Lake Victoria Basin Ecosystem Profile Assessment Report

The Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is internationally recognized for its high levels of species richness and endemism. It is also an area most at risk from human activity and has undergone enormous environmental changes in the last 50 years. The East Africa region faces major challenges in strengthening the resiliency and sustainability of its transboundary freshwater ecosystems, its economies, and its communities. One of the main aims of the Planning for Resilience in East Africa through Policy, Adaptation, Research, and Economic Development (PREPARED) Project is to help address ongoing biodiversity loss and the ability of ecosystems to provide services (e.g., water regulation, water purification) to various beneficiaries in the LVB.

The Lake Victoria Basin Ecosystem Profile Assessment (EPA) was undertaken to provide a broad overview of biodiversity values, the causes of biodiversity loss, and current conservation investments in specific biologically significant areas (BSAs) identified within the LVB. The EPA represents a baseline analysis to guide future conservation planning and investment in the region. It provides technical experts and policy makers with a summary of the terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity resources within the LVB and the most critical threats to these resources. The EPA has also identified a set of priorities for conservation interventions in BSAs that are aimed at supporting policy decision-making in the planning, development and management of the natural resources in the region.

Access the policy brief accompanying this report.