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ater

ducation

and

nstitutional

evelopment

issues. A regional library and media unit for water studies

provide training programmes and professional and tech-

nical publications. Updated technical and computer

laboratories equipped with high-quality devices enable

the practical application of learning and promote partici-

pants’ understanding and capabilities.

Annual scientific, technical and practical training

programmes are provided to increase the knowledge

and capabilities of manpower in all targeted countries.

The centre promotes the scientific study of issues relating

to water management in the region’s arid and semi-arid

zones. It aims to develop and coordinate cooperative

research and study activities on these issues, taking

advantage of the region’s installed scientific and profes-

sional capacity and the relevant IHP networks and NGOs.

Knowledge and information transfer events are organ-

ized, including international training courses, symposia

and workshops, to engage in awareness-raising activities.

Targets

RCTWS-Egypt aims to realize interaction among the

peoples of the Nile Basin countries to provide a mecha-

nism for fostering peaceful coexistence and avoiding

conflicts. It recognizes the importance of finding wider

frameworks for dialogue and societal interaction that

extend these beyond official dialogue to reach the elite,

the young, societal leaders and the heads of tribes.

Various institutions and ministries have contributed

to training programmes to ensure the role of civil society

in fostering cooperation and communication. The centre

also aims to contribute to training and awareness-raising

among clerics and experts who travel to African coun-

tries so that their role can extend to social and cultural

responsibilities beyond their actual jobs.

Countries such as Egypt should not only rely on the

civil society institutions of the Nile Basin countries, but

should also interact with the existing African-Egyptian

forums and councils and with the Egyptian civil societies

interested in African affairs. That said, civil society insti-

tutions among the Nile Basin countries have taken some

important actions. These include establishing a regional

union (the Nile Basin Trade Union) that aims to protect

and improve the conditions of workers, preserving water

security and benefiting from the humanitarian and

national resources in development projects. An interna-

tional forum has also been established for the Nile Basin

countries. This is considered a strong network of civil

society organizations representing the 10 African coun-

tries of the Nile Basin. It seeks to effect a positive change

through implementing various projects and programmes.

RCTWS-Egypt also focuses on following up the Nile

Basin Initiative (NBI). Among the objectives adopted

in this context is the realization of real and sustainable

development for the NBI. The mechanisms of mutual

cooperation among the Nile Basin countries will be

fostered while paying due attention to the issues of erad-

icating poverty and fostering economic development

among those countries. The centre will contribute to

NBI-related activities and study the negative and positive

RCTWS-Egypt

The main objectives of RCTWS-Egypt are:

• generating and providing scientific and technical information on

arid and semi-arid issues in the region to enable the formulation

of sound policies leading to sustainable integrated water resources

management (IWRM) at the local, national and regional levels

• undertaking effective training and capacity building activities

at institutional and professional levels in the region, as well as

awareness-raising activities targeting audiences including the

general public

• promoting applied skills on water studies, water management,

socioeconomic and environmental issues through regional

cooperative arrangements to strengthen local capabilities and involve

regional and international institutions in one integrated network

• integrating learning and quality network experiences to train

engineers and professional staff on current responsibilities and

future targets

• providing management and training resources for the self-

education of engineers and graduate staff

• upgrading the practical and operational skills and attitudes

of individuals and groups of technicians by developing

implemented and technical field training programmes

• increasing cooperation among the region and other countries, as

well as capacity building at institutional and professional levels

• raising environmental awareness through activities among

various audiences including the general public, in order to

enhance the sustainable management of water resources.

The centre’s main functions are aimed at enabling coordination,

cooperation, collaboration and communication among water studies

stakeholders in the region. These include organizing and support-

ing a regional water studies network for the exchange of scientific

and technical capabilities through interactive and creative learning

methods. The centre seeks to develop a strong programme of advisory

services and information transfer activities, using applied research

findings for the region’s countries in the field of water management

Raising environmental awareness among beneficiaries: targeting various audiences

is key to the sustainable management of water resources

Image: MWRI