Transboundary Water Conflicr Nile Flashcards
(67 cards)
1
Q
What is the length of the River Nile?
A
Approximately 6,650 km.
2
Q
Through how many countries does the River Nile flow?
A
11 countries.
3
Q
Name three countries through which the River Nile flows.
A
- Ethiopia
- Uganda
- Egypt
4
Q
What are the two major tributaries of the Nile?
A
- White Nile
- Blue Nile
5
Q
Where does the White Nile originate?
A
Lake Victoria.
6
Q
Where does the Blue Nile originate?
A
Ethiopia’s Lake Tana.
7
Q
What percentage of the total Nile water does the Blue Nile supply?
A
Approximately 85%.
8
Q
How many people depend on the Nile’s water?
A
Over 300 million people.
9
Q
What percentage of its freshwater does Egypt depend on the Nile?
A
Approximately 97%.
10
Q
What does Ethiopia want to use the Blue Nile for?
A
Hydropower and irrigation.
11
Q
What does Sudan want to do with Nile water?
A
Expand agriculture.
12
Q
What do upstream countries like Ethiopia and Uganda want?
A
A more equitable share of water.
13
Q
What do downstream countries like Egypt and Sudan want?
A
To preserve historic access to water.
14
Q
What was the purpose of the 1929 Nile Waters Agreement?
A
Gave Egypt and Sudan exclusive rights to most Nile water.
15
Q
Who brokered the 1929 Nile Waters Agreement?
A
The UK.
16
Q
What power did the 1929 Agreement give to Egypt?
A
Veto power over upstream projects.
17
Q
What were the water allocations in the 1959 Agreement?
A
- Egypt: 55.5 billion m3/year
- Sudan: 18.5 billion m3/year
18
Q
How much water was allocated to Ethiopia or other upstream nations in the 1959 Agreement?
A
No water was allocated.
19
Q
How are the 1929 and 1959 agreements viewed by upstream countries?
A
As unfair and outdated.
20
Q
What is GERD?
A
Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam located on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia
GERD began construction in 2011 with a capacity of 74 billion m3 reservoir and 6,000 MW of electricity.
21
Q
What are Ethiopia’s goals with the GERD?
A
- Power generation: Support economic growth and rural electrification
- Water storage: For irrigation and climate resilience
These goals are aimed at improving the overall economic and environmental conditions in Ethiopia.
22
Q
What are Egypt’s concerns regarding the GERD?
A
- Reduced downstream flow could threaten agriculture, population, and hydropower at Aswan High Dam
- Risk of water insecurity and conflict escalation
- Egypt calls GERD an ‘existential threat’
Egypt relies heavily on the Nile for its water resources.
23
Q
What is Sudan’s mixed position on the GERD?
A
- Benefits from regulated flow and reduced flooding
- Worries about dam safety and unilateral control by Ethiopia
Sudan has both advantages and concerns regarding the dam’s impacts.
24
Q
True or False: Egypt and Ethiopia have engaged in military posturing over the GERD.
A
True
Tensions have escalated between the two nations, leading to threats.
25
What has stalled negotiations regarding the GERD?
Negotiations led by African Union, USA, and World Bank have stalled
## Footnote
Efforts to resolve the situation diplomatically have not progressed.
26
When did Ethiopia begin filling the reservoir of the GERD?
1st fill in 2020
## Footnote
This action was taken unilaterally by Ethiopia.
27
Fill in the blank: Egypt demands a binding legal agreement on _______.
water release
## Footnote
This reflects Egypt's need for guaranteed water flow from the dam.
28
Fill in the blank: Ethiopia prefers _______ guidelines regarding the GERD.
flexible, non-binding
## Footnote
This preference indicates Ethiopia's desire for more autonomy in managing the dam.
29
What is a potential environmental impact of the GERD?
Reduction of sediment reaching downstream fields
## Footnote
This may affect agricultural productivity in downstream regions.
30
What are the economic benefits of the GERD for Ethiopia?
Energy exports and rural development
## Footnote
These benefits are expected to enhance Ethiopia's overall economic growth.
31
What fears does Egypt have regarding the GERD?
Losses in agriculture and hydropower
## Footnote
This could lead to significant economic challenges for Egypt.
32
How might the GERD affect water security in Egypt?
It poses a threat to food security and public health
## Footnote
Water insecurity can lead to increased health issues and malnutrition.
33
What social consequences might arise from water insecurity in Egypt?
Increased nationalism and tension between communities
## Footnote
Competition over scarce water resources can exacerbate social divisions.
34
What is a political risk associated with the GERD conflict?
Worsening diplomatic relations
## Footnote
The ongoing tensions may lead to strained relationships between countries.
35
What could happen if no agreement is reached regarding the GERD?
Risk of military conflict
## Footnote
This scenario could destabilize the Horn of Africa region.
36
What is the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA)?
An agreement signed by Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Tanzania
## Footnote
It rejects Egypt's historic veto over Nile water rights.
37
Which countries refused to sign the Cooperative Framework Agreement?
Egypt and Sudan
## Footnote
Their refusal indicates the ongoing tensions over Nile water management.
38
What role does the African Union (AU) play in the GERD conflict?
