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Tag: water stewardship

Saving Lake Hawassa from Distress – Article about NatuReS Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership published in the InfoNile

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, Ethiopia.

The Natural Resources Stewardship (NatuReS) Programme partnership, Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH), was featured in the article “Saving Lake Hawassa from Distress“, published in the InfoNile [30.10.2024].

View from Lake Hawassa. ©GIZ

The Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH) partnership was established in 2018 with the aim of mitigating the environmental and social risks affecting Lake Hawassa. Supported by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme, stakeholders from the private, public sector and civil society work together in a participatory process to safeguard the lake and its ecosystem, ensuring sustainable economic growth in Hawassa City and the sub-catchment. The partnership engages in different activities aimed at ecosystem protection, livelihood diversification of communities and awareness raising about natural resources stewardship.

Lake Hawassa, one of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley lakes, faces challenges from rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, which have led to increased pollution, resource over-extraction, and habitat degradation. As a critical water source and ecosystem, the lake supports local industries and agriculture, fishing, and tourism, all of which are vital to the regional economy. All members of the partnership agree ad work on joint action and solutions solutions to reduce the pressures on Lake Hawassa. Through this participatory approach, the stewardship multi-stakeholder partnership especially includes women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes and thus contribute to a Just Transition where no one is left behind.

Find more information about the partnership and its activities, read more here.

Celebrating the wins in water stewardship

Written by s.mutafya on . Posted in Uncategorized, Zambia.

In a remarkable celebration of commitment to water stewardship, the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) has awarded the prestigious 2023 Water Stewardship Award to North Western Water Supply & Sanitation Company Limited. This accolade was presented during the esteemed National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) 2023 Sector Report launch at the Mulungushi International Conference Center on 12th April 2024.

North Western Water Supply & Sanitation Company receiving their award from the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation. Copyright LuWSI

The award shines a spotlight on the company’s exemplary efforts in water stewardship, highlighting their significant contributions. These efforts are not just confined to their immediate catchment area but extend beyond, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.

A rigorous evaluation process, conducted by LuWSI partners such as World Wide Fund for Nature (WFF), GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship (NatuReS) Programme, National Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWASCO) and the LuWSI secretariat underpinned the selection of the winner. The criteria encompassed a range of indicators from documentation of commitment to ecosystem protection, pollution prevention, energy efficiency and active participation in catchment governance.

Utility evaluation exercise at Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company
Utility evaluation exercise at Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company. Copyright GIZ

This recognition underscores the vital role commercial utilities play in water and environmental stewardship, transcending traditional sector boundaries. As Mr. Curtis Muleya, a key figure in the development of the stewardship awards, aptly noted, “Commercial Utilities, though not explicitly mandated to engage in ecological matters, are inherently linked to the environment as the primary source of water.”

Initiated in January 2018, the Water Stewardship Award aims to foster, acknowledge, and encourage exemplary water stewardship practices among utilities and companies in Zambia. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging corporations to prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management.

As we share this news, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of water stewardship and commend those leading the way in safeguarding our planet’s most precious resource. Congratulations to North Western Water Supply & Sanitation Company Limited for setting a stellar example for all!

Promoting Water Stewardship: The Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI)

Written by s.mutafya on . Posted in Zambia.

The Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) is a multi-stakeholder collaboration system that was initiated from the realization that the complexity of issues threatening Lusaka’s water security could not be addressed by one single actor. Instead, it requires a multi-stakeholder collective action by water managers, water users and those who indirectly influence water security. The partnership, established in 2016, has currently 31 partners, comprising public sector, private sector, civil society and international organizations. They have come together to support a common agenda for “water security for all to support a healthy and prosperous city”.

The video below captures the views and perspectives of LuWSI partners as they describe what water stewardship means to them and why it is vital for the city of Lusaka.

Author: Sonile Mutafya, NatuReS Advisor Zambia