LAKE CHAD WATER CHARTER

What Is This Policy?

A multilateral water governance charter among Lake Chad Basin countries to manage the shared water resources of Lake Chad sustainably, address the lake's shrinkage, and promote cooperation among riparian states.

Who Does It Target?

Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and other LCBC member states; communities dependent on Lake Chad; farmers, fishers, and pastoralists.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure sustainable management of Lake Chad's water resources, address environmental degradation, promote regional cooperation, and protect livelihoods of basin communities.

Key Features

Shared Water Governance: Framework for managing shared water resources Environmental Protection: Addresses Lake Chad's dramatic shrinkage over decades Regional Cooperation: Promotes cooperation among riparian states

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active regional framework Coverage: Lake Chad Basin countries Lead Body: Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC)

How to Access

Implemented through the LCBC and member state governments.

Important Terms

Lake Chad has shrunk by approximately 90% since the 1960s The charter addresses water allocation, environmental protection, and conflict prevention

Impact & Metrics

Critical for the over 30 million people dependent on Lake Chad's resources across multiple countries.

Official Resources

Website: cblt.org Contact: Lake Chad Basin Commission, N'Djamena, Chad

Legal Framework

Operates under the Lake Chad Basin Commission Convention 1964 and its successive protocols, implemented domestically through the Nigerian Constitution Section 12 on treaty ratification. Draws on the UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses 1997 and the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.