Mano river basin commission: History, Member countries, Objectives. - SS3 Commerce Lesson Note
The Mano River Basin Commission (MRBC) is an intergovernmental organization that focuses on promoting cooperation and sustainable development among countries in the Mano River Basin region.
The MRBC was established in 1973 by four member countries in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d'Ivoire. These countries recognized the need for joint efforts to address common challenges related to water resources, environmental management, and socio-economic development within the Mano River Basin.
Member Countries:
The Mano River Basin Commission currently consists of four member countries:
- Guinea
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- Côte d'Ivoire
Objectives:
The main objectives of the Mano River Basin Commission are as follows:
- Integrated Water Resource Management: The MRBC aims to promote the sustainable and integrated management of water resources in the Mano River Basin. This involves coordinating efforts to protect water quality, ensure equitable access to water for various purposes (such as drinking, agriculture, and industry), and manage the basin's water flow and ecosystems effectively.
- Environmental Protection and Conservation: The commission seeks to protect and conserve the natural environment within the Mano River Basin. This includes promoting sustainable land use practices, mitigating the impacts of climate change, conserving biodiversity, and managing forest resources.
- Socio-economic Development: The MRBC works towards enhancing the socio-economic development of its member countries. It encourages collaboration in areas such as agriculture, energy, transport, and trade to foster regional integration and improve the livelihoods of the population within the basin.
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: Given the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters, the commission focuses on disaster risk reduction and management. It promotes initiatives to build resilience, strengthen early warning systems, and improve preparedness and response mechanisms for floods, droughts, and other hazards.
- Peace and Security: The MRBC recognizes the importance of peace and stability for sustainable development. It aims to contribute to peacebuilding efforts and regional cooperation to address conflicts, border disputes, and other security challenges within the Mano River Basin.