Kigali, 21st January 2016: Healthy freshwater ecosystems are a solution for several key challenges related to water, food and climate around the world, and key to meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In view of the importance and on-going freshwater ecosystem deterioration, the Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) and Global Nature Fund (GNF) have started a collaboration towards solutions for those challenges in the African Great Lakes region. In this framework both parties, on 20th January 2016, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in order to collaborate in projects related to the management of freshwater ecosystems and ecosystem services, water, hygiene, renewable energy and food security; biodiversity conservation, NGO capacity building and advocacy; and climate resilience.
"We believe in collaboration as it is stipulated in ARCOS’ motto and we believe that joining our efforts, expertise and sharing our experience will make a difference in achieving the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems thus sustainable benefit of people whose livelihoods depend on them in the Great Lakes region", said Dr Sam Kanyamibwa, Executive Director of ARCOS.
The sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems through the protection of the services they provide, is critical to enabling society to achieve sustainable social and economic development and adapt to climate change. "If we look at how the freshwater ecosystems are key source of communities’ livelihoods, especially in developing countries, we can appreciate how important the restoration and management of water related ecosystems is", said Udo Gattenlöhner, Executive Director of GNF.
The importance of freshwater ecosystems for peoples’ livelihoods was recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals as a basis for addressing water scarcity and water risks. To achieve sustainable solutions to the issues related to freshwater ecosystems, requires the common understanding and the collaboration of all stakeholders.
About GNF
Global Nature Fund is an international non-profit NGO, established in 1998, focusing on the conservation and protection of the natural resources, chiefly lakes and wetlands all over the world. Global Nature Fund is making an active contribution to the protection of shallow lakes and wetland ecosystems, and the human communities that depend on them, by promoting the wise use of the wetland resources, which constitute their life support system. GNF has created a global initiative for the restoration of the health of the world's lakes and wetlands, implementing nature and environmental projects in collaboration with their partner organizations. Three GNF offices are situated in Germany.
About ARCOS
The Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS Network) is a conservation organisation established in 1995 with a primary focus on the Albertine Rift biodiversity conservation. Now ARCOS has regional programmes beyond the Albertine Rift including African Great Lakes freshwater and African mountains programmes. Its overall goal is to enhance conservation of critical ecosystems and promote sustainable development through collaborative actions between various partners. ARCOS is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee in the UK. ARCOS has a Board of Directors and Trustees comprised of appointed Board members from the Albertine Rift region, and other international experts. Furthermore, ARCOS is registered in Uganda with a Regional Coordination Office in Kampala and liaison offices in Kigali and Bujumbura.
Contacts
Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS)
Dr Sam Kanyamibwa (Executive Director)
Phone: +44 788 417 4460 (UK) or
Phone: +250 785 751 900 (Albertine Rift)
E-mail:
skanyamibwa@arcosnetwork.org
Website:
www.arcosnetwork.org
Global Nature Fund (GNF)
Udo Gattenlöhner (Executive Director)
Fritz-Reichle-Ring 4
78315 Radolfzell, Germany
Phone: +49 7732 9995 80
Fax: +49 7732 9995 88
E-mail:
gattenloehner@globalnature.org
Website:
www.globalnature.org