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 [email protected]

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Principles of the Ecosystem Approach

Objective setting – people’s choice Decentralise management to lowest appropriate level Ecosystems are inter-connected Consider economic issues – avoid perverse incentives Focus on ability of ecosystems to provide desired services 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

Economic Environment 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 captains of industry & commerce including • 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 don’t succeed, we run the risk of failure” ECOSOC 2 July, 2008