Mr. Radji GARBA, assisting the Executive Secretary on the implementation of the Mekrou Project represented GWP-WA at this meeting. Opportunity was given to him to present the progress of the Mekrou Project. He laid down main achievements made by the Mekrou project so far particularly
- Coordination and cooperation culture among actors in the three countries (Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger) and regional institutions, through building a partnership framework which favoured consensus;
- Cooperation framework established between Northern and Southern scientists to foster transboundary water resources management for economic growth and sustainable development in the basin;
- The level and quality of scientific analyses enabling a better knowledge of the basin and the development of planning and decision-making tools;
- Pathways and connections established among scientists, policy makers and the development world.
Following the presentation, participants’ interventions were, among others, on:
- Need to focus on investments for the benefit of populations in the 2nd phase of the project going forward;
- The necessity for Ministers in charge of water in the three beneficiary countries to send a letter t support to EU Commission letter to motivate for funding the 2nd phase;
- The necessity to formalize working relationships between the Mékrou Project and the NBA Executive Secretariat just like other NBA Projects have done;
- The good appreciation of great achievements made by the project.
