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The need for policies to achieve the appropriate management of wetlands is now widely recognized as these areas are increasingly under pressure for different uses. However, as yet, for many governments, wetlands are not yet included in the debate about development and natural resource management. This is despite the fact that they are critical areas for water storage and supply, biodiversity and craft material production, and for cultivation and grazing.

There are different international policy positions, some of which see wetlands as critical conservation areas, while others see them as important agro-development resources. Many governments are in the process of considering how they should respond to these differing view points.

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Brick making along a wetland edge in Uganda. Local community bylaws can help ensure sustainable use of these areas
  
       
 
CWEL has always sought to contribute to wetland policy debates by seeking to raise awareness of wetland issues and include all stakeholders perspectives in policy discussion. CWEL’s particular expertise is in helping bring local and community level perspectives into the debate and in trying to strike a balance between wetland conservation and development through sustainable use. In most of the work completed, policy briefing notes have been a key mechanism to disseminate findings and inform decision-makers about the issues to be considered in policy development, whether this be for wetlands directly or for policies which indirectly affect these areas. Using this material, CWEL has undertaken workshops at the national and regional level, in different Africa countries, and with government and NGO groups to try to raise awareness.
 
Links:
  • Ethiopian Wetlands Research Programme Policy Briefing Note
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  • Amhara Regional State Wetlands Workshop
 Click for Amhara Workshop
  • Malawi Wetland Policy Workshop
  • Lusaka workshop on sustainable dambo management