The impacts of climate change are most acutely felt through the water cycle , and addressing this issue urgently is crucial , Minister of Agriculture , Water and Land Reform , Calle Schlettwein , has said . The minister made these remarks at the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention in Slovenia on Wednesday . Schlettwein , in his statement availed to Nampa , said transboundary water cooperation is vital for Namibia , given that the country ' s perennial rivers and two largest aquifers are shared with neighbouring nations . He noted that cooperation ensures the sustainable use of water , which is vital for agriculture and food production , urban and rural water supply and sanitation , economic development and ecosystem conservation . ' As a member of the shared river basin community , Namibia ' s aim has always been to foster collaboration , support sustainable development and secure an equitable share of these essential water resources . However , negotiating water rights can som etimes be difficult , especially when done in the absence of goodwill and under the influence of water scarcity and competition ,' he stressed . The minister said by acceding to the Water Convention , Namibia aims to strengthen cooperation on shared water resources in sub - Saharan Africa , a framework that has already fostered regional stability and conflict prevention in parts of Europe and Africa . ' We firmly believe the water convention is one of the key international instruments that supports the sustainable management of shared water resources , contributes to the achievement of the sustainable development goals and fosters peace , security , and regional integration ,' he noted . Schlettwein further said since becoming a party to the Water Convention , Namibia has gained valuable insights , strengthened its role in regional and international water governance , and deepened solidarity with its neighbouring countries while tackling climate change - related water scarcity . ' We have benefited from tools that assist member countries with water allocation and financing River Basin Organisations . Through our twinning initiative with Finland , we have drawn from their rich experience ,' he added . Schlettwein also emphasised the need for Africa , particularly Namibia , to be prioritised in global funding for water infrastructure and climate change responses .Source: The Namibia News Agency