ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Applying the Ecosystem Approach through IWRM- River Basin case study Hillary M Masundire Chair, IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (outgoing) Department of Biological Sciences University of Botswana

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 What is IWRM? A systematic process for the sustainable development, allocation and monitoring of water resource use in the context of social, economic and environmental objectives A participatory planning and implementation process based on sound science, that brings stakeholders together to determine how to meet long-term needs for water and coastal resources while maintaining essential ecological services and economic benefits Derives from the Dublin principles Principles of IWRM

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 What is the Ecosystem Approach? a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way Aims at achieving the 3 objectives of the CBD – sustainable use, conservation & equitable sharing of benefits Guided by 12 Principles

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Some Principles of IWRM Seem to variable but include IWRM must be applied at catchment/ basin/watershed level Integrate water and environmental management A systems approach Full stakeholder participation Capacity building at all levels Full-cost pricing alongside targeted subsidies Central government to create and maintain an environment Adopt best existing technology & practices Equitable allocation of water resources Water is an economic good Strengthen the role of women in water management

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Principles of the Ecosystem Approach 1.Objective setting – peoples choice 2.Decentralise management to lowest appropriate level 3.Ecosystems are inter-connected 4.Consider economic issues – avoid perverse incentives 5.Focus on ability of ecosystems to provide desired services 6.Ecosystems have limits to what they can provide

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Principles of the ecosystem approach 7. Manage at appropriate spatial and temporal scale 8. Set long-term objectives to be achieved by appropriate short-term actions 9. Change in ecosystems is inevitable 10. Balance conservation and use of biodiversity 11. Consider all forms of knowledge including IK 12. Consider all stakeholders

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 just a few challenges? Who is society? Who decides? Who are ALL stakeholders? What is appropriate devolvement of authority? What is appropriate scale in space and time? What ecosystem services to focus on – for who?

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Southern African river basins (SARDC)

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Why the Ecosystem Approach? Provides a broad framework – for planning and implementing ALL development at all levels IWRM is watercentric – a holistic approach with a focus on water – a process, Ecosystem approach on ALL sectors An overarching strategy

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 The artificial paradigm Environment Economic Social Economic Bio-physical environment Social

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 The ideal reality Economic Social

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Criticisms/shortcomings Too academic – too theoretical No guidance on how to apply practically Is it necessary to apply all 12? Where has it been used? Where has it worked? Gives too much power to local resources users? Too much focus of nature? Too much focus on economic issues? Reduces the power of the nation-state? Lack of understanding of ecosystem science: structure and functioning of ecosystems

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 operationally Central governments need to know, understand and use the Ecosystem Approach as a planning and analytical tool for ALL sectors IWRM should be applied within the framework of the Ecosystem Approach Ecosystem approach provides policy framework, IWRM provides implementation process

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 In conclusion The Ecosystem Approach offers an enabling framework for planning and implementing development in all sectors IWRM can be a good example of how to apply the Ecosystem Approach There is urgent need to develop capacity to mainstream the Ecosystem Approach There is urgent need for specialised trainers and innovative training in this area. Whatever we do – we should Think ecosystem – Function ecosystem Think locally, act globally? Act locally, think globally?

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 Capacity development & awareness For Heads of States: 30 – 60 minutes presentations at summits For Ministers: 30 – 60 minutes presentations at regional ministerial meetings Breakfast seminars at up market hotels- including captains of industry & commerce Build up from raising awareness to building understanding e.g. we should capture every drop of rain that falls within our borders My duty is to supply water to the people, I have nothing to do with ecosystems

ECOSOC 2 July, 2008 finally Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds If we dont succeed, we run the risk of failure