INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT: UGANDA’S EXPERIENCES

1. INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT: UGANDA’S EXPERIENCES Ronald Kaggwa Environment Economist and National Focal Point National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) UGANDA

2. Introduction • Uganda carried out a Pilot Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) covering the Lake Kyoga catchment (a Sub-catchment of the Nile Basin). • The IEA had three layers of focus; • local sites in Nakasongola, Bududa and Butaleja Districts; • the regional assessment focusing on the Lake Kyoga catchment as a whole; • the linkage with national level activities, policies and programmes. • The IEA covered three districts of Manafa, Butalejja and Nakasongola. • Estimated population, 8 million people with 94% living in rural areas.

3. Introduction Cont’d • The focus area has a population of 8 million people with 94% living in rural areas.

4. Map of Uganda and the Study Area

6. Purpose of the IEA • Improve understanding on the linkages btn ecosystem services and human well-being; • Inform and influence policy formulation, planning and implementation; esp. the PEAP and improve environmental decision-making; • Build national capacity to undertake IEA; • Demonstrate the advantages of the MA approach with a view to mobilizing funds for a national assessment in the future; • Identify drivers of ecosystem change; • inform the development of an M&E framework focusing on poverty and environment.

7. Introduction Cont’d • Targeted stakeholders: • Policy and decision-makers at National and Local Government levels. • The Academia; Universities and other Institutions of Higher learning. • The Development Partners • The CSOs and CBOs • The Private Sector

8. Introduction Cont’d • The IEA was carried out by multi-disciplinary assessment team lead by Makerere University Institute of Environment and Natural Resources (MUIER) comprised of: • two Environment Economists • two Natural Resource Specialists • a Sociologist and Gender Specialist • a Soil Scientist and GIS Specialist

9. Introduction Cont’d • The IEA cost US$ 70,000 in terms of consultancy fees, field work, preparatory workshop etc. • It was planned to take 90 days unfortunately it has taken more than earlier planned. • The IEA tool • The IEA is based on the MA which assessed the capacity of ecosystems to support human well-being and life on earth. • It specifically focused on providing policy relevant scientific information about the relationships between ecosystem change and human well-being to decision-makers.

10. The IEA tool and Methodology • Why the Lake Kyoga catchment was selected: • there are plenty of ecosystems; • there is evidence of strong linkages between ecosystems and human well-being; • the ecosystems have changed and are likely to change in future, which will influence ecosystem services and human well-being. • The IEA had three layers of focus: • local sites in Nakasongola, Bududa and Butaleja Districts; • the regional assessment focusing on the Lake Kyoga catchment as a whole; and, • the linkage with national level activities, policies and programmes

11. Cows grazing in an area that was originally a wetland

13. The IEA tool and Methodology • Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. • It Involved transect walks, field visits, Key Informant interviews and consultations with the local communities and their leaders. • The finest scale assessment at the sub county and village level relied on spatial and temporal scales. • The MA Framework and methodologies were used with some modification in analysis.

14. A member of the Assessment Team in Consultations with the Community

15. Ranking of Ecosystems during a Women’s Focus Group Discussions

16. Women listen as the Ranking of Ecosystems is read out

17. Key results/findings • Drivers of ecosystem change • Undefined property rights • Land use changes • Population dynamics • Social-political factors • Special challenges of sustainable dry-land mgt • Conflicts between conservation (protected areas) and community interests

18. Impacts of the IEA • Created local capacity in IEA; • Growing understanding and appreciation of the linkages between ecosystems, poverty reduction and human well-being; • The MA methodology is being applied in the country as an assessment tool in policy relevant research; • Plans are underway to introduce IEA as a course unit in MUIENR. • Integrated the spatial and temporal concerns alongside immediate concerns such as poverty, property rights concerns (particularly land) and health care.

19. Potential uses of the IEA results • The IEA report will be used: • Review and evaluation of the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP); • Prosperity for all programme. Significant reduction of poverty the central item is an election promise of the NRM Govt and is based on sustainable ecosystem mgt; • Policy and decision making particularly at the local level

20. Difficulties encountered • Completing the report on time; • Selecting the multi-disciplinary assessment team and the appropriate ecosystem which clearly demonstrates the key linkages. • Harmonising the detailed and slow GOU contract and procurement procedures with the time bound nature of the project requiring quick and prompt actions. • Ensuring effective multi-stakeholder/ partner coordination

21. Difficulties/Challenges • Thinking of the concept of ecosystems in an integrated manner as opposed to stand alone natural resources. • Getting the private sector onboard and participating fully