Winrock International’s Post

Effective watershed management is crucial for sustainable land use, efficient agricultural practices, and the conservation of water resources. It plays a vital role in ensuring the resilience of ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change and disasters. Led by DAI, USAID's Program for Aquatic Natural Resources Improvement (Paani – Nepali for ‘water’) has enhanced Nepal's integrated water resource management. The 5-year program took an integrated approach at the watershed, river basin, and national levels and helped bridge knowledge gaps, develop plans for watershed management and conservation, and enable legislation that supports local development goals. Project achievements include: - Assisting the Government of Nepal in implementing the National Water Resources Policy (2020) to promote sustainable, equitable, and multifaceted development of water resources for social transformation and economic prosperity. - Introducing and implementing the Aquatic Animals and Biodiversity Conservation Act (AABCA) at the local level in Dailekh District. This act serves as a legal framework for co-management of river stretches in Nepal. Paani has supported the development and enactment of AABCAs in 37 municipalities and rural municipalities, contributing to river protection, conservation of aquatic species, and improvement of river-dependent livelihoods. - Introducing a collaborative locally-led, locally-empowered river stretch governance model through the establishment of Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Groups (CAACGs). These community groups have been entrusted with the rights and responsibilities to sustainably manage, develop, and conserve local river stretches. Paani has formed 101 CAACGs, governing a river stretch of 458 kilometers. - Enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of river-dependent communities through the construction of integrated fish farms. These farms combine fish farming with livestock rearing, climate-smart vegetable farming, and irrigation management in a single system. As a result, approximately 30,000 people earned supplemental income from Paani-supported livelihood activities. DAI and its partners continue to strengthen water security in Nepal under the ongoing USAID Karnali Water Activity and USAID Biodiversity projects. For more information about USAID Paani's achievements: https://buff.ly/4c6RSXc #watershedmanagement #naturalresources #Nepal #DAIClimateFutures

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and Expertise France under the European Union-funded Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity (EU-FCCB)Programme. It is aimed at protecting and conserving forestry and biodiversity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The EU-FCCB Programme is an EU-funded initiative to support a development model that reconciles forestry, climate change, and biodiversity with sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive green growth at national and pilot subnational/community levels in PNG with three implementing agencies, Expertise France, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The MOU reaffirms the collaboration and partnership between the two entities, as witnessed by the European Union Delegation to PNG, Ms. Monica Vazquez Pablo and Ms. Manau Renagi, and representatives from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM). It will establish the framework for collaboration over the next four years of the FCCB Programme, underpinned by an annual action plan for each year of implementation. Recently-appointed Mananging Director for CEPA, Jude Tukuliya affirmed the importance of CEPA in spearheading the biodiversity component of the EU-FCCB Programme. Mr. Tukuliya emphasised: “This leadership role extends beyond the scope of the MoU, encompassing the steadfast commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals stipulated by the PNG government. He further highlighted the imperative to actualise the MoU's requirements and turn them into tangible actions that directly benefit the community. Mr. Tukuliya also conveyed a strong willingness to leverage the knowledge and expertise offered by the EU-FCCB Programme, partnering development organisations, and relevant government entities engaged in forestry, climate change, and biodiversity preservation initiatives. "We are excited about the signing of the MoU as it will signify the start of the collaboration, particularly in terms of organisational and institutional support, subnational pilot programs, and the enforcement of the PA Act to help enhance conservation efforts and protect forestry and biodiversity," stated Mr. Alaric Vandeberghe. "Improving the capacity of relevant national and local officials and stakeholders on sustainable livelihood options and business model development will also be a key part of implementing the MoU activities." #eufunded #europeanunion #environment #biodiversity #papuanewguinea #sustainablelivelihoods #forestryclimatechangebiodiversity #sustainabledevelopment #sdg13 #sdg15 #sdg17

Lot of attention around deforestation is on Latin America and Asia, for beef, palm oil and soy. But whereas in several countries in these regions we are moving in the right direction (and sure: definitely not there), deforestation innAfrica should become more of a concern. Land tenure and land governance are really important to reduce deforestation and more broadly to stimulate sustainable agriculture as this article clearly indicates. With good progress in countries like Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia. And #EUDR as an important stimulating factor

The Landscapes Resilience Fund is a public-private partnership that aims to mobilise USD 100 million by 2026 for climate adaptation projects that support sustainable agricultural and forestry supply chain. It is an impact-driven, independent foundation that mobilises private and public climate finance for vulnerable smallholders and landscapes. To learn more about the fund, and to read about two of the fund’s landscapes in Vietnam and Ghana, you can visit their new factsheet here: https://lnkd.in/eedKx4tm #deforestation #smallholders #landscapeapproach #deforestation #commodities

