Existing Solutions

Environmental flows

technical

The partners in this programme believe that realising environmental flows in the Zambezi River Basin would be the preferred way forward. Environmental flows (EFs) will make explicit the water requirements (quantity, timing, and quality of water flows) to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods and well-being that depend on these ecosystems. Such an ecosystem approach is considered a prime requirement for sustainable development of the region. Based on – to be developed – environmental flow requirements (EFRs), strategies will be developed for management of hydropower dams on the Zambezi River and its downstream river stretches and tributaries. Solutions can be contemplated from a long-term perspective, but within the current development and environmental situation. Although EFRs of some water users (people and nature) downstream will necessitate to mimic as much as needed natural flow patterns in the river basin, the aim is not to return to a historical natural state of the river. The emphasis is on what is needed concerning river flows to sustain freshwater habitats and way of life of many people in the basin. The long term objective concerning water management in the Zambezi river system is that:

EFs are applied in the Zambezi river system and thereby sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods and well-being that depend on these ecosystems.

To achieve the objective, dam operations need to be modified to accommodate multi-purpose water use downstream while maintaining some tributaries free-flowing in order to maintain a sustainable sediment transport and a suitable water regime down the river. Designated areas of groundwater recharge, flooding, water retention, headwaters and rich biodiversity require protection because they are crucial for the well functioning of the ecosystem and are therefore an integral part of any Integrated River Basin Management strategy. Flood protection in the basin is crucial.  

In the Zambezi River Basin in general and in the countries: Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe in particular. Currently plans are underway to engage Angola and Malawi.

• The EF Programme – Inception Phase until June 2012.
• EF Programme endorsed by SADC
• Strategic partnerships built and technical collaboration enhanced e.g.,
  - Facilitated resumption of meetings of ZRB agencies
  - Facilitated the signing of MoU between Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and  Agreement between Dam Operators and Water Managers on information/data exchange in ZRB
• Scoping studies and modules being implemented with stakeholders
• Capacity needs assessed
• Institutional framework in ZRB reviewed
• WWF structure to support ZRB agencies implement EF strategy assembled
• Full EF programme proposal development underway
• Fundraising for EF implementation is ongoing

Main question : How can EFs be applied in the ZRB without jeopardizing key economic activities e.g., hydropower production?

 Sub-questions :

1. What method should be adopted for establishing EFs?
2. What models are recommended for implementing EFs? How can better forecasting contribute to the implementation of EFs?
3. What should be the monitoring and adaptive management system to demonstrate the benefits of ZRB EFs?
4. What freshwater resource areas are critical to achieving EFs goals?
5. What are the anticipated benefits of implementing EFs?
6. What are the key issues related to sediment & geomorphology for EFs?  Can these be addressed by EFs?
7. How do existing power contracts and demands constrain EFs from hydropower dams (present and future)
8. What are the most important ZRB development concerns with respect to eflows?
9. How can EFs and floodplain management contribute to reducing impact of extreme events (floods, droughts)?

By June 2012:

1. Joint ZRB stakeholders’ transboundary and specific strategy (river basin masterplan) to develop appropriate EFs in ZRB
2. Innovative knowledge and skills of ZRB agencies in place to develop and implement successfully EFs
3. Clear institutional framework for development and implementation of river basin management and specifically EF
4. State-of-the-art concepts for development of EF and scientific founded indications of potential of EFs in ZRB
5. Strong Project Management Team to support Programme implementation

 Largely there is political and institutional support for EFs implementation

 Tangible impacts of EF Programme are long term and await  EFs implementation

Effect

• Area of freshwater and estuarine floodplains protected and well-managed
• Water level, timing and water quality measured during flooding and low flow events

Outcome

• Dam operation procedures include EF releases

Output

1. ZRB stakeholders commit to an EF strategy stated in an MoU or LoI with WWF and/or other partners
2. Modelling and Monitoring skills meet UNESCO-IHE standards
3. Roles and Responsibilities for dam operators and related institutions are clearly defined and supported
4. Worldwide used EF concepts and approaches translated to ZRB situation
5. Potential of EF qualified and possibly quantified
6. Effective participation of partners and external experts       

Most interested are the Dam operators, power utilities, water and wildlife authorities. It will help them effectively plan the production and use of electricity and the management of water resources and wildlife. It will create awareness of impacts of developments on the environment and other water users. It will also help to make clear potential win-win opportunities and conflict situations and their triggers.

This solution works best in a given river catchment or reach where local conditions can easily be analysed and adapted to effectively within the context of an integrated water resources management system, e.g., within a river basin management authority, be it national or transboundary. There must be participation and ownership by stakeholders in the use of the river in a multi-disciplianary and multi-sectoral situation, hence the need for the river basin organisation. smaller the catchment, the better. EF deals with a wide range of issues e.g., hydrologic, ecological, social, cultural, economic, political and legal.

Tips

• Aim to build strategic partnerships
• Involve stakeholders throughout the project cycle
• From the onset ownership of the programme by partners should be clearly established
• Consistent engagement with stakeholders critical
• Fundraising and financial management should be timely

Commitment has been demonstrated by the Governments of Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe; and the Dam Opertors, Water Authorities and Power Utilities in the 3 countries to implement EF. Plans underway to engage Angola and Malawi. Within the context of SADC, the Riparian countries of the Zambezi have agreed to implement EF using the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach through the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM). WWF is one of the lead organisations in the implementation of EF in ZRB.

IUCN, WWF, The Nature Conservancy and the Global Environmental Flows Network (http://www.eflownet.org)

 Jose Chiburre, Joint Zambezi River Basin Environmental Flows Programme, WWF Zambia Country Office, Box 50551RW, Lusaka. Zambia. Tel: +260 211 255598, Email: jchiburre@wwfzam.org or chiburre@yahoo.com.br