Environmental governance dimensions and perspectives for three transboundary African lakes

Authors

  • Henry Kankomba Mwima Lake Tanganyika Authority, Kigobe Nord B.P., Bujumbur, Ngagara 4910, Republic of Burundi henry.mwima@yahoo.com; henry.mwima@sasscal.org

Keywords:

freshwater, management, Chad, Victoria, Tanganyika, conventions

Abstract

Factors considered necessary for effective environmental governance in large, transboundary lakes are presented. Institutional processes and governance structures are examined for three transboundary African lakes: Chad, Victoria and Tanganyika. Shortcomings in environmental governance for these lakes are: (i) inadequate linkages between science and policy and (ii) inadequate application of innovative, adaptive management approaches. Other shortcomings include: (i) untimely fulfillment of national and regional obligations by the riparian governments and (ii) lack of long-term sustainable financing mechanisms. Key recommendations for effective environmental governance are: linking scientific thinking and information to political decision making; investment in research and management; adoption and/or adaption of innovative management approaches; exchange of information and expertise; strategic partnerships; political commitment; long-term sustainable resource allocation; and development of mechanisms for addressing impacts of climate change and variability. Commitment to international conventions and sub-regional initiatives is also recommended for redressing environmental governance challenges for transboundary African lakes.

References

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Ogutu-Ohwayo, R. and Balirwa, J. S. 2004. Management Challenges of Freshwater Fisheries in Africa, Jinja, , Uganda: Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization / Fisheries Resources Research Institute.

Olsen, S. B., Sutinen, J. G., Juda, L., Hennessey, T. M. and Grigalunas, T. A. 2006. A Handbook on Governance and Socioeconomics of Large Marine Ecosystems, Island, , USA: Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode.

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Published

2014-01-02

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2014): Protecting Great Lakes of the World: Managing Exploitation with Ecosystem-Based Science (GLOW VII)

Section

Research article

License

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