Hosting trilateral talks among Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan
## Footnote
The AU aims to mediate the conflict but faces challenges in achieving progress.
39
What has been the outcome of international involvement in the GERD conflict?
No binding legal deal achieved
## Footnote
Efforts by the UN, USA, and World Bank have not yet resulted in a resolution.
40
Are transboundary conflicts impossible to solve?
No, some transboundary conflicts are difficult, but not impossible to solve.
## Footnote
The complexity of the conflicts can vary based on the context and the willingness of the parties involved.
41
What does the Israel-Jordan case demonstrate about conflict resolution?
It shows that success is possible with fair terms.
## Footnote
The treaty between Israel and Jordan is often cited as a model for successful conflict resolution.
42
What does the Nile case indicate about conflict duration?
When interests clash and trust is low, conflict lasts longer.
## Footnote
The Nile case illustrates the challenges of managing shared resources amid competing interests.
43
What are the necessary components for resolving transboundary conflicts?
Equal negotiation, shared benefits, and long-term cooperation.
## Footnote
An example of shared benefits could be water-for-electricity deals.
44
What is the final judgment regarding conflicts?
Conflicts are solvable, but only with political will and fairness.
## Footnote
Political will refers to the commitment of leaders to pursue resolution actively.
45
What is a key factor that contributed to tension in the GERD vs Egypt situation?
Power imbalance.
## Footnote
This tension stems from differing levels of influence and control over the Nile waters.
46
What does the successful treaty between Israel and Jordan signify?
It signifies cooperation.
## Footnote
The treaty has led to various forms of collaboration between the two nations.
47
What was the issue with the 1929 Nile Treaty?
It is outdated and unfair, leading to more conflict.
## Footnote
The treaty does not reflect current realities and needs of the countries involved.
48
Name three key theories relevant to transboundary conflicts.
Tragedy of the Commons, Hydropolitics, IWRM.
## Footnote
IWRM stands for Integrated Water Resources Management.
49
Is it easy to solve transboundary conflicts?
No, it is hard but not impossible to solve with trust, equity, and good governance.
## Footnote
Trust and equity are crucial for sustainable agreements and cooperation.
50
What is one example of a successful water conflict resolution?
1994 Israel-Jordan Water Agreement
## Footnote
Israel provides Jordan with 50mg of water per year, benefiting both parties.
51
What percentage of the Yarmouk River does Jordan control?
75%
## Footnote
Jordan's control over the river played a role in the successful agreement.
52
What theory supports the idea that shared river planning helps cooperation?
IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management)
## Footnote
This theory emphasizes the importance of collaborative management of shared water resources.
53
What are the key elements that can help resolve water conflicts?
Trust, fairness, and shared benefit
## Footnote
These elements contribute to successful negotiation and conflict resolution.
54
What is an example of a failed water agreement?
1929 Nile Waters Agreement
## Footnote
This agreement was outdated and led to increased conflict.
55
Which countries were granted rights under the 1929 Nile Waters Agreement?
Egypt and Sudan
## Footnote
The agreement ignored upstream nations like Ethiopia and Rwanda, leading to rejection.
56
Why did upstream countries reject the 1929 Nile Waters Agreement?
It was seen as unfair and colonial
## Footnote
The exclusive nature of the agreement fueled resentment among upstream countries.
57
What conclusion can be drawn from the failure of the 1929 Nile Waters Agreement?
Bad or exclusive agreements can increase conflict instead of solving it
## Footnote
This highlights the importance of inclusive and fair agreements.
58
What are transboundary conflicts?
Conflicts that occur when countries share water resources but have different needs.
## Footnote
Examples include rivers that cross national borders.
59
Why do some believe transboundary conflicts are impossible to solve?
Due to national interests, power imbalances, and essential water demand.
## Footnote
These factors often create a challenging environment for negotiations.
60
What is the opposing view regarding transboundary conflicts?
Solutions are possible through cooperation and treaties.
## Footnote
This perspective emphasizes the importance of diplomatic engagement.
61
What case study illustrates the difficulty of resolving transboundary conflicts?
Ethiopia's GERD dam on the Nile.
## Footnote
This example highlights the complexities of upstream and downstream water rights.
62
What does Ethiopia seek from the GERD dam?
Hydroelectric power (HEP) and development, aiming for 6,000MW of power.
## Footnote
This development is crucial for Ethiopia's economic growth.
63
How much of its water does Egypt rely on from the Nile?
97.5% of its water.
## Footnote
This dependency makes Egypt particularly vulnerable to water loss.
64
What are the consequences of water loss for Egypt?
Threatens food and water security.
## Footnote
Water security is vital for sustaining Egypt's population and agriculture.
65
What has been the outcome of mediation efforts by the UN and World Bank in the Nile conflict?
Failed to produce a binding deal.
## Footnote
Mediation has not resolved the underlying tensions between the countries involved.
66
What theory explains the challenges of transboundary water conflicts?
Tragedy of the commons and Hydropolitics.
## Footnote
These theories suggest that countries prioritize self-interest, leading to overuse and conflict.
67
What happens when water is tied to survival and national pride?
Conflict becomes harder to solve.
## Footnote
The emotional and practical stakes involved can escalate tensions.
