Fresh Water Conflicts (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Discuss, with reference to a case study, how shared freshwater resources have given rise to international conflict.

Answer

The Nile River, one of the world's longest rivers, stretches across eleven African countries, making it a prime example of how the shared use of a freshwater resource can lead to international conflicts. This history surrounding the shared use of the Nile River basin is highly complex and various factors have contributed to conflicts over water allocation and management.

Historical Background:

The Nile basin countries were historically colonised by different European powers, resulting in various agreements and treaties being imposed that favoured certain countries over others. For example, the 1929 and 1959 Nile Waters Agreements between Egypt and Sudan granted them a very large share of the Nile's waters, while upstream countries were marginalised.

Asymmetric Water Access:

Historically, downstream countries like Egypt and Sudan have enjoyed significant control and utilisation of Nile waters, while upstream countries have had limited access. For example, Egypt heavily relies on the Nile for agriculture, with the river providing over 90% of its water supply, enabling it to sustain a vast population and agricultural output.

Population Growth and Development:

Rapid population growth and increasing development in upstream countries have heightened the demand for water resources, intensifying conflicts over water allocation. Ethiopia, with a rapidly growing population and economic aspirations, seeks to harness the Nile's waters for hydropower and irrigation through projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), raising concerns among downstream nations.

Upstream-Downstream Power Dynamics:

Power dynamics between upstream and downstream countries have played a role in shaping conflicts, with downstream countries asserting historical rights and resisting changes to the status quo. Egypt has historically perceived any alteration to the Nile's flow or water usage by upstream countries as a threat to its national security and economic stability, leading to tensions and diplomatic disputes.

Lack of Cooperative Framework:

Absence of a comprehensive and cooperative framework for Nile water management has hindered collaborative efforts, heightening conflicts among the Nile basin countries. The absence of a binding basin-wide agreement has impeded efforts to resolve disputes and establish equitable water allocation mechanisms, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.

Climate Change and Uncertainty:

The impacts of climate change, including changing precipitation patterns and prolonged droughts, have added to the uncertainty surrounding the Nile's future water availability, heightening tensions. The potential reduction in water flows due to climate change raises concerns among all Nile basin countries regarding their ability to meet growing water demands, amplifying the urgency to secure their water rights.

The Nile River basin is an example of how the shared use of a freshwater resource can give rise to international conflicts. To address these conflicts, the countries involved must engage in constructive dialogue, prioritise equitable water management, and work towards establishing a comprehensive and cooperative framework that ensures sustainable water use for all stakeholders in the Nile River basin.