Correct Option: D. Co-ordinate their efforts in managing the use of the lake's resources
Detailed Explanation:
The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) was established in 1964 with the primary goal of promoting cooperation among the member states that share the Lake Chad Basin. These member states include Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria. The commission was formed in response to the challenges posed by the shrinking of Lake Chad and the need for sustainable management of its resources.
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Purpose of the LCBC: The main objective of the LCBC is to coordinate efforts among member states to manage the water resources of Lake Chad effectively. This includes addressing issues such as water scarcity, environmental degradation, and the sustainable use of the lake's resources for agriculture, fishing, and other economic activities. By working together, the member states can develop strategies that benefit all parties involved and ensure the long-term viability of the lake.
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Resource Management: The LCBC focuses on integrated water resource management, which involves balancing the needs of different sectors (like agriculture, fishing, and domestic use) while considering environmental sustainability. This coordination is crucial because the lake is a vital resource for millions of people in the region, and its health directly impacts their livelihoods.
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Regional Cooperation: The commission fosters regional cooperation, which is essential for addressing transboundary issues. Water management does not respect national borders, and collaborative efforts are necessary to tackle challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change. The LCBC provides a platform for dialogue and joint action among the member states.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
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Option A: Expand the volume of water in the lake for fishing activities: While fishing is an important activity in the Lake Chad Basin, the commission's primary goal is not to artificially expand the volume of water. The focus is on sustainable management rather than increasing water volume, which may not be feasible given the lake's current environmental challenges.
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Option B: Increase navigational activities on the lake: Although navigation can be a component of resource management, it is not the primary focus of the LCBC. The commission's main aim is to manage the lake's resources sustainably, which includes but is not limited to navigation. Increasing navigation without addressing other critical issues could lead to further degradation of the lake's ecosystem.
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Option C: Dam the lake for electricity and agricultural purposes: The construction of dams can have significant environmental impacts and may not align with the LCBC's goals of sustainable resource management. The commission is more focused on cooperative management and conservation rather than large-scale infrastructure projects that could alter the natural state of the lake.
Summary of Key Points:
- The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established to promote cooperation among member states for sustainable management of Lake Chad's resources.
- Its primary goal is to coordinate efforts to address water scarcity, environmental degradation, and resource use.
- The commission fosters regional cooperation to tackle transboundary water management issues.
- The other options (A, B, C) focus on specific activities that do not encompass the broader, more sustainable objectives of the LCBC.
This understanding of the LCBC's purpose is crucial for anyone studying commerce, particularly in the context of resource management and regional cooperation.