Alexander River (Israel) – Lake Bam (Burkina Faso)

The Alexander River Restoration Administration (ARRA) in Israel, winner of the 2003 International Thiess Riverprize, established a twinning project with the government of Burkina Faso, West Africa, to help them restore Lake Bam. Lake Bam in Burkina Faso is a natural lake that is drying up. It is under threat from population pressures,  unsustainable catchment practices and possible climate change.

Up to 60,000 people in this area rely on the lake for drinking water, irrigating crops, watering stock and fishing. Further deterioration of the lake will have serious consequences for the survival of the population and will result in an environmental and human crisis.

Achievements

Funded by the IRF, The ‘Dying Lake: Lake Bam Feasibility Study’ was completed in May 2007. It identifies possible restoration options and recommends long-term, comprehensive sustainable solutions for restoring the lake. Support for the next stage of implementation is being gathered through meetings with the planning team, government, aid agencies, local experts, stakeholders as well as with UNESCO -IHP and other international bodies. The Burkina Faso Government considers the Lake Bam restoration to be a top priority project, which will also serve as a pilot project for other dams and lakes with similar problems. Actual restoration work is planned for late 2007.

For further information, visit ARRA’s website.

Lowy Institute Talk 'A Bridge for Peace' by Amos Brandeis
(by clicking on that link you'll leave IRF's website to access audio presentation by Lowy Institute, MP3 file, size 18 MB)

Amos Brandeis is Manager and Chief Planner of the Alexander River Restoration Administration (ARRA) in Israel who won the 2003 International Thiess Riverprize
in co-operation with the Palestinians.