Wetlands International will be launching on Thursday, 29th September 2016 at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, Kenya at 7 am, one of its latest report, The Economics of Ecosystem Services of the Tana River Basin (TEEB). Developed in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, Water Resources Management Authority, University of Nairobi, Institute for Environmental Studies and the National Museums of Kenya, this report presents results of a study conducted with the aim of determining the value of the ecosystem services of the Tana River basin and their economic significance to the Kenyan economy.
The TEEB report provides evidence for development planning and water resources allocation, with a deep-dive into the valuation side of ecosystem management. It is a first step towards an integrated assessment which evolves around an extended cost benefit analysis that takes into account environmental and societal changes both upstream and downstream in the river basin.
Here are some of the report’s key findings:
- Hydrology: Interventions of the High Grand Falls Dam and its related large-scale irrigation schemes have the potential to change the hydrological system dramatically, with the most impact being felt in Garissa, where overall water resources will be greatly reduced
- Ecology: The upper catchment is the most degraded. Areas with the most impact appear to closely overlap with the distribution of cropland, a clear indicator that poor agricultural practices are the main causes of land degradation
- Economy: Irrigated agriculture has the potential to produce 64,000 tons of rice and maize per year. The benefits of hydropower total an annual US$ 25-43 when compared to natural gas and geothermal alternatives
- Stakeholders: The general degree of awareness and knowledge regarding large infrastructural interventions is low. There is also inadequate harmonization of interests among the relevant ministries
This report sends some strong and important signals on the optimization of water use within the Tana River Basin, and we hope that it helps to inform your decisions and provides legitimacy for your efforts. A soft copy of the report is available for download below.
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The Economics of Ecosystem Services of the Tana River Basin - report
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The Economics of Ecosystem Services of the Tana River Basin - policy brief
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The Economics of Ecosystem Services of the Tana River Basin - factsheet
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Wetlands International Kenya
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