Danish IT technology helps to secure stability in the Nile region

The Nile River is vital for life in the vast Nile basin area. It is a source of life but is also a source to disputes and insecurity. The available water resources are under constant pressure due to rapidly growing populations and demand for water. Historically water scarcity has led and leads to conflicts. The Nile Basin Initiative, which purpose is to secure a sustainable and equitable way to manage the available water resources in the region, has signed a contract with DHI for the development and deployment of the Nile Basin Decision Support System. This system will enable the Nile Basin Initiative member countries to monitor and manage water in a transparent and regionally accepted way.

The decision support system is based on a computer model of the river system. Somewhat 6-7000 km of the Nile will be modelled. This „water spine model‟ will act as the backbone for the decision support system, which essentially is a water allocation and budget model. If water is withdrawn one place then the effect other places can be quantified, hence allowing, member countries to undertake comparative water use assessments and select preferred strategies for implementation.