Rivers Without Borders: A Shared Journey Towards Water Conservation
- Advertisement -
Every year, participants gather for the Journey of Water campaign, a vital initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. This year, on the Tanzanian side, the Journey of Water 2025 edition focused on a collaborative effort between Kenya and Tanzania to safeguard their shared freshwater systems. As climate stresses mount, this cross-border partnership highlights the critical importance of protecting the rivers that bind these two nations.
The campaign, orchestrated by WWF-Kenya, shines a spotlight on two significant rivers: the Kimengelia in Tanzania and Noolturesh in Kenya. Both rivers originate from the majestic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, flowing gracefully across borders and supporting the livelihoods of over 227,000 individuals. It’s fascinating to think about how a single water source can serve as a lifeline for so many people. As Dr. Martin Mulama, WWF-Kenya’s southern Kenya landscape programme manager, aptly stated, “The Journey of Water helps identify challenges facing water sources and the actions needed to protect them.”
On the banks of the rivers, Dr. Mulama spoke in Rongai, Tanzania, emphasizing that the campaign also aims to spark collective action. This year’s theme, “Rivers Without Borders: One Source, Shared Future,” reflects a profound call for international cooperation in managing these shared water resources effectively—an urgent need in today’s world. How can we ensure a sustainable future while respecting the interconnectedness of our ecosystems? It is a question that resonates deeply, prompting reflection and proactive action.
This initiative is supported by the Catchment to Tap project, funded by the Netherlands Embassy, alongside contributions from BMZ and other partners. Over the past three years, the Journey of Water has traversed key Kenyan river basins such as River Malewa, Ewaso Nyiro, and River Kibos, each step imbued with purpose and commitment. During each journey, participants engage with local communities, hold town hall discussions, and amplify their conservation message through various media channels and partnerships.
The culmination of this year’s journey will be a town hall meeting, intended to produce joint resolutions aimed at strengthening catchment protection. Participants included enthusiastic civil society groups who trekked through hills and valleys, carrying placards that broadcasted the campaign’s conservation message. Imagine the sight of passionate individuals united by a common purpose, walking the path of their rivers and forging connections with nature and one another.
Dr. Mulama expressed admiration for the transformative impact of the campaign on community perceptions. “Many now understand that water doesn’t just come from the tap—it starts in forests, wetlands, and mountain catchments that must be protected,” he remarked. This shift in understanding is vital in cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship, urging communities to also take part in conservation.
As the conversation deepens, Dr. Mulama highlighted the cross-border significance of rivers like the Mara, suggesting that stronger policies and grassroots structures, such as Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) and Community Forest Associations, are essential. He noted, “As civil society, we support government efforts with knowledge, advocacy, and community mobilization.” It’s an ongoing dialogue, one that requires all hands on deck, working collaboratively to secure a sustainable future for all.
However, the rivers face formidable challenges. Issues such as over-abstraction, illegal diversions, unregulated irrigation, deforestation, sand harvesting, and pollution from agrochemicals have turned once perennial rivers into seasonal streams. This shift not only intensifies water conflicts among communities, wildlife, and farmers but also serves as a stark reminder of climate change’s widespread impact.
In Tanzania, Rombo District Commissioner Raymond Mangwala shared his insights, noting the strides being made in conservation. He highlighted success stories like the planting of indigenous trees near water catchments, presenting a contrast to the invasive eucalyptus that dominates some regions in Kenya. Mangwala emphasized, “To truly protect these resources, local communities must benefit from them.” His commitment to ensuring that every household has access to clean water reflects a hopeful endeavor to balance development with conservation. What will it take for other regions to adopt similar practices and perspectives?
By meticulously tracking the full journey of rivers—from their source to the communities they nourish—the Journey of Water continues to illuminate the often-invisible systems that sustain life. It urges all stakeholders engaged in this pursuit to protect these precious water resources for the sake of current and future generations. Every action counted, every voice unified, forms the melody of hope that echoes along the banks of these rivers.
In the grand symphony of water conservation, this cross-border initiative serves as a poignant reminder that while borders may divide us, the rivers wind through our shared existence, nourishing all who dwell in their embrace.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international—Monitoring
