ECOSOC 2 July, 2008

Applying the Ecosystem Approach through IWRM- River Basin case study

Hillary M MasundireChair, IUCN Commission on Ecosystem

Management (outgoing)

Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Botswana

masundh@mopipi.ub.bw

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

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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

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Principles of the Ecosystem Approach

1. Objective setting – people’s choice2. Decentralise management to lowest appropriate level3. Ecosystems are inter-connected4. Consider economic issues – avoid perverse incentives5. Focus on ability of ecosystems to provide desired

services6. 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 inevitable10. Balance conservation and use of biodiversity11. Consider all forms of knowledge including IK12. Consider all stakeholders

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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?

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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

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The ideal “reality”

Economic Social

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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

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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?

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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”

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finally

• “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds”

• “If we don’t succeed, we run the risk of failure”