The National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) has held a collaborative engagement with the Mano River Union (MRU) as part of ongoing efforts to deepen regional cooperation in the sustainable management of transboundary water resources.

The engagement focused on enhancing institutional coordination for the effective implementation of gains already achieved under the Strategic Action Plan for transboundary water management. Key areas of discussion included the establishment of the Mano River Transboundary Water Basin Management Office, mechanisms for data and information sharing, climate resilience strategies, and other related issues. These initiatives align with NWRMA’s mandate as provided for in the National Water Resources Management Act of 2017.

During the engagement, the Secretary General of the Mano River Union, Ambassador Simeon M. B. Moriba, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to the sustainable management of shared water resources across member states. He provided background on the MRU’s mandate in managing transboundary waters, while emphasizing that effective implementation at the sub-regional level requires consensus and concurrence from all member states of the Union.

The collaboration underscores the importance of collective action in addressing shared water challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing demand for water resources. It also highlights the need for coordinated policies and institutions to ensure the equitable and sustainable use of transboundary waters within the Mano River Basin.

NWRMA said the engagement reinforces its commitment to safeguarding Sierra Leone’s water resources while promoting regional water security through cooperation with neighboring countries under the MRU framework.