Compiled byACNR

Nature for PeopleSeptember 2013

Funded by the UK Government's Darwin Initiative

Ecosystem Conservation for Climate Change Adaptation in East AfricaRwanda National Stakeholders Workshop

Kigali 18-19 September 2013 th

WORKSHOP REPORTby

ACNR

WORKSHOP REPORT by

ACNR

Ecosystem Conservation for Climate Change Adaptation in East Africa Rwanda National Stakeholders Workshop

Kigali 18-19

th September 2013

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Contents Introduction ................................................................................................ 5 

Background ............................................................................................. 5 

Workshop Objectives: ........................................................................... 7 

Participation ........................................................................................... 7 

Workshop Proceedings ............................................................................. 8 

Opening Session ..................................................................................... 8 

Welcoming note and official opening ............................................. 8 

Aims and agenda for the workshop ................................................ 9 

Introduction to Climate change ..................................................... 10 

Session 1: Introduction to Ecosystem-based Adaptation ............... 11 

An Overview of Ecosystem Based Approaches to Adaptation . 11 

Learning from Experiences of Communities in Adaptation to Climate Change in Rwanda ........................................................... 12 

Darwin Initiative-funded Project “Ecosystem Conservation for Climate Change Adaptation in East Africa” ................................ 13 

Best Practices to CCA for grass-root communities ..................... 14 

Session 2: Implementing Ecosystem Based Adaptation Projects .. 16 

Introduction to vulnerability and vulnerability assessments .... 16 

Developing an Adaptation Management Plan ............................ 17 

Harnessing Synergies: Linking the DarwinEbA project withotherBirdLife projects .............................................................. 18 

Serge J. Nsengimana, ACNR; EvaristeRutebuka, ACNR; and Olivia Adhiambo, BirdLife International ..................................... 18 

Session 3: Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Policy .......................... 20 

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Mainstreaming EbA into Policy ..................................................... 20 

Institutional mapping and roles of stakeholders ........................ 21 

Review of EbA in National Policies in East Africa ...................... 22 

Closing Session ..................................................................................... 28 

Reflection and Next Steps ............................................................... 28 

The Way Forward: Key Messages and Recommendations ............... 29 

Annex 1: Participants list ........................................................................ 32 

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Introduction

Background Climate change is one of the greatest global threats facing us today. People, biodiversity and ecosystems are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, with the poorest people and most vulnerable ecosystems hit hardest. The effects of climate change are likely to persist for centuries, and depending on the level of mitigation achieved, will be of increasing severity. We must adapt now to cope with present and future impacts of climate change.

A healthy environment is vital for maintaining and building resilience to climate change, and reducing climate-related risks and vulnerability. Sustainable management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems can reduce people’s vulnerability to climatic hazards such as storm surges, rising sea levels and changing precipitation patterns, whilst reducing biodiversity loss, and maintaining or enhancing ecosystem function. Furthermore, such approaches can improve the resilience of biodiversity and ecosystems to climate change so that they can continue to provide a full suite of ecosystem services. This is particularly important for sustaining natural resources on which vulnerable communities depend for their subsistence and livelihoods, and for providing alternative livelihoods in the face of climatic uncertainty.

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The Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR) iscollaborating with BirdLife International Secretariat, BirdLife International Africa Partnership Secretariat, and BirdLifePartners in Burundi, Kenya and Uganda to raise awareness about, build capacity for and implement ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation, as part of a three year project funded by the UK Government’s Darwin Initiative. This workshop is a component of the project.

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Workshop Objectives:

1. To share and enhance understanding of climate change and its impacts on people and the environment;

2. To raise awareness and enhance understanding of the links between biodiversity and people in climate change adaptation, sharing examples of how ecosystems help reduce vulnerability of people to climate change;

3. To outline and discuss best practice guidance for implementing ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation;

4. To identify and discuss opportunities and challenges for mainstreaming ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation into programmes, policies and projects in Rwanda.

