WI 2021-2024 Source to Sea: Eastern Africa Wetland Initiative

The Source to Sea project is a three-year initiative implemented by Wetlands International (WI) trying to address the drivers of wetland and biodiversity loss in Eastern Africa by putting in place enabling conditions for integrated wetland management solutions in two selected ecoregions (the Rift Valley Lakes and the East African Mangrove). The contribution implemented by Wetlands International (WI) has been initiated in August 2021 with a six-month inception phase. Accordingly, the year 2023 is the third year of actual implementation of the project following the inception phase. The initiative has four main outcomes, which are mirrored in the work packages (Work Package I to IV) and include: 1)Knowledge and data on trends in wetland status and distribution, biodiversity and socioeconomic values is accessible and supports policies and practices. 2)Government institutions and civil society organisations have increased capacity to monitor wetlands and their values and to develop, resource and implement integrated strategies for wetland conservation and rehabilitation. 3)Integrated landscape regeneration and livelihood enhancement strategies developed, implemented, and brought to scale through co-management arrangements between government, civil society, and community groups. 4)Ecoregion management plans and strategies for select wetland landscapes in the Rift Valley (Ziway Shalla sub-basin and the Omo-Turkana basin) and along the Eastern Africa Mangrove Coast (Lamu land and seascape and Rufiji delta) are developed, mainstreaming wetlands and biodiversity conservation. During the reporting period intermediate results have been registered through developing knowledge in both ecoregions, building stakeholder capacity, implementing community development initiatives on the ground in the four landscapes (Ziway-Shalla landscape, Omo Turkana landscape, Lamu Land and Seascape and Rufiji Delta Landscape), and brought these interventions to scale through landscape and ecoregional planning in the three countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania). Major achievements under each work package are summarized below: Work package 1: Knowledge development and dissemination A deep understanding of wetland health is possible now through comprehensive monitoring programs like the Global Mangrove Watch (GMW), Biodiversity Monitoring Framework and Wetland Inventory, allowing to proactively identify threats and implement targeted measures to address them. Climate change vulnerability assessments and biodiversity assessments, particularly in critical areas like the Lamu Southern Swamps, provided valuable insights to guide conservation efforts. Real-time change alerts enable to respond swiftly to emerging threats in mangrove ecosystems. Through actively monitoring wetlands and incorporating lessons learned from past interventions, continuously refine our best practices. This ensures our efforts in protecting mangrove ecosystems remain impactful and responsive to evolving challenges. To showcase the value of on the groundwork and inspire others, WI developed a compelling video documentary. This not only raises awareness but also serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and attracting new partnerships. Work package 2: Capacity building To ensure the long-term health of wetland ecosystems, WI provided comprehensive training programs. Stakeholders gained valuable knowledge in effective mangrove conservation and management practices, climate-smart agriculture, and climate change adaptation. Strengthened capacity of expertise through training in Kobo Toolbox data collection tools. This empowers stakeholders to gather critical data for informed decision making. Through facilitated learning exchanges community members shared ideas for eco-tourism ventures, crab farming and sustainable fishing livelihoods. Work package 3: Upscaling restoration and livelihood enhancement in the landscapes Landscape rehabilitation efforts have yielded significant results in combating watershed degradation while Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration approach has successfully restored degraded mangrove areas, promoting healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. In total, more than 3,500 hectares are under rehabilitation. Recognizing the link between livelihoods and environmental pressure, alternative income generating schemes introduced to reduce dependence and pressure on wetlands. This includes promoting beekeeping, sustainable fishing practices, poultry farming, and the use of energy-efficient cookstoves. These diversified livelihoods provide economic opportunities for communities while safeguarding vital wetland ecosystems. Rangeland reseeding activities have been introduced understanding the needs of different communities in the different landscapes, including pastoralists. This creates sustainable grazing resources for cattle, reducing pressure on wetlands and fostering a more balanced human-environment relationship. In total, through the project the livelihoods of more than 22,000 people have been improved. The landscape vision development process has seen positive advancements in all four landscapes. In the process it was learned that there are many ways to develop landscape visions and plans and are experimenting with different methods in the various landscapes. Work package 4: Ecoregional planning Wetlands policy often lags the urgency of the challenge. Recognizing this, the contribution took a targeted approach convening policy dialogues to address policy gaps concerning wetlands. Through strong partnerships, WI facilitated the development and implementation of forest management plans, ensuring that communities are actively involved in the conservation process. Work package 5: Programme coordination Institutional capacity of WI and its implementing partners located in the four landscapes has been strengthen as a strong foundation to achieving impactful results and program success. Accordingly, the equipped our team with the necessary skills through comprehensive training on Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) and project management. The tailored trainings empower to effectively track progress, adapt strategies, and demonstrate the impact of our work.

The overall objective of the proposed initiative is to ensure that by 2024, government agencies, civil society and community groups jointly safeguard and restore wetlands of the Rift Valley Lakes and East African Mangrove ecoregions. These ecoregions are amongst the highest priority in Eastern Africa, considering their high biodiversity, ecosystem services and cultural values. The major activities of the proposed intervention will focus on five, inter-connected work packages that correspond to the four outcomes of the programme, each representing a set of milestones and underlying activities. The five focus areas are: (1) Knowledge generation and dissemination, (2) Institutional strengthening and capacity development, (3) on the ground intervention (Integrated landscape regeneration and livelihood enhancement), (4) mainstreaming wetland and biodiversity conservation into regional, national and sub-national policy frameworks, (5) Programme management and coordination: with the objective of ensuring the efficient coordination and management of the proposed intervention.