Did you know that the administrative structure of the government in Tanzania follows a similar pattern to many other countries? 🇹🇿 The division of distinct policy sectors, such as education, defense, and health care, is often the norm. However, this structure may not always be the most effective when it comes to addressing environmental issues. A transport ministry may focus on implementing a massive road building program, while the agriculture ministry may encourage intensive farming methods. Meanwhile, the responsibility for protecting the environment is typically given to a separate ministry. 🤔 But is this approach truly effective? 🔗 The truth is, many environmental problems are cross-sectoral and require a coordinated response that transcends administrative boundaries. An effective climate change strategy, for example, would need the involvement of various ministries responsible for transport, energy, industrial emissions, livestock, forestry, and economic policy. As we continue to tackle environmental challenges, it is crucial for governments to break down these artificial boundaries and work together in a holistic manner. Only then can we truly make a positive impact on our planet and create a sustainable future for all. CC/:#ArnoldElikunda

https://lnkd.in/gtp6FGtN The Significance of Farmland Conservation: Safeguarding Our Agricultural Heritage #Managedfarmlandnearmysoreroad #Managedfarmlandnearbangalore #agriculturallandforsalenearme

Unsustainable agricultural practices and the over-exploitation of natural resources has eroded ecosystem health on 60% of Africa’s agricultural and pastoral lands. For Kenya, land degradation is a particularly critical challenge: around a third of its land mass is classified as ‘severely degraded’, and the impacts of this are estimated to cost the nation over USD 1 billion every year. The Forest and Landscape Restoration Implementation Plan (FOLAREP) was created to guide restoration efforts, and CIFOR-ICRAF and FAO are working with Kenyan counties to tailor the plan to their specific needs. This project is strengthening capacity for implementing forest landscape restoration (FLR) and mainstreaming gender-equitable approaches. Stakeholder participation is a key part of the process, and the hope is that successful domestication in two counties will inspire other Kenyan counties to follow suit. Read on: 🔗 https://bit.ly/44ZTuzl #Trees4Resilience #UKPACT

#Aquaculture is gaining global recognition as a low-impact, low-emission method of food production. It carries recognized benefits to #biodiversity, #EconomicDiversification opportunities, and holds potential for #CarbonSequestration in certain contexts. 🌊 🌿 However, the aquaculture industry faces a number of challenges that dictate the degree to which these benefits are accessible. In #Maine, one significant hurdle is establishing a streamlined and transparent leasing process. It was a privilege to join with #growers, industry leaders, Maine DMR, and other nonprofits to collectively discuss how Maine can improve aquaculture leasing in a way that balances the needs of the industry with the interests of other #marine stakeholders. 🐟 🚢 A few key takeaways from the discussions: 1️⃣ Regulators face resource constraints and a flood of lease applications. How can we enhance application throughput without compromising environmental standards? ⏩ ⏩ 2️⃣ Equitable access to aquaculture leases should be a top priority. How are coastal and island communities, whose livelihoods are most at risk due to the impacts of climate change, being considered in the lease process? ⚖️ 3️⃣ Marine use conflicts are a difficult reality for the industry. The leasing process should help growers and other marine stakeholders navigate these complexities by setting clear standards that take into consideration the conditions, equipment, and constraints that growers often face. 🤝 🚢 🌿 If you’re interested in participating in a similar session, check out Maine DMR’s site below for additional information about when and where listening sessions will be taking place around the state. https://lnkd.in/eJuKbGZj PS- These discussions are being professionally facilitated by Craig Freshley, making them a great opportunity to show up and have your voice heard! #SustainableAquaculture #MaineAquaculture #MarineStewardship #CommunityEngagement #ClimateSolutions #Collaboration

As Ghana strives to meet its climate targets under the Paris Agreement, illegal deforestation poses a significant challenge. Government control of all “naturally occurring” timber trees on public and private land is a contributing factor to this issue. This makes it harder for Ghana to generate 23.5 million emission reductions from “gender-responsive sustainable forest management” between 2020 – 2030. The proposed tree tenure policy reform in Ghana, which transfers full ownership of all trees to farmers and landowners, could be a solution to this problem. This policy reform is reviewed in an assessment my colleagues and I under the USAID Integrated Land Resources and Governance program’s Supporting Deforestation-Free Cocoa in Ghana activity. It is intended for the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders in the forest sector in Ghana. Let's work together to preserve Ghana's forests and meet our climate goals. https://lnkd.in/ehbhzQj2

**Shaping the Future of Circular Economy in Africa** Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dion George, has highlighted the immense potential of the circular economy to tackle Africa’s environmental complexities. By embracing sustainable practices and innovative resource management, the circular economy can pave the way for a greener and more resilient continent. Minister George emphasized that adopting circular economy principles can help mitigate waste, promote recycling, and create new economic opportunities. This transition is crucial for addressing Africa’s unique environmental challenges and fostering long-term sustainable development. What steps can industries and governments take to accelerate the adoption of the circular economy in Africa? #CircularEconomy #SustainableDevelopment #Africa #EnvironmentalLeadership #GreenEconomy #Innovation