Wolanski, Eric, Zeidan, Bakenaz A., and Aly, A.I.M. (2024) The Nile River Basin ecohydrology system: Problems and solutions. In: UNSPECIFIED, (ed.) The Nile River System, Africa: Ecohydrology and Management from Catchment to Coast. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands, pp. 319-335.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

This chapter reviews the changing water quantity and the ecosystem health of the Nile River over the last century. It describes the huge spatial and temporal variability of the rainfall over the basin and of the flows in the Nile River and its main tributaries. It also describes the main challenges, and it proposes some solutions for a healthy Nile River ecosystem under pressure from human population growth, the threat of droughts, irrigation, proposals to alter the hydrology, climate change, the hydropolitics behind dams and water scarcity, management of wetlands and peatlands, and pollution. The increasing population is stretching the use of natural resources to unsustainability. Papyrus wetlands provide important ecosystem services, and they need to be preserved and restored. The lack of a physical capacity to combat accidental oil spills in the White Nile River is extremely concerning and must be addressed. The countries in the Lake Victoria Basin are all advancing water development projects. Compromises at national and international levels are needed between ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources and the need to alleviate poverty of a rapidly growing population. Not properly addressed using ecohydrology principles, these issues will develop into a lose-lose scenario for the whole Nile River environment and the people.

Item ID:	83936
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-0-323-90122-2
Copyright Information:	Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2024 22:42
FoR Codes:	37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3708 Oceanography > 370803 Physical oceanography @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180506 Oceanic processes (excl. in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean) @ 100%
Downloads:	Total: 1 Last 12 Months: 1
	More Statistics