African Regional Center Foe Echohydrology

AFRICAN REGIONAL CENTER FOR ECOHYDROLOGY (ARCE) UNDER THE AUSPICES OF UNESO-CATEGORY 2 WATER RELATED CENTER

WHAT IS ECOHYDROLOGY?

 

Ecohydrology (EH)  nature based solution (NBS) which uses the relationships between hydrological and biological processes from molecular to basin scale by ‘’dual regulation’’ for improvement of water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem services and resilience for society (Zalewski 2000).

 

Ecohydrology concept developed by UNESCO IHP Programme and International Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences – European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology under the auspices of UNESCO in Poland and Department of Applied Ecology of the University of Lodz in Poland,

 

The concept is based upon the assumption that sustainable development of water resources is dependent on the ability to restore and maintain evolutionarily established processes of water and nutrient circulation and energy flows at the basin scale.

 

This depends on an in-depth understanding of a whole range of processes involved that have a two-dimensional character:

 

Temporal: spanning a time frame from the past to the present with due consideration of future global change scenarios; and

 

Spatial: understanding the dynamic role of aquatic and terrestrial biota over a range of scales from the molecular- to the basin-scale.

 

Both dimensions should serve as a reference system for enhancing the buffering capacity of ecosystems against human impacts by using ecosystem properties as a management tool. This, in turn, depends on the development, dissemination, and

implementation of interdisciplinary principles and knowledge based on recent advances in environmental science

 

ECOHYDROLOGY KEY ASSUMPTIONS AND PRINCIPLES

 

Up to the time when the ecohydrology concept was defined, hydrologists considered aquatic biota mostly as an indicative system for monitoring while hydrobiologists considered hydrological processes as a disturbance factor (fig1).

 

 

                         (fig 1), Traditional Approach b/n Biologist and Hydrologist

 

 

source: Source: European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology UNESCO / Lodz, Poland

 

 

The ecohydrology paradigm, which is based on functional relationships between hydrology and biota (Zalewski et al. 1997, Zalewski 2000; 2002), can be expressed in three key assumptions.

 

KEY ASSUMPTIONS OF EH

 

REGULATION of hydrology by shaping biota and, vice versa, regulation of biota by altering hydrology (fig 2).

 

INTEGRATION - at the basin scale various types of regulations (E <-> H) act in a synergistic way to improve and stabilize the quality of water resources.

 

HARMONIZATION of ecohydrological measures with necessary hydrotechnical solutions (e.g., dams, sewage treatment plants, levees at urbanized areas, etc.)

 

 

                                (New Approach b/n Biology and Hydrology,

 

 

source: Source: European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology UNESCO / Lodz, Poland

 

The general assumption of EH is to reverse degradation and achieve sustainable water and ecosystems in anthropogenically modified basins. In addition to the reduction of erosion, nutrients and pollutant emissions there is a necessity to regulate ecological processes based on understanding "water - biota interactions", from molecular (e.g., microbial loop) to ecosystem (biomanipulation) and to landscape scales (reforestation, creation land/water ecotone zones).

 

 

THREE PRINCIPLES OF ECOHYDROLOGY:

 

PRINCIPLES

 

1. FRAMEWORK - Integration of the catchment, water and its biota into one entity, including:

 

Scale - the mesoscale cycle of water circulation within a basin is a template for the quantification of ecological processes;

 

Dynamics - water and temperature are the driving forces for both terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems; 

 

Hierarchy of factors - abiotic (e.g., hydrological) processes are dominant in regulating ecosystem functioning. Biotic interactions may manifest themselves when abiotic factors are stable and predictable.

 

2. TARGET - Understanding evolutionarily established ecohydrological processes is crucial for     

                        a proactive approach to the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

 

It assumes that it is not enough to simply protect ecosystems but, in the face of increasing global changes (such as increasing population, energy consumption, global climate change), it is necessary to increase the carrying capacity of ecosystems, and their resistance and resilience, to absorb human-induced impacts.

 

3 METHODOLOGY- ecohydrology uses ecosystem properties as a management tool. It is              applied by using biota to control hydrological processes and, vice versa,   by using hydrology to regulate biota. Scientific basis for the methodological   aspect of using biota  for water quality improvement has been seriously advanced by ecological engineering (e.g., Mitsch  &  Jorgensen, 2004).