Participation

The workshop was attended by a total of 28 representatives from civil society organizations working on nature conservation in Rwanda, government agencies, including the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority(REMA), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA), and the Rwanda Natural Resource Authority(RNRA), and academia (See Annex 1 for a full list of participants). The workshop was convened by theBirdLife International Secretariat (BLI), BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat (BLAPS), and the Association pour la conservation de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR).

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Workshop Proceedings

Opening Session

Welcoming note and official opening MrTelesphoreNgoga, Chairman of Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR) and Mr Serge Nsengimana, CEO of ACNR.

The workshop was opened officially by MrTelepshoreNgoga, the Chairman of Association pour la conservation de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR). MrNgoga welcomed participants to the workshop and to Rwanda, thanking them for creating time out of their schedules to attend.

Mr Serge J. Nsengimana, CEO of ACNR echoed MrNgoga’s welcome and gave a general overview of the training workshop. Participants were invited to introduce themselves and to share their expectations of the workshop. These can be summarized as follows:

1. To network with experts within the climate change sector 2. To have a common understanding on adaptation and

mitigation 3. To have a better understanding of climate change 4. To learn about Birdlife’s experience on climate change

adaptation and mitigation MrNsengimana proceeded with an introduction to the convening organizations –BirdLife International and Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda. MrNsengimana noted that BirdLife International is the world’s

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largest conservation partnership – comprising over 120 Partners worldwide – and that it is grounded in a grass-roots approach. He provided a brief overview of the new strategy for BirdLife International 2013-2020 and its nineprogrammes, which includeclimate change and local empowerment. MrNsengimanainformed participants that ACNR is the Rwanda Partner for BirdLife International. ACNR is a membership association with currently 135 physical members from all over the country. 14 Nature or Wildlife Clubs in schools (over 3,500 people) and 5 Site Support Groups form a part of the organization as well.

Aims and agenda for the workshop Mr. Edward Perry, Climate Change Policy Officer, BirdLife International

The facilitator took the participants through the agenda and explained how their expectations would be addressed by the various sessions planned for the two days. He explained thatthe aim of the workshop was to enhance awareness and understanding of ecosystem-based approaches for adaptation, and provided an overview of the specific objectives for each session.

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Introduction to Climate change

MrSebastienDusabeyezu, Rwanda’s UNFCCC Focal Point

Rwanda’s UNFCCC Focal Point, MrDusabeyezu, provided an overview of the climate change challenge. He noted, in particular, that Rwanda is projected to experience significant variations in precipitation patterns, higher temperatures, increased incidence of severe weather events and a greater incidence of pests and diseases. The consequences of climate change in Rwanda could include a decline in agricultural production that will imperil food security and exacerbate malnutrition,a slowdown in economic growth and poverty reduction, and anendangerment of the livelihoods of people in the most vulnerable regions.MrDusabeyezuemphasized the need for Rwanda to engage with the international community to address the challenge posed by climate change. He proceeded with an overview of the global governance framework for climate change, with a particular emphasis on the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change and its different sub-bodies.

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Session 1: Introduction to Ecosystem-based Adaptation

An Overview of Ecosystem Based Approaches to Adaptation Edward Perry, Climate Change Policy Officer, BirdLife International

Mr Perry introduced the concept of adaptation, and provided examples of different approaches for adaptation such as hard infrastructure (e.g. dams and dykes); soft infrastructure (e.g. early warning systems); community-based and ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation. The presentation defined ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) as the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to help people adapt to climate change, and emphasized that EbA was part of an overall adaptation strategy. A range of examples of EbA were shared with participants, both orally and via video, and it was pointed out that the different approaches for adaptation are not mutually exclusive. For example, mangrove restoration could help reduce the impacts from coastal storms, while reducing the maintenance costs of dykes. Good ecosystem-based adaptation according to Mr Perry, should be community-led, and in this regard, is not so different from community-based adaptation. A number of challenges or limitations of EbA were mentioned, such as the existence and uncertainty of “tipping points” or thresholdsafter which ecosystems can no longer provide services important for adaptation, and the length of time before some EbA measures are able to provide benefits (it can take decades, for example, for forests to reach maturity and some of the benefits). There are also considerable advantages from EbA, however, including that it is easily accessible and

