The Wetlands and Water Resources Component of EARP
Water is essential for life and an adequate supply of clean water is crucial for the maintenance of the environment, our health and our livelihoods. Water supply in Eastern Africa is characterized by variability of supply, acute shortages, pollution and inequitable distribution of resources and, in many cases, the trend is becoming increasingly severe. To address these issues, we assists communities and governments to plan for and sustainably manage their freshwater resources and to manage those ecosystems primarily dependent upon water. Wetlands and Water Resources works through:
Encouraging Wise Governance: Based on the premise that good policies and strong institutions form the basis for sustainable water management, we help governments to develop coordinated national wetlands and water policies and we provide advice on the institutional mechanisms required for implementation. Examples include the Uganda Wetlands Programme, the Water and Nature Initiative and Regional Wetlands Conservation and Support Programme.
Demonstrating Sustainable Use and Sound Management: IUCN believes that management of water and land resources are inextricably linked. Based on the concept that ecosystems should be addressed as holistic units, our field projects enable communities and local governments to better understand, plan for and manage their wetlands and water resources. Projects examples include: the Rufiji Environmental Management Project and the Socio-economics of the Nile Perch Fishery.
Generating and Disseminating Knowledge: IUCN’s promotes a better understanding of the ecological, social and economic processes governing wetland and water resources and aims to increase awareness on these issues. IUCN generates information through projects, we commission studies and we make technical data available to those who need it.
Empowering people: Water is essential to everyone, from the individual to industry and government. All stakeholders must be involved if management of water resources is to be successful. IUCN assists communities, NGOs, and governments so they can actively participate in the management of their wetland and water resources. Examples include the Nile Basin Discourse Desk and the Rufiji Environmental Management Project.
Promoting Transboundary Management: Many of the key wetlands of Eastern Africa transcend national borders. IUCN makes regional cooperation for the management of shared aquatic resources possible through initiatives such as the Nile Basin Discourse and the Socio-economics of the Nile Perch Fishery.
