Win–win Strategies for Transboundary Water Management During the GERD Operating Stage

Abstract

The list of challenges associated with the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Resistance Dam (GERD) now includes global concern over climate change. Due to their inability to reach a legally enforceable agreement on how to address watershed degradation and water quality, riparian nations are already experiencing peace and security issues. A win–win strategy seeks to develop collaborative solutions to transboundary water management problems while maximizing the benefits for both parties. This paper aims to develop, evaluate, and analyze win–win transboundary water management strategies during the operating stage of GERD. Using value engineering (VE), functional analysis system technique (FAST), and life cycle cost (LCC), the optimal win–win strategy is determined. The study uncovered four distinct value options for various win–win strategies. According to the study results, the third win–win strategy is the most effective way to help both upstream and downstream nations retain peace, as it seeks to encourage riparian countries to collaborate by: i) developing cooperative regulatory policy; ii) switching to renewable energy supported by GERD; and iii) reducing water loss. This study advances our understanding of the topic by providing policymakers with a tool to: i) evaluate win–win strategies for managing transboundary water; and ii) incorporate the added value and functionality into policies regarding transboundary water management.