Page 17 - Biodiversity and Conservation Framework

Biodiversity & Conservation Framework

NBS can be implemented across terrestrial and marine The assessment concluded that CIWA’s support of biodiversity-
ecosystems, with the overall mitigation potential being the related activities provides both direct and indirect benefits to
highest in forests, then in grasslands, with peatlands and biodiversity conservation efforts. Key direct benefits include
coastal wetlands representing a very high potential per facilitating integrated, innovative approaches to better
hectare, but a lower overall potential due to their smaller understand the linkages between improved ecosystem integrity
area. This understanding is broadly reflected in NDCs, and river connectivity, the role of climate change adaptation in
which more frequently put forward solutions for mitigation freshwater resource planning and management, and the
provision of ecosystem services. The assessment also
centered on forests, grasslands, and agriculture than for highlighted the opportunity to develop a more structured,
other ecosystems. integrated approach to embedding biodiversity conservation
Annex B considerations into the design and implementation of activities
and initiatives. CIWA developed a draft conceptual framework
for action on transboundary waters and biodiversity
conservation.
Results of the 2023 CIWA Biodiversity
and Conservation Assessment Project interventions that support direct benefits include the
development of an MSIOA, which is part of an OKACOM
Background strategy, and the advanced modelling for improved decision-
making for Inner Niger Delta ecosystem services.²⁴ Other key
interventions include the implementation of best practice
In 2023, CIWA conducted a desk study to identify the feasibility studies and ESIAs; development of integrated
range of biodiversity-related activities that the program has watershed management strategies and plans; support for
supported over the last 10 years in Sub-Saharan Africa. This improved water quality in lakes, river systems, and river-bank
assessment analyzed every CIWA operation to date. CIWA restoration projects; and analytical work to facilitate improved
collaborated with the IUCN to establish the impact of understanding of GDEs. Key indirect benefits include
potential transboundary water activities and biodiversity strengthening RBOs and national water management agencies,
conservation efforts. supporting CSOs to enhance informed decision-making,
developing platforms to share information, and supporting
The assessment identified examples of key benefits to improved rural livelihoods to reduce dependency on
water, rivers, freshwater ecosystems, and biodiversity of unsustainable natural resource exploitation practices.
CIWA operations. The assessment took a broad view of
the range of services and benefits associated with Methodology
healthy, functional ecosystems and the potential threats
to these ecosystems. Results from the assessment were The methodological framework (Table 1) of the review defined
used to formulate CIWA’s comparative advantage in the that an activity is deemed to provide direct benefits to
sector and identify missed opportunities that could be biodiversity if it either contributes to protecting and restoring
addressed by CIWA 2.0. the natural resource base or leads to improved water quality
results, an improved ecosystem, aquatic health, or fish
A methodology was established to assess CIWA program populations or species diversity. Indirect benefits to
activities in terms of their contributions to biodiversity biodiversity correspond to improved governance, more resilient
conservation. Finally, recommendations were formulated rural livelihood practices, or reduced dependencies on
in a conceptual framework for action. unsustainable natural resource exploitation practices.

Table 1: Methodological Framework of Biodiversity Assessment

Direct Impact – Indirect Impact -
Thematic Area Biodiversity Action
Biodiversity Conservation Biodiversity Conservation
Improved / strengthened governance & X X
transboundary collaboration

Improved ecosystem-based policies, planning &
Governance X
regulations (including dam planning / grey
infrastructure)
Environmental, social and governance safeguards X

Natural capital & provision of ecosystems services X

Improved ecosystem integrity, species diversity & X
Protection & restoration connectivity
of natural resource base
Groundwater protection & recharge X
Groundwater & surface water environmental flows X

²⁴ https://www.ciwaprogram.org/blog/enhancing-niger-basins-ecosystem-through-modeling-and-improved-decision-making/
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