The contribution of aquatic ecosystems and fisheries to food security and livelihoods (pdf 136kb)

This paper examines the issues of governance, valuation, productivity and flow requirements in relation to aquatic ecosystems.

Aquatic ecosystems are a diverse group of water dependent habitats that support important biodiversity and provide a wide range of benefits to people. As pressure on the world's water resources has increased, there has been growing concern that increased investment in water management needs to include investments to sustain these aquatic ecosystems and the benefits they provide.

The paper sets out a specific research agenda, asking the following questions:
1. What are the factors that influence people's access to, and control over, aquatic ecosystems and their resources?
2. What kinds of governance systems and enabling policies and institutions foster equitable and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems?
3. How can capacity be built within national and local institutions to understand the livelihoods of poor people and their use of aquatic ecosystems, and take account of their needs in policy development and governance processes?
4. What knowledge systems are needed to help build this capacity and support development and application of these policies, institutions and governance systems?

• Resource link:
  http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/ challenge-program/pdf/paper3.pdf
• Source: International Water Management Institute (http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org)
• Added to ADG on: 22 August 2007 , contributed by: ADG team
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