Lake Victoria
The Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) occupies 194 000 km2, with the Lake surface covering an area of 68,800 km2 . The Basin area is shared between the riparian states of Tanzania (44 %), Kenya (22 %), Uganda (16 %), Burundi (7 %) and Rwanda (11 %). The Lake itself is shared between Kenya (6 %), Tanzania (51 %) and Uganda (43 %).
The Lake Victoria Basin holds world records for freshwater lake size, vertebrate species diversity, species extinctions, exotic species invasions, and freshwater fishery production. The lake is high above sea level and mostly enclosed by highlands and mountain ranges at the centre of the tropics. LVB has varied considerably in the evolutionary timescale, varying in size and ecosystem structure, and has recently displayed a massive ecosystem change in a relatively short (three decade) period . The changes have been induced by natural factors coupled with human activities mainly associated with increasing population, economic growth and governance.
Catchment communities of Lake Victoria
UK perspectives
The English Loweswater community catchment (2011)
In order to support suchcommunity-led environmental
initiatives, government bodies with responsibility for
the environment such as Natural England, Environment
Agency, local government, National Park Authorities,
and academic institutions need to:
Adjust the temporal and spatial scales at which decisions are made, in order to take recommendations from community groups into account.
Take practical actions that build on the local understanding of the problems facing communities, and on any steps that have already been successful (for example, local groups such as the Loweswater Improvement Project).
Establish supportive conditions for local groups to work with them on environmental problems, e.g. ensure known and trusted local staff are available for meetings, and that practical arrangements meet the groups' needs
Consider providing small sums of money for groups to commission or carry out their own research on topics relevant to local environmental issues, thus encouraging continued commitment and engagement
Look at ways in which policy initiatives (e.g. Catchment Sensitive Farming) could be modified, to ensure that small places like Loweswater do not slip through the priority-setting 'mesh'
Work together on practical approaches for catchment improvement when responsibility lies with more than one government body
At the same time, clearly identify organisational roles and accept financial responsibilitie
The Welsh Taff community catchment