Integrated River Basin Management MSc Course Wetlands Management Module Lecture 6.0 Sustainable wetland and natural resources management

WETLAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING Sustainable Wetland/NR Management Prepared by: Shewaye Deribe Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association

Outline of presentation Introduction What is sustainable management or use of wetlands? Basic Principles for sustainable wetland management Measures to attain the principles and enhance sustainable use of wetlands

Introduction/ An ecosystem An ecosystem is defined as “a spatially explicit unit of the earth that includes all of the organisms along with all components of the abiotic environment with in its boundaries” (Likens 1992) e.g. forests, wetlands, grass lands, etc. Components Biotic- living things (plants, animals, micro-organisms) Abiotic- soil, water, air, light Interaction between biotic and abiotic components: abiotic factors regulate activities of organisms organisms in turn affect the abiotic environment

Introduction contd A healthy ecosystem is the result of the normal interaction among the living elements of the system and between the living and non-living components Ecosystem management is a new approach emerged from numerous concepts as the guide and organizing principle in meeting the technical and social challenges of environmental wellbeing Man is an integral factor in the ecosystem and holds the responsibility to improve its management

What are wetlands? Wetlands are ecosystems that act as an interface between land and water and have wide socioeconomic and ecological functions

WETLANDS IN PICTURE

DEFINITION OF WETLANDS The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands defines wetlands as: “Areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”

CHARACTERISTICS OF WETLANDS Wetlands show a mix of characteristics of both land and water They are ecosystems that act as an interface between land and water Have wide socioeconomic and ecological functions.

What is sustainable management or wise use of wetlands ?

The Ramsar definition Wise use : “Sustainable utilization for the benefit of mankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem” Sustainable use: “Human use of a wetland so that it may yield the greatest continuous benefits to present generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations”

Sustainable development “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland 1987)

Ecosystem approach An ecosystem approach recognizes that “all components of an ecosystem (physical, chemical, biological) are interdependent, Therefore, resources must be managed as dynamic and integrative systems rather than as independent and distinct elements. The ecosystem approach means that all stakeholders understand the implications of their actions on the sustainability of ecosystems.

Ecosystem approach (contd.) The dynamics and complex nature of ecosystems requires that the ecosystem approach be flexible and adaptive. The complex nature of problems and issues within an ecosystem can be addressed only by integration of scientific, social and economic concerns. Environmental research, planning, reporting and management must be interdisciplinary."

The guiding principles for sustainable wetland management 1. Taking account of the inter relations between wetlands and other ecosystems Socio-economic link; Hydrological link; Ecological link. 2. Integrating conservation and development

Guiding Principles (contd.) 3.Involving rural, wetland-dependent communities (stakeholders) Wetland management options must be supportive of the socio-economic objectives and aspirations of the people;

Guiding Principles (contd.) 4. Preserving the multi-functioning of wetlands Sustainable use of wetlands means using selected portions of wetlands for a variety of multi-purpose activities

Guiding Principles (contd.) 5. Improved management of wetland section should ideally increase or at least maintain the:- range of products derived from wetlands; quantity and quality of harvest produced; value of wetland goods and services; fair distribution of wetland resources to all stakeholders

Guiding Principles (contd.) 6. Wetland management should maintain a high diversity of users and uses Wetlands should not be monopolised by a few individuals, nor should they be converted to extensive monocultures of single crops or other uses

RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AWARENESS HARVESTING OF CRAFTS MATERIALS AGRICULTURE FISHERIES WILDLIFE HEALTH & RECREATION ECOTOURISM TRANSPORT FORESTRY HOUSING & INDUSTRY COMMUNITY RESOURCES MINING OF MINERALS RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AWARENESS WETLANDS Crop production HARVESTING OF CRAFTS MATERIALS BUILDING MINERALS BIODIVERSITY Livestock grazing WATER SUPPLY One resource, Many interests, Many Stakeholders

Guiding Principles (contd.) Cooperation in special issues related to shared river basin and wetland systems The hydrological and ecological integrity of the wetland ecosystem must be maintained

Guiding Principles (cont…) The EIA-process should be used in assisting the decision making

Measures to attain the principles and enhance sustainable use Design a Wetlands Management Strategy / Programme Developing and strengthening legislation for integrated management

Measures (contd.) Build Capacity Strengthening of institutional capacity Carry out public awareness Conduct wetland research Compile and disseminate information

Measures (contd.) Employ workable management options Enhance cross-sectoral management Integrate wetland management into rural development and traditional systems

Measures (contd.) Integrate into River Basin Management Help satisfy the needs of very different activities or resource users A participatory mechanism for solving conflicts It is a multidisciplinary process Requires land use and water planning and management mechanisms

Decision making and trade-offs in the use of wetlands In the decision making about the possible exploitation and use of wetlands, the current status of the wetland needs to be addressed. What are its components, processes and services? Is the wetland pristine, does it have a high natural value? Or is it already affected a lot by human interference?

Decision making (contd.) Is the wetland important for people already? Another important consideration is the nature of the proposed exploitation/activity What exactly will be done, what are the benefits and to whom do they accrue, is the wetland suitable for these activities?

Decision making and (contd.) Finally, the impact of the proposed exploitation is also important. What will happen to the ecological character of the wetland when the proposed development is implemented? And what will happen to the people who are involved (economically, in terms of equity, etc.)?

Decision making (contd.) The final decision is based on a trade-off between the benefits of exploiting the wetland (generally consisting of some service to the human population like food, income, water purification, etc.) and the costs/disadvantages/impact associated with the use (often consisting of the degradation of the ecosystem components and processes, and as a results, often also of other services provided by the wetland)

Example of a method for determining trade-offs: (McCartney et al The method comprises 6 steps: Classification of the present ecological condition of the wetland Classification of the current contribution of the wetland to social welfare Determination of the development pressure for the wetland

Method for determining trade-offs (contd.) Determination of the suitability of the wetland for a specific development activity based on biophysical suitability and socioeconomic suitability Identification of hazard potential of specific development activity based on the possible impact on the ecological condition and on the social welfare Classification of the Working Wetland Potential (WPP) by combination of suitability and hazard potentials.

Problems related to trade-offs: Lack of knowledge Quantitative monetary valuation of a number of services is still difficult So cost-benefit analysis is not always possible or does not always give the correct picture/ may not be synchronized in time or in place

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