How can we develop sustainably and safeguard communities at risk from water-related disasters? Wetlands such as rivers, streams, swamps, lakes, and estuaries play a critical role in supplying and regulating the quantity and quality of water. Water risks to society, including scarcity, droughts and floods, are increasing around the world. Conserving and restoring wetlands is a cost-effective investment strategy to increase water security.
- In the Tana River Basin in Kenya, we facilitated a study of the value of the ecosystem services for the Basin, their economic significance to the Kenyan economy, and the impacts of various development scenarios. The study analyses the economic value of the positive and negative externalities of different water-flow regimes, both upstream and downstream to inform development planning and water resources allocation in the Tana River Basin so as to safeguard its hydrological, ecological and socioeconomic benefits.
- In Uganda’s Rwambu Catchment, we are working to reverse extreme wetland degradation with the introduction of low cost ecosystem-based technologies that include stone bunds and check dams. Moisture returned to the soil, crop yields grew and shallow wells were recharged.