Surface Freshwater GEF IW Projects

Nairobi, KENYA, 18 th April 2013: The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has underscored the importance of the newly-commenced integrated Population, Health and Environment (PHE) program to be implemented in the Lake Victoria Basin. The USAID East Africa funded program aims at strengthening regional coordination, advocacy, capacity building and policy harmonization in relation to PHE.

Lake Tanganyika, which falls under the administration of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, and Burundi, is the world’s second largest freshwater lake by volume and a haven for aquatic wildlife. The lake (map at left taken from here) is home to about 2,000 species of fish, most of which are found nowhere else in the world. Such diversity is possible both because of the lake’s size and antiquity; geologists believe Lake Tanganyika to be between 9 and 12 million years old. Eons of isolation have allowed a very distinctive ecosystem to form, similar to other large inland bodies of water like Lake Victoria and Lake Baikal. Lake Tanganyika also forms a vital pillar of human life in the area. The lake is a key protein source for millions of locals, and its fisheries directly employ hundreds of thousands of workers.

"Development of technological solutions for minimization of anthropogenic impact of ore gold mining and processing enterprises on environment"

"Development of technological solutions for minimization of anthropogenic impact of ore gold mining and processing enterprises on environment"

By Santiago Ormeno and Geoffrey Omedo (In this section, we highlight some of the lessons, experiences and best practices from our COAST Kribi Demo Site in Cameroon)

By Marcel Leijzer, UNWTO

Integrated Water and Land Management for the Sustainable use of the Laura Water Lens, Majuro Atoll 16 th  April 2013: RMI’s GEF Pacific IWRM Demonstration Project entitled “Integrated Water and Land Management for the Sustainable use of the Laura Water Lens, Majuro Atoll” has successfully tested various approaches to reducing groundwater pollution. The project has also strengthened national and watershed level coordination of water resource management. Key project results include: establishment and operation of a National IWRM Task Force that has facilitated the development of a National Water and Sanitation Policy; strengthened community engagement through the establishment of the Laura Lens Committee; reduced stress on the Laura Water Lens through various demonstration initiatives. This Pacific IWRM ‘Progress Snapshot’ highlights results achieved to date. Visit the Kava Bowl  to access RMI’s ‘Progress Snapshot’ – click here .

The MedPartnership Coordination group held its annual meeting at the UNESCO in Paris, France from 3 to 5 April 2013

Workshops held in Algeria for the preparation of a national Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) strategy

"Climagine", a participatory method introduced in Croatia for sustainable coastal zone management and climate variability and change

Technical Consultation to negotiate the final text of the International Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) which shall be be presented for approval to the 31st Session of the Committee on Fisheries. Registration Registration Form for International Organizations / Formulaire d’inscription pour Organisations Internationales / Formulario de inscripción para Organizaciones Internacionales Information for Delegates to Meetings at FAO Headquarters Meeting documents Web site: http://www.fao.org/fishery/ssf/guidelines/en

Cape Town, South Africa: WWF-South Africa (WWF-SA) is elated over Minister Edna Molewa's recent formal announcement of the declaration of the Prince Edward Islands as a marine protected area (MPA) – Africa`s first offshore MPA. Dr Morné du Plessis, WWF-SA's Chief Executive says, "This is a historic day for marine conservation in South Africa.