Enhancing Resilience of Communities to Climate Change through Catchment Based Integrated Management of Water and Related Resources in Uganda

EURECCCAThe EURECCCA project is a vital initiative by the Government of Uganda, spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, to bolster the resilience of communities against the adverse impacts of climate change, specifically floods and landslides. The project adopts a catchment-based integrated management approach to water and related resources, aligning with Uganda’s broader environmental and development goals. While the initial duration was set for 2017-2021, the project’s discussions and ongoing activities suggest its continued relevance and impact.Overall Goal and Specific AimsThe overarching goal of the EURECCCA project is to increase the resilience of communities to the risk of floods and landslides in the targeted catchments. This is achieved by promoting integrated, equitable, and sustainable management of water and related resources. More specifically, the project aims to:Support the Government’s efforts to implement Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) through Catchment Management Planning.Directly enhance the resilience of communities to climate-induced hazards in the designated project areas.Project ComponentsThe project’s strategy is designed to achieve its comprehensive objectives through various interlinked activities, primarily focusing on:Catchment Management Planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans for the sustainable management of water and related resources within each target catchment.Community Resilience Building: Implementing interventions that directly reduce the vulnerability of local communities to floods and landslides.Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: Fostering participation among local communities and relevant stakeholders, and building their capacity in integrated water resource management.Key Project Areas and ScopeEURECCCA focuses on three primary catchments in Uganda, situated within different Water Management Zones:Maziba Catchment: Located in the Kagera Basin, Victoria Water Management Zone, specifically launched in Kabale district. This area faces significant challenges related to natural resource management and sustainable socio-economic development.Aswa Catchment: Located in the Upper Nile Water Management Zone, launched in Gulu district. This large catchment spans approximately 31,428 km2, with a significant portion within Uganda (about 27,631 km2). It covers numerous districts including Kaabong, Kotido, Napak, Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, Agago, Abim, Kole, Amuria, Otuke, Alebtong, Lira, Gulu, and Oyam. The Aswa Catchment is further subdivided into eight sub-catchments: Agago, Aswa 1, Aswa 2, Aswa 3, Nyimur, Pager Aringa, Pager Matidi, and Pager Kitgum. Within the Upper Nile Water Management Zone, the project specifically targets Aswa 1, Agago, and Pager Matidi sub-catchments.Awoja Catchment: Located in the Kyoga Water Management Zone.Key Activities and Stakeholder EngagementThe project emphasizes active engagement with stakeholders to ensure localized and effective implementation:Supervision Missions: Regular missions, such as the one held in June 2018 at the Royal Suites Hotel in Bugolobi, Kampala, are conducted to review project progress and report to stakeholders.Stakeholder Forum Meetings: Meetings like the one for the Pager Matidi Sub-Catchment at Little Palace Hotel in Kitgum district are crucial for introducing the project to local stakeholders and facilitating the establishment of sub-catchment management committees to oversee interventions.Project Launches: Formal launches, such as those in Kabale for Maziba Catchment and Gulu for Aswa Catchment, signify the official commencement of project activities in specific regions and engage local leadership, including the State Minister for Environment, Hon. Gorretti Mary Kitutu.Impact and Future OutlookThe EURECCCA project is actively working to address critical challenges related to natural resource management and sustainable socio-economic development in Uganda. By promoting catchment-based integrated management, it aims to enhance community resilience, reduce the devastating impacts of floods and landslides, and secure livelihoods that depend on a healthy environment. The ongoing efforts and lessons learned from the project are vital for informing future strategies for sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation in Uganda.