Rwanda has committed to strengthen regional partnerships to protect and conserve the resources around the Nile basin.

The renewed commitment was made as part of celebrations on Nile Day which is organised to mark the anniversary for the establishment of the Nile Basin Initiative.

To mark Nile Day, a workshop bringing together policymakers from different ministries, Members of Parliament, development partners, researchers, civil society, women and youth organisations and the general public took place today to raise awareness about the Nile Basin Initiative.

The initiative has membership of 11 countries through which the River Nile flows and these are; Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda.

"All Nile Basin countries can benefit tremendously from working together. By combining our resources and increasing integration, we can better manage the basin. This will result in better environmental outcomes as well as social and economic development for all who call the Nile Basin home,” said Dr Vincent Biruta, Minister of Natural Resources.

The Nile Day coincided with activities to mark World Water Day where participants visited an ongoing exhibition at the University of Rwanda and also took part in a tree-planting exercise along the banks of River Nyabarongo in Muhanga District.

According to officials, the Nile Day provides an opportunity for those living in the basin to come together and exchange experiences, views and ideas.

Some of the topical issues that were discussed include cooperative management and the development of the shared Nile Basin water resources.

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