Effective Utilization and Conservation of water resources is a key for socio-economic growth

Scholars and researchers of water resources expressed that effective utilization and conservation of transboundary rivers and water resources are vital for socio economic growth of Ethiopia.    

The National Intelligence and Security Service has prepared a panel discussion entitled

” Utilization of water resource in relation to National Security” involving renown   scholars, researchers and diplomats on water resources and hydro politics.  

Gedion Asfaw (Engineer) Chief Negotiator on tripartite committee of GRED, said during   his presentation that Ethiopia should utilize its transboundary water resources to fulfill    the demand of increasing number of population.

According to Gedion, Ethiopia has so far utilizes transboundary water resources based on international standard and principles. Lack of effective conservation of water resources will create problems in relation to national security and existence.

The amount of water distribution per each citizen is decreasing each year, Gedion remarked.  The amount of water per head was 1,525 cubic meters before few years now decreased to 730 cubic meters, he stated. 

All stakeholders should undertake researches and consultations to tackle problems related with the demand and supply of water resources.   

Deputy Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), Tazer Gebregzabher said on his part that trans boundary water basins and rivers found within our boundaries are one of the natural resources of the country mostly linked with existence of our country.  Sothat Ethiopia needs a consistent water policy and strategy, which would be part of the foreign affairs and national security policy, he remarked. 

The agenda of water resources is a significant national security issue for Ethiopia Deputy director stated. National intelligence and security organizations, policy makers, researchers, scholars, different segments of populations should increase their capacity and awareness through providing appropriate events on water issues, he underlined.    

Deputy Director added that panel of experts and scholars of water resources should play leading role towards increasing awareness on utilization of water resources, green development initiatives, safety and security of dams and also undertaking researches on water resources of the country, he reiterated. 

Scholars and officials from ministry of foreign Affairs (MOFA), who participated in the panel discussion express that the issue of utilization of trans boundary water basins and rivers found within boundaries is strongly linked with national security and existence of our country.   

The demand of water supply increases with the growth of the number of population in the country, results the imbalances between water demand and supply.  Sothat water security sector invites many scholars to conduct researchers to fill the gap.      

Diplomatic missions of Ethiopia have also played key role to follow principles of equitable and justified utilization of Nile water resources during the tripartite negotiation with downstream countries mentioned by the participants of panel discussion. Ethiopian stand on principles of justified and equitable utilization of Nile water resources gained acceptance from International community, indicated on the discussion.

There is an interest to reach on agreement, similar of colonial period that allows down stream countries to ensure dominant utilization of the Nile water resources. But, Ethiopia will not accept colonial type of treaty and work for equitable utilization of Nile water among riparian countries pointed out during the discussion.  

Further more, water security is not only governmental affair but also a public issue so that all citizens of Ethiopia are expected to increase their awareness and knowledge on utilization of the natural water resources and should be a diplomat for his country, reflected on the discussion. Issues related with water resources should be included in the educational curriculum, said on the occasion.

There is an interest to reach on agreement, similar of colonial period that allows down stream countries to ensure dominant utilization of the Nile water resources. But, Ethiopia will not accept colonial type of treaty and work for equitable utilization of Nile water among riparian countries pointed out during the discussion.  

Further more, water security is not only governmental affair but also a public issue so that all citizens of Ethiopia are expected to increase their awareness and knowledge on utilization of the natural water resources and should be a diplomat for his country, reflected on the discussion. Issues related with water resources must be included in the educational curriculum, said on the occasion.