UNESCO Water Conference: Expansion hydropower looms, impact on African rivers

Water for all', but the same goes for ‘electricity for all’. The huge potential of hydropower in Africa was a central theme at the Unesco International Water Conference in Paris.

Dams in Africa’s transboundary rivers often cause tensions between the riparian states. So if Africa opts for ‘electricity for all’ many more dams will be build and therefore river basin management and water diplomacy will become more important. This surfaced in several expert panels at the conference.

Reliable data on river flows and strong mandates for river commissions can help to overcome distrust between states and local communities that are affected by hydropower dams. The UNESCO Conference drew 900 delegates from 126 countries. It took place on 13 and 14 May.