Namibia becomes first Southern African country to join UN Water Convention.

Namibia, which has a population of some 2.5 million people, shares all its perennial rivers with neighbouring countries as well as several significant transboundary groundwater reserves.

As both a mid-stream and downstream country, transboundary water cooperation is crucial for Namibia and the region's water security and sustainable socioeconomic development.

Namibia's Minister for Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Mr. Calle Schlettwein stated: 'Transboundary water cooperation stands as the cornerstone of our nation's water security, and I firmly believe that through this accession, Namibia will not only reap substantial benefits from its participation in this global legal framework but will also have the opportunity to engage with fellow members in promoting the principles of peace and equity in transboundary water sharing.

'The principles and regulations of the Water Convention harmoniously align with Namibia's policies on transboundary water cooperation and integrated water resources management, as we collaborate alongside other nations to safeguard and sustainably utilize our shared freshwater resources'.

UNECE Executive Secretary, Ms. Olga Algayerova, stated: 'I warmly congratulate Namibia on its accession to the UN Water Convention as called upon by the UN Secretary General to all UN Member States. As the first Party in Southern Africa, Namibia opens the door to more countries in the region joining this unique treaty to help address water challenges across national borders, which is especially crucial due to rising climate change impacts.

'After Nigeria and Iraq's accession earlier this year, this shows the relevance of the Water Convention as key means for supporting sustainable development and preventing conflict over shared waters,' she added.

Following Namibia's accession to the UN Water Convention on 8 June 2023, this step will help to consolidate the long-standing commitment to transboundary water cooperation in Southern Africa.

Namibia has ratified basin agreements and is a member state of basin organizations including: the Okavango-Cubango River Commission (OKACOM) shared with Angola and Botswana; the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) shared with South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho); the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) with all other riparian states of Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe; and the Cuvelai Watercourse Commission (CUVECOM)...