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pro-poor, and that it can deliver synergies between livelihoods, adaptation, mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

Learning from Experiences of Communities in Adaptation to Climate Change in Rwanda Sebastian Dusabeyezu, Rwanda’s UNFCCC Focal Point

Having built a common understanding on EbA, the next presentation provided examples of adaptation projects in Rwanda and examined the role of ecosystems in these projects.SebastienDusabeyezu, the UNFCC Rwanda focal point,described the main projects arising from the National Adaptation Programmes of Action, a document thatevaluates Rwanda’s current vulnerabilities to climate change, identifies the most vulnerable groups of the country’s population, determines priority adaptation options and selects and details seven urgent projects to be implemented.

Examples included “Adapting to Climate Change through Land and Biodiversity Conservation in Gishwati Area in the NyabihuDistrict” led by RENGOF, and the preparation of tree nursery beds,tree planting, protection of hillsides against soil erosion and promotion of agroforestry by Rwanda NGO’s forum on water, sanitation and environment (RWASEF).MrDusabeyezualso shared best practices and lessons learnt for climate change adaptation and mitigation and how Rwanda National Climate and Environment Fund (FONERWA) will help achieve their Objectives.

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Darwin Initiative-funded Project “Ecosystem Conservation for Climate Change Adaptation in East Africa”

EgideNtakirutimana, Project Lead, ACNR

The next presentation in this session gave an overview of BirdLife International and ACNR’s Darwin-funded project on ecosystem-based adaptation.MrNtakirutimana, who leads the project in Rwanda, informed participants that the project involves BirdLife Partners in four countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The aim of the project is to integrate ecosystem based adaptation into key policies, plans and strategies in these countries. The presentation outlined the different activities that have been undertaken and are planned for the project, including a review of policies, participatory vulnerability assessments with local communities, and the development of indictors to measure EbA benefits. He concluded by raising challenges and opportunities of Darwin project in Rwanda, which include conservation of ecosystems services to improve livelihoods, awareness in terms of climate change adaptation

MrNtakirutimanagave the floor to Olivia Adhiambo, Policy Officer at BirdLife Africa Partnership, who explained that part of the project included collating information on case studies that could help inform effective ecosystem-based adaptation. Ms. Adhiambo provided examples of case studies in East Africa and invited MrGakumba from the Nile Basin Discourse Forum to present his case study.

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Best Practices to CCA for grass-root communities John Gakumba,National Project Coordinator, Nile Basin Discourse Forum

MrGakumba provided examples of community-based adaptation that included consideration of ecosystems. He talked about challenges to Society’s engagement in climate change adaptation in various sectors in Rwanda (land, water, energy, agriculture, infrastructure), and highlighted some of the overarching challenges includinglimited access to resources and capacity,a considerable knowledge gapin terms of adaptation needs and responses, alienation of local communities from strategic development and consultation processes,and corruption. MrGakumbastressed the importance of addressing environmental protection and climate resilience cross-sectorallyto promote the inclusion of climate change best practices and climate resilient development in policies, plans and programmes at all levels. MrGakumba called for greater stakeholder engagement and consultation at all levels and highlighted the need for easily accessible climate data and information to help reduce the uncertainty over climate change impacts, and for further mainstreaming of gender.

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Climate Change Science

DidaceMusonda, Director of Data and Research in Rwanda Meteorological Authority

MrMusoni, Director of Data and Research at the Rwanda Meteorological Authority defined and explained the difference between climate, climate change and weather. He provided a comprehensive overview of trends and projections of extremes in weather and climate events in Rwanda, noting in particular a change marked change from the 1980s onward. Mr Musoni stressed the role that science can play in informing adaptation action, noting that there have been considerable developments in climate science over the past few years and that these developments are ongoing. He encouraged stakeholders to be more open to climate science and called for greater coordination between scientists, policy-makers and practitioners.

