Since ancient times, the Nile River has been the heartbeat of the civilizations that have inhabited its banks. However, access to this vital resource has come under threat in recent years. Since 2011, Ethiopia has been constructing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile tributary which provides Egypt and Sudan with much of the Nile’s water. While this megaproject has the potential to provide Ethiopia with staggering benefits, the dam could ravage agricultural productivity in Egypt and Sudan. Moreover, each of these nations face their own internal pressures, from civil wars to economic insecurity, making the implications of the GERD even more consequential. Thus, this committee will bring together key stakeholders from the Nile Basin to negotiate the future of the GERD and regional stability. Will equitable water usage and security cooperation deals be struck, or will chaos ensue?
Will Castanier chair He/Him |
Lucas Valdez Assistant chair he/him |
Oliver Loerwald assistant chair he/him |
