Glossary

This glossary comes from the SADC Water Hub

N

National poverty alleviation plansMany less developed countries have established strategic plans to coordinate public and private efforts to combat poverty. These plans normally aim to develop income-generating activities that broaden and strengthen self-employment, small enterprises, and/or community enterprises producing sustainable products and services.
National Water Act (NWA)The Law relating to water use and protection in South Africa.
National water lawA country´s legislation which regulates all the different aspects revolving around water resources.
Natural capitalThe stock of all natural resources, including water, soil, air, minerals, flora, and fauna.
Natural resourceAny matter or energy obtained from the environment that is used and valued by humans. Forests, water, soils, and air are examples of natural resources.
NBI (Nile Basin Initiative)Formally launched in 1999, the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) provides an agreed basin-wide framework to fight poverty and promote socio-economic development in the region.
NematodeWorms with an unsegmented body; abundant in marine and freshwater habitats, soil, and as parasites of plants and animals.
Net productionThe rate of gross accumulation of organic matter minus the losses of organic matter to respiration and other processes.
NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation)Legally constituted non-profit organisation created by natural or legal persons with no participation of any government representative. A NGO generally mobilizes public opinion and popular support in order to change certain aspects of society.
Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)Formally launched in 1999, the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) provides an agreed basin-wide framework to fight poverty and promote socio-economic development in the region.
Nile River Basin Action PlanA plan for the integrated, sustainable development of the Nile River Basin, working in collaboration with representatives from the 10 riparian states. Prepared with guidance by TECCONILE, the Technical Cooperation for the Promotion of the Development and Environmental Protection of the Nile Basin Committee, and CIDA, the Canadian International Development Agency.
NitrateForm of nitrogen commonly found in the soil and used by plants for building amino acids, DNA and proteins. It is commonly produced by the chemical modification of nitrite by specialized bacteria. Chemical formula for nitrate is NO3-.
NutrientAny food, chemical element or compound an organism requires to live, grow, or reproduce.
Nutrient cyclingThe pathway by which a chemical element or molecule moves through both the biotic and abiotic compartments of the earth.
NWA (National Water Act)The Law relating to water use and protection in South Africa.