Ivory Coast has recently become the 53rd Party to the 1992 UN Water Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. With this accession, Ivory Coast joins nine other African countries in endorsing the treaty, underscoring a significant commitment to improved regional cooperation for managing shared water resources.
Importance for Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast, home to approximately 30 million people, shares eight transboundary river basins with neighboring countries including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The country faces considerable water management challenges due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change impacts such as drought and flooding. Additionally, water quality is deteriorating due to pollution. Joining the Convention will enhance Ivory Coast’s ability to address these issues through strengthened regional cooperation.
About the UN Water Convention
Origins and Purpose
Adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and effective from 1996, the Convention aims to promote sustainable management of shared water resources, prevent conflicts, and foster regional integration. It mandates Parties to cooperate on transboundary waters, mitigate negative impacts, and ensure equitable water use.
Global Scope
Initially a regional framework for Europe, the Convention expanded globally in 2016. It now includes Parties from various regions, with recent expansions into Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Impact and Implementation
The Convention supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 6.5, which emphasizes integrated water resources management and transboundary cooperation.
Significance for Africa
Africa’s water resources are vital for economic development and poverty reduction, with 63 international river basins covering 62% of the continent’s land area. Ivory Coast’s accession to the Convention enhances regional water cooperation, crucial for managing Africa’s extensive transboundary water resources. The Convention aids in the cooperation on surface and groundwater management, supporting climate change adaptation and sustainable resource use.
Upcoming Accessions
Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are also expected to join the Convention soon. Sierra Leone has confirmed its intention to accelerate the accession process, while Zambia and Zimbabwe are in advanced stages of joining. These new additions will be discussed at the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention in October 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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