 

 

The third principle features three steps of implementation which comprises the major body of Ecohydrology (Zalewski 2000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technical approach is not enough

 

The importance of the effort to develop the ecohydrology approach increased with the publication of the paper by Meybeck (2003) in which he justifies the name of Anthropocene for the present era. Based on an in-depth analysis of published studies, he demonstrated that the modification of aquatic systems by human pressures (e.g., flood regulation, fragmentation, sedimentation imbalance, salinization, contamination, eutrophication, etc.) has increased to a level that no longer can be considered as being controlled by only natural processes (climate, relief, vegetation, limnology), thus defining a new era that we have already entered.

 

The decline in water quality and biodiversity, observed at the global scale in both developed and developing countries, has provided evidence that the traditional „mechanistic” approach focused on elimination of threats, such as point source pollution and flood control, is crucial but not sufficient. This is because purely technical control, without understanding and considering biotic dynamics, constitutes a more trial and error approach to water management than the imple-mentation of a policy toward sustainable water use. While elements of this approach remain valid and viable, a technical solution alone is clearly insufficient

for the sustainable use of the world’s water resources.

 

To guarantee the sustainability of freshwater resource use, it is necessary not only to reduce or eliminate the discharge of pollutants, but also to extend the number of potential tools to manage the degradation of ecological processes in landscapes. Such a more efficient approach must be based on an understanding of the temporal and spatial patterns of catchment scale water dynamics

 

 

Two halves of ecohydrology can be distinguished:

 

  1. Atmospheric / terrestrial,

Where the major question is how plant cover changes the  dynamic water balance and nutrient/pollutant transfer in to aquatic ecosystems,

 

  1. Aquatic,

 

Where biotic interactions may change nutrient/pollutant allocation from dynamic to non-available pools, such as changing the intensity of eutrophication (by an order of magnitude).

 

 

EH goals as a problem-solving science:

 

(1) Slowing down the transfer of water from the atmosphere to the sea (considering flood

      and drought control as priorities),

 

(2) Reduce input and regulate the allocation of excess nutrients and pollutants in aquatic

ecosystems to improve water quality, biodiversity and human health,

 

(3) Enhancement of ecosystem carrying capacity (resilience, biodiversity, ecosystem services for society) in harmonization with the societal needs within the framework of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

 

The integration of the dynamics of the three components, catchment, water and biota into a “super organism” determines the management target of Ecohydrology - the maintenance of its homeostatic equilibrium measurable by biodiversity, water quantity and quality and ecosystem services

Fig 4, Application of Ecohydrology in problem solving (Zalewski 2017)

 

IMPLEMENTATION OF ECOHYDROLOGY IN ETHIOPIA

Introduction

We are aware that in the face of climate change, population pressure and economic development a ‘business-as-usual’ approach to water management neglecting the ecosystems that sustain life and well-being is no more sustainable. The continued deterioration of water ecosystem in terms of its quality, quantity and biodiversity is a clear evidence for the inadequacy of the existing conventional water management. The answer to understand natural processes and apply nature based solution.  

Genesis of Ecohydrology in Ethiopia:

The progressive degradation of water resources and biodiversity is the most important phenomena from the point of view of sustainable development in Ethiopia.  The country faces environmental challenges such as land degradation, limited quantity and quality of water resulting from progressive deforestation, improper agricultural practices, urbanization, over exploitation of natural resources and drainage and cultivation of wetlands which is further exacerbated by demographic and climate change. With the view of reversing these problems, efforts have been made to launch afforestation and conservation programs by governmental and nongovernmental organizations; however, success to date is limited when it comes to the basin scale. The purely technical control of waters, overlooking the dynamics of the biotic component, cannot be considered as a sustainable management approach. MoWIE introduced the new paradigm-Ecohydrology in collaboration with European Regional Center for Ecohydrology (ERCE) located in Lodz-Poland and it has been implemented since 2008.

 

African Regional Center for Ecohydrology (ARCE)

African Regional Center for Ecohydrology (ARCE) is the water related centers established as category 2 centers under auspices of UNESO on in 2015 during the 38th session of General Conference in Paris.

The center is accountable to the Ministry of Water and Energy of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia(MoWE) and work on relevant thematic and geographic priorities in their area of expertise. in Reducing anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems through managing dual regulation of hydrology and biota, taking into consideration multi-dimensional parameters at river basins scale : Water, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services for Society, Resilience to climatic changes and cultural heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(The Center is networked with other water centers found in different countries

VISION:

ECOHYDROLOGY – Engineering harmony between Biosphere and Humanity, by enhancements of the catchments ecosystems sustainability multidimensional potential – Water, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services for societies, Resilience and Cultural Heritage.

