Lake Chad Basin gets €11.25m funding for water, climate challenges

The Lake Chad Basin is set to receive a significant boost with the launch of an €11.25 million regional water management initiative. This program aims to bolster water governance, enhance climate resilience, and foster regional stability across one of Africa's most vulnerable ecosystems.

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The Central African Republic is a source of the Lake Chad Basin’s hydrological system, which comes with a particular socio-environmental responsibility.

The initiative, officially named the Lake Chad Water Management Action, was launched in Bangui, Central African Republic. It is a collaborative effort involving the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and the Government of the Central African Republic. The program is designed to promote sustainable management of shared water resources, improve cooperation among member states, and provide support to communities grappling with the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, and insecurity.

Funded by €7 million from the European Union and €4.25 million from Germany, the initiative will support the development of resilient infrastructure, improve hydrological monitoring systems, provide technical assistance, and mobilize investment for sustainable water resource management. For Nigeria, where millions rely on the basin for agriculture, fishing, and livestock, this program is crucial for environmental sustainability, economic recovery, and stability in areas affected by climate pressures and conflict.

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Let us save the Lake Chad Basin for the well-being of humanity.

Central African Republic President Prof. Faustin-Archange Touadéra highlighted the program's critical importance, stating, "The Central African Republic is a source of the Lake Chad Basin’s hydrological system, which comes with a particular socio-environmental responsibility." He urged collaborative efforts from governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to ensure its success, adding, "Let us save the Lake Chad Basin for the well-being of humanity."

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Climate change and environmental pressures do not stop at borders. Nigeria’s partnership with its neighbours through the Lake Chad Basin Commission is essential for long-term stability and development.

The European Union's Chargé d’Affaires to the Central African Republic, Mr. Serge Panaget, emphasized the EU's commitment to supporting African-led solutions. He noted that the program aligns with the EU's Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe approach, promoting sustainable development through partnerships. "Climate change and environmental pressures do not stop at borders. Nigeria’s partnership with its neighbours through the Lake Chad Basin Commission is essential for long-term stability and development," Panaget stated, expressing the EU's pride in supporting regional partners in strengthening cooperation around this vital shared resource.

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The European Union is proud to stand alongside Nigeria and regional partners in strengthening cooperation around one of the region’s most important shared resources.