Niger Basin Authority facts for kids
The Niger Basin Authority (often called the NBA or ABN) is a special group of countries in West Africa. Its main goal is to help these countries work together. They want to manage and use the natural resources, especially water, from the Niger River and the land around it. This group helps make sure everyone benefits from the river in a fair way.
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How the NBA Started
The Niger Basin Authority was first created in 1964. Back then, it was called the River Niger Commission. It was inspired by a similar group in the United States called the Tennessee Valley Authority. Later, on November 21, 1980, the group was officially restarted and renamed the Niger Basin Authority.
What the NBA Does
The main purpose of the Niger Basin Authority is to encourage countries to cooperate. They work together to develop and manage the resources of the Niger River basin. This includes managing water, but also other important things.
The NBA helps its member countries plan for energy, farming, and transportation. They also work on communication and industrial resources. The group has created a big plan called the "Integrated Development Plan of the Basin." This plan focuses on projects that cross country borders.
Even though the NBA helps with planning, it doesn't have power over the countries' resources. Each country still makes its own rules. A big part of the NBA's work now is protecting the environment. They fight against desertification (when land becomes desert) and deforestation (cutting down too many trees). They also work to stop pollution in the rivers from farms and factories.
Who is in the NBA and How it Works
Nine countries are members of the NBA. These countries have parts of their land in the Niger River basin. The member countries are:
Even though a small part of Algeria is in the Niger Basin, it is not a member. The NBA's main office is in Niamey, which is the capital city of Niger. The group works in both French and English.
Meetings and Funding
Ministers from the member countries meet every year. These meetings happen at the main office in Niamey or in other member countries. The leaders of the NBA countries also meet regularly. These meetings are called the "Conference of the Heads of State of the Niger Basin Authority and Partners."
For example, in April 2008, the leaders met in Niamey. They agreed on several important plans. These included a long-term investment program for the river basin. They also created a "Water Charter" for the Niger River. They planned to get money from different groups to help with their projects. They also decided to speed up work on the Taoussa Dam project in Mali and the Kandadji Dam project in Niger.
The NBA gets money from its member countries. It also receives help from international groups and other countries. The NBA works with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and Wetlands International. They also partner with the Ramsar Convention, which protects important wetlands.
See also
- Azawagh
