Addis Ababa:The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is crucial for enhancing regional integration and addressing climate-related challenges, such as severe flooding and droughts, in downstream countries, according to Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General for African Affairs at Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Zerihun emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to cooperation, regional integration, and equitable utilization of Nile waters, underscoring the importance of shared benefits among riparian countries.
He noted Ethiopia's efforts to consider the interests of downstream countries in the GERD's development, highlighting the dam's potential contributions to regional development, climate resilience, and energy security.
The ambassador pointed out that GERD represents a significant African investment in clean energy, offering opportunities to tackle shared climate challenges. Its benefits could extend to Sudan and Egypt through electricity generation, water storage, and flood mitigation.
He further explained that the GERD reservoir could help reduce water losses due to its location in an area with lower evaporation rates compared to Egypt's High Aswan Dam.
The dam is also expected to mitigate extreme flooding by regulating water flows, protecting infrastructure, lives, and livelihoods in downstream areas.
Regarding drought management, Ambassador Zerihun stated that water storage at the GERD could foster greater cooperation among Nile Basin countries during water scarcity periods.
He described the dam as a strategic regional asset, suggesting its hydropower generation could meet electricity demands in neighboring countries and support the transition to cleaner energy.
Expanding access to renewable electricity, he added, could enhance cross-border energy cooperation and contribute to broader climate change efforts.
Ambassador Zerihun concluded that achieving the GERD's long-term benefits necessitates sustained cooperation among Nile Basin countries, emphasizing the essential role of collaboration over shared water resources in advancing regional integration and tackling common environmental and development challenges.
