A one million euro project aimed at helping Ethiopia adapt its groundwater resources management to climate change was launched last week by the French Public Research Institute BRGM (the French Geological Survey) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Energy. The project is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and aims to map the suitability of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) for mitigating drought and water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. MAR allows for the recharging of excess water, such as floods and treated wastewater into appropriate aquifers to be stored and used later. Aquifer management needs to be improved as groundwater accounts for up to 80pc of Ethiopia's water consumption. The agreement was signed by French Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux, on behalf of AFD, and Minister Habtamu Itefa (PhD) at the Ministry's office, Haile Gebresilasie Street. The ambassador noted that France is committed to supporting climate-resilient water access in Ethiopia, both through this project and through continuing to partner with other countries such as Denmark. Climate change has introduced global shocks in rainfall increasing the frequency of droughts with the consequences being felt by developing countries most harshly.
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