Equitable utilization in the Blue Nile River Sub-basin: Context, problems, and prospects

The goal of the study is to facilitate negotiations for a comprehensive agreement for the equitable and peaceful utilization of the waters of the Blue Nile Sub-basin by contributing to the understanding of conditions, which impede negotiations. The central argument of the study is that the status quo or a "no agreement" alternative is viewed by Egypt as the lower riparian's best alternative to a negotiated agreement with Ethiopia thereby making negotiations unnecessary.; In the context of international rivers, disputes generally revolve around issues concerning property rights arising from state sovereignty; reciprocal rights and obligations arising from negotiated agreements, which exist among and between the sub-basin states; and principles of "equitable use" and collective obligations of the sub-basin states. The study examines the factors, which constitute property rights and equitable rights in light of the factors for reasonable and "equitable" use set out in Article V of the Helsinki Rules.; These factors include the hydro-geography of the Blue Nile Sub-basin (geography, drainage area, the hydrology, and the climate); past, existing and planned uses of the waters of the sub-basin; the population dependent on the waters of the sub-basin; water supply and demand in the sub-basin; present and future water requirements of each basin riparian; socio-economic needs of each sub-basin riparian; alternative means of satisfying economic and social needs and comparative costs; avoidance of waste; the degree to which the needs of the sub-basin state can be satisfied without causing harm; and the practicability of compensation to co-riparian to adjust conflict among uses.; The study also reviews efforts to achieve agreement and reciprocal rights and obligations by focusing on the riparians' disposition towards negotiations and the "legal regime" of the Sub-basin. Finally, the study explores issues concerning collective obligations of the sub-basin riparians, international water resources law, principles and decisions applicable to consumptive uses of international rivers, collaboration based approaches, which have been put forward to achieve equitable utilization, and options for peaceful settlement. The study concludes by encapsulating barriers, identifying inter-basin consensus as a critical factor to achieve equitable utilization and proposes consensus building to facilitate a permanent agreement.