Although the NBCBN network could be considered as a pilot activity at its start in 2000 and unique in the region in supporting professional water-related staff to conduct applied research, other activities in the region are also initiated by other organizations with similar or complementary objectives. Therefore it is felt important to put effort in linking the network with its activities and output with other relevant projects at international and regional level. As the NBCBN is agreed to be part of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) set-up it is felt as essential to link with all relevant NBI SVP and SAP projects. The network should be seen as supportive and complementary to these projects and interested to do the research part. In addition linkage with other regional and international projects that focus on capacity building, research and networks/partnerships establishment will strengthen the network and motivate professionals to join the network and contribute to its activities..

 Potential regional / international projects to link up with could be:

1. UNESCO’s Friend Nile Program
2. Partnership for Water Education and Research (PoWER)
3. NeWater project, New Approaches to adaptive Water management under Uncertainty, WP
4. Cap-Net  Capacity Building for Integrated Water Resources Managment
5. African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)
6. NEPAD

 The NBCBN Secretariat will further analyse linking possibilities and opportunities with these projects and institutions.