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Session 2: Implementing Ecosystem Based Adaptation Projects

Introduction to vulnerability and vulnerability assessments Edward Perry, Climate Change Policy Officer, BirdLife International

This presentationintroduced the concept of vulnerability to climate change, and the various approaches for assessing vulnerability. Mr Perry underlined that a vulnerability assessment can be an effective tool for understanding the vulnerability to climate change of an individual, community, organization, country or region and to inform effective adaptation plans. He explained with the use of examples that vulnerability can be considered as the sensitivity and exposure of a system to climatic events and the ability of the system to adapt (adaptive capacity), Mr Perry emphasized that ecological and socio-economic vulnerability are integrally linked, and offered a way of conceptualizing this. He also noted that climate change does not happen in a vacuum and it is important to also consider how non-climatic pressures affect social and ecological resilience.Mr Perry introduced participants to the vulnerability assessment approach applied in the Darwin Project – a simple, participatory approach that aims to empower and inform the local community and help them identify their dependencies on ecosystem services, the impact of climate change and opportunities to adapt.

This presentation was followed by a participatory exercise to further explain the concept of vulnerability assessment.

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Participants were provided with a fictional case study and identified the varying levels of vulnerability within the community and suggested potential EbA measures to address these.

Developing an Adaptation Management Plan Edward Perry, BirdLife International

Mr Perry began the presentation stressing the importance of good planning for adaptation. He provided an example of where poor planning – ignoring the role of ecosystems and not engaging all the stakeholders – led to maladaptation in the HadjiaNguru wetlands in Nigeria. The presentation described some of the tools available for selecting the most appropriate actions for addressing thevulnerabilities identified in the vulnerability assessment. Examples included cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness, and multi-criteria analysis. Mr Perry noted that the advantage of multi-criteria analysis is that it does not require monetarisation of all the variables. The presentation also looked at the importance of having clear objectives and well defined roles and responsibilities for EbAprojectsas well as a thorough understanding of risks. Mr Perry emphasized the need for adaptive management informed through monitoring and evaluation, and providedexamples of socio-economic and environmental indicators that could be used in this process.

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Harnessing Synergies: Linking the DarwinEbA project withotherBirdLife projects

Serge J. Nsengimana, ACNR; EvaristeRutebuka, ACNR; and Olivia Adhiambo, BirdLife International The Darwin EbA project seeks to draw lessons and experience from similar projects that have been implemented. This session focused on the synergies that the Darwin EbA project has built with other projects within BirdLife Partnership. The first presenter, MrNsengimana, gave an overview of the Darwin project site,theAkanyaru Wetlands Important Bird Area. The presentation described the socio-economic and environmental unique attributes of the site, highlighting its conservation importance and the challenges that biodiversity and the community is facing, including large-scale habitat conversion,bush fire, poaching, peat extraction and climate change.

The next presentation, given by MrRutebuka, gave an overview of the Local Empowerment Progammeproject, which is focusing on the same site. MrRutebuka explained that the project is empowering local communities for conservation and sustainable development of the birds and biodiversity of the Lake Victoria basin. He noted that the focus was on local empowerment, but that this would contribute to the goals of the Darwin Project, as a more empowered community is more capable of addressing their vulnerability to climate change.

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Ms. Adhiambo presented on theClimate Change Adaptive Management Project, a MacArthur-funded project that aimed to develop a model for improving the resilience of high biodiversity areas in Africa against the impacts of climate change thus ensuring they retain their efficacy. Ms.Adhiambo explained that the project provided insight into the vulnerability of species and ecosystems and offered an Adaptive Management Framework for Important Bird Areas in face of climate change. Africa wide models have been developed that show how 815 priority bird species and 803 Important Bird Areas in Africa will be impacted by climate change. The presentation showed that there are links between species-based adaptation and ecosystem-based adaptation (for people) and that the Darwin EbA project offered an