 

 

MISSION:

Development of the theoretical and empirical aspects of Ecohydrology (EH), as a background for an integrative problem-solving and policy-oriented sustainability science. Develop knowledge and comprehensive scientific methodology for Ecohydrology – understanding the water biota interplay as a key to use ecosystem processes as catchments management tool complementary to Circular and Bio-Economy.

STRATEGY:

Advance international and National cooperation and provide a  platform  for  the  education  dissemination and exchange of scientific information about Ecohydrology as complimentary with the Ecological Engineering and Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) between institutions worldwide, in the framework  of  the  International  Hydrological  Programme  (IHP),  managed by UNESCO and European Commission Projects. Research  and   innovation   towards   strengthening   the   scientific   and   educational   quality of the Ecohydrology.

TACTICS:

Education and training of professionals to promote good governance, capacity, development considering Ecohydrology as a background for the development of “Nature Based Solution  s” and “Integrative Sustainability Science” towards achieving the UN Sustainable Developments Goals, CRGE, African Water Vision 2025, Africa 2063, African Environmental Directives and National Environmental Policy among various stakeholders, including governmental institutions at central and regional levels, NGOs and Society in general.

OPERATIONAL  LEVEL:

Developing implementing and testing innovative nature based EH solutions from molecular to catchment scale by adaptive assessment management through networking for synergy with decision makers and stakeholders by information, experience and technology sharing. Enhancing on-line presence.

 

 

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE:

 

 

  1. Advance ecohydrology through scientific research, publications, international cooperation; Advance international cooperation and contacts and provide a platform for the exchange of   scientific information about Ecohydrology and Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) between institutions in Africa/worldwide within the framework of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of UNESCO;

 

  1. Provide advisory activities, technical information and training as a basis to develop and implement new integrated methods of water restoration and management;

 

  1. Develop a network of demonstration sites for the implementation of the ecohydrology concept to improve water resources quantity and quality, create positive socio-economic feedback and provide relevant ecosystem services;

 

  1. Promote advanced scientific research on ecohydrology, monitoring and modelling systems, as well as transfer of knowledge and its implementation in order for water bodies to be ecologically sound, and implement the Water Related Framework Directive of the African Countries, and other environment-related legal regulations;

 

  1. Promote social awareness-raising within the scope of ecohydrology application for integrated management of water resources including: society at large, NGOs and governmental institutions at central and regional levels;

 

  1. Develop potential and facilities for training, education, dissemination and popularization of scientific achievements.

 

 

GENESIS OF ECOHYDROLOGY IN ETHIOPIA

 

Two African water experts were awarded fellowship under UNESCO Ecohydrology framework

to study Ecohydrology in the European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology, located in the city of Lodz, Poland, under the auspices of UNESCO in 2007. One of the experts was from the then Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia whose name is Yohannes Zerihun Negussie. Following his initiation, the then H.E Asfaw Dingamo, Minister wrote letter of intention to the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland   requesting collaboration on implementing & expanding ecohydrology-the new integrated, policy  oriented and water related problem solving science .

 

In response to this, Ethiopia and Poland signed MoU and Poland Supported Ethiopia under the Polish Aid Program entitled “Ecohydrology – a transdisciplinary science for integrated water resources and sustainable development in Ethiopia for the year 2008-2012” which was implemented via the European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology located in Lodz, Poland

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MAJOR GOALS THE PROGRAM:

  • Establishing different water related problem solving Ecohydrological Demonstration sites  in Ethiopia and
  • Awareness Creation /Spreading Ecohydrology through short term on the job training

 

Under same project the 1st African International Symposium Ecohydrology Symposium was organized in 2009 and took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at Ghion Hotel.

THE GOALS OF THE SYMPOSIUM WERE:

  • Review the recent state of knowledge in water ecosystems in Ethiopia;
  • Identification the gaps in knowledge;
  • Identification of perspectives for implementation of ecohydrological solutions in Ethiopia and
  • Elaboration of action plan for further action

 

THE GOALS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED BY:

 

  • Organizing International Symposium “Ecohydrology for water ecosystems and society in

Ethiopia”, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 18-20 of November and bringing international

expertise in ecohydrology;

  • Organizing workshops and meetings with representatives of the Ethiopian government,
  • research and governmental institutes, universities and NGOs, local UN Agencies;
  • - Technical field trips to Addis Ababa, Asella, Tana Lake, Awassa;
  • - Training on “Quantification of the threats in a river catchment”;
  • - Collection of samples for water quality and health risk assessment

 

The key expected outcome of the Symposium was recognizing the possibilities of the use of Ecohydrology scientific framework for:

 

  • Reduction of stream and rivers siltation due to deforestation and grazing.
  • Reversing of eutrophication of lakes and reservoirs.
  • Reversing processes of drying of lakes and wetlands in Rift Valley.
  • Methodology for monitoring and abatment river pollution by industry.
  • Adaptation of ecohydrological biotechnologies for reduction of domestic sewage in rural and dispersed urban areas of Africa.

 

The scheme below presents draft proposal of a system solution for Ethiopia based on the ecohydrological theory and knowledge and information presented during the Symposium:

 

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2nd African International Ecohydrology Symposium

 

2nd African International Symposium

Ecohydrology for Water, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Resilience in Africa 7-9 November 2016

and the Advanced Training Course

Ecohydrology and Systemic Biotechnology Solutions and their Implementation for Sustainability 10-11 November 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

(fig  11) Ecohydrology for Water, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Resilience in Africa

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(fig 12) Training: Ecohydrology and Systemic Biotechnology Solutions and their Implementation for Sustainability

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(fig 13) On the job training for the African Trainees: Sequential Sedimentation-Biofiltration System:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. trainees being received by Local people, (b) The city mayor and religious leaders receiving the African trainees, (c) explanation being given to the ARCE staffs,  (d) visiting the site and (e) discussion being conducted following the visit

Aims of the Symposium and the Advanced Training Course

 

With this symposium we aim at building a strong network of cooperation and collaboration between research institutes, universities, NGOs and central and local governments all around Africa to boost research and implementation in the field of Ecohydrology.

 

In the face of increasing climatic instability, demographic growth and human migration, there is an urgent need to gather better knowledge of the role of different types of water-related ecosystems in coastal, urban or agricultural areas, and share it on the use and integration of innovative ecohydrological technologies for restoration of modified landscapes. Development of effective policies and practices for Integrated Water Resources Management in the context of ecohydrology deals with land management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, resilience of urban, wetland, coastal and agroecosystems and bio-based green economy. Moreover, as it was suggested by the title of UNESCO-IHP Theme 5 “Ecohydrology, engineering harmony for a sustainable world”, technical infrastructure should be harmonised with ecosystems’ requirements.

 

The advanced training course (ATC) will give the professionals some examples of ecohydrological biotechnologies solutions implemented in practical case studies in Africa and Europe as an incentive for proliferation of the ideas and inspiration for the own knowledge based ecohydrological solutions. As an integral part, the Advance Training Course will take place after the symposium.

 

Rationale of  the Symposium and the Advanced Training Course

 

In September 2015, Member States have agreed that biodiversity (UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15) and water (UN SDG 6) are key ingredients for sustainable development, which cuts across several of the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda. This Agenda needs a sound problem-oriented scientific background dealing with hydrology and biodiversity sustainability in an integrated manner and a solution-oriented approach – and that approach is Ecohydrology, which seeks firstly to understand the underlying water-biota interactions and then to use the ecosystem processes as management tools from molecular to river basin scales. Ecohydrology also calls for maintaining notions of conservation for pristine ecosystems and expands efforts for regulation of ecohydrological processes at novel ecosystems (human modified) in order to reinforce the sustainability potential (carrying capacity) and to achieve sustainability of water-related ecosystems in terms of Water resources, Biodiversity, ecosystem Services and Resilience to global change and anthropogenic stress (WBSR).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

Implementation of Ecohydrology in Ethiopia began with support of the Polish Government, through the European Regional Center for Ecohydrology, located in Lodz, Poland, under the framework of the Polish Aid Programme for the year 2008 (1280/2008), 2009 (1018/2009), 2010 (944/2010) and 2011 (23/2011) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland “Ecohydrology – a transdisciplinary science for integrated water resources and sustainable development in Ethiopia”.

 

The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and energy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia initiated the relationship with the European Regional Center for Ecohydrology located in Lodz, Poland which lied foundation for Polish support and would not have been possible without the great support of the Polish Embassy in Ethiopia.                                                   

 

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