Thread by @AJEnglish

THREAD 👇

A mega-dam has triggered a big dispute between Egypt & Ethiopia over access to the Nile’s water resources.

For Ethiopia it promises much-needed electricity; for Egypt, the fear of a devastating water crisis.

Could a dam kill the River Nile? aje.io/3qvhq

The mega-dam is touted as a green source of electricity, but they can leave a trail of environmental damage and water insecurity.

We analyse the impact of large dams on the Nile as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) nears completion aje.io/3qvhq

For the 280 million people from 11 countries who live along the banks of the Nile, it symbolises life.

The Nile Delta produces ~50% of Egypt's agricultural produce, but scientists warn the dam's disruption of its ecosystem could cause irreversible damage aje.io/3qvhq

We analyse what could happen to Egypt's annual water reserves and agricultural areas depending on how quickly Ethiopia fills the dam.

The shorter the time it takes to the fill the dam, the lower the flow of water into Egypt: aje.io/3qvhq

Scientists believe the Nile in its current form is considered to be the oldest and longest river on the planet.

The dam is expected to severely impact the biodiversity of more than 100 islands in the Nile and the people who rely on them aje.io/3qvhq

So what does Ethiopia want?

Ethiopia is one of the cleanest energy producers in Africa.

The gov't is counting on the dam to meet its growing energy and development needs - leading to employment opportunities aje.io/3qvhq

Where does Sudan stand?

Sudan is where the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers meet.

Experts say while the dam could benefit Sudan, it will also block large amounts of silt that will impoverish fertile land making it difficult to achieve food security aje.io/3qvhq

The Nile is not just a source of water. It is an exceedingly sensitive ecosystem that plays a role in the environmental and ecological balance of east Africa.

Read more on the impacts of Ethiopia's new mega-dam here: aje.io/3qvhq