The Lake Tanganyika Regional Integrated Environmental Monitoring Programme has to be promoted
“LTRIEMP is to provide managers with relevant data and decision-support tools”
A workshop on the Draft of the implementing strategy for Lake Tanganyika Regional Integrated Environmental Monitoring Programme (LTRIEMP) was opened in Bujumbura this Thursday, 16th February 2012, by the Executive Director of Lake Tanganyika Authority, Dr Henry MWIMA.
“It is very gratifying to note that the process which started in 2010 has now culminated into another workshop now talking about the Draft Lake Tanganyika Regional Integrated Environmental Monitoring Programme” mentioned Dr Mwima. “We would not have reached this stage without the continued support of the UNDP/GEF Partnership Interventions for the Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme Project”.
To the Acting Regional Coordinator of UNDP/GEF Project, Mr. Simbotwe MWIYA, this workshop offers an opportunity to all the experts converged to make suggestions that are aimed at improving the strategy of the programme as well as making it cost effective towards achieving the objectives that have been set.
Usually, mentioned Mr Simbotwe, “many programmes are well designed. What makes difference is the implementation.” He insisted that “often, the implementers lose focus on the ultimate impact of programmes in the process of implementation mainly by not referring back to documentation and failure to internalise and integrate programmes such as this one within the normal day to day operations” Then, this workshop proposes a strategy to implement the Lake Tanganyika Regional Integrated Environmental Monitoring Programme (LTRIEMP) in the framework of the Strategic Action Programme and the Convention on Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika, which was signed and ratified by the four Governments of the riparian Lake Tanganyika countries, the Republic of Burundi, Democratic Republic Congo, United Republic of Tanzania and Republic of Zambia.
“The objective of the LTRIEMP is to provide managers with relevant data and decision-support tools. The LTRIEMP aims to establish a functional and sustainable environmental monitoring system, implemented in close collaboration with national and international partners, working towards regionally agreed standards”, said the International Consultant Pierre – Denis PLISSINIER
The LTRIEMP is intended to be a cost-effective harmonized monitoring programme that may last for a long term period with minimum adjustments to existing structures. It should use appropriate technologies falling within the capacities and resources of the involved institutions. When possible, the LTRIEMP could be re-inforced/completed with short term projects.
LTRIEMP includes monitoring of parameters relevant to climate change, fisheries, land use, biodiversity and water quality. This information is essential for the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) which has the mandate to oversee and coordinate regional activities aimed to protect biodiversity and sustainably manage the natural resources in Lake Tanganyika and its basin.
This workshop has come at a time LTA is getting ready to organize annual ordinary meetings of Management Committee and the Conference of Ministers, concluded the Executive Director of LTA. “Your contribution will help the LTA and our supporting UNDP/GEF Project on Lake Tanganyika to present the document which has received invaluable expert inputs” recognized Dr Mwima.
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