 The longest of all world rivers, 6,800 kilometres, the Nile is the main source of fresh water for 10 African countries, including Egypt, where more than 160 million people live along its borders. In 1999 the 10 countries came together in the Nile Basin initiative to preserve the water resources of the river and to achieve sustainable socio-economic development. Countries all over the world are becoming more aware of the problems they will face due to the expected decrease in the amount of fresh water available per person and the pollution that threatens their natural water resources. Acknowledging the seriousness of the impending problem, the UN General Assembly has proclaimed the period from 2005 to 2015 as the International Decade for Action "Water for Life". photo: Sherif Sonbol parent page (2 - 8 February 2006, issue #780) |