jarumadri@nilebasin.org
in capacity building of water & environ-
T he Applied Training Project (ATP) of ment professionals of the Nile basin.
NBI and UNESCO Chair in Water
Resources of Sudan jointly organized a Gedion Asfaw, RPM, NTEAP
Upcoming events
2-10th April 2007- WRPMP Meeting
23-28 May 2007 WRPMP-NB data sharing
5th June 2007 World Environment Day
Protocol, Phase 1 Review Workshop, Addis,
Ethiopia.
18th April 2007- World Heritage Day
4-14th June 2007- EWUAP Regional Train-
ing on Water Harvest and Irrigation and
May 2007, Nile COM Meeting, Entebbe,
7-10 May 2007 NTEAP Regional Best Prac-
Study Tour in the ENSAP Region.
Uganda.
tices Workshop, Kigali, Rwanda.
28-30th May 2007 Regional Nile Net
July-August GEF-IW biannual conference,
Workshop, Nairobi, Kenya.
Cape Town, S. Africa
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the NBI, its member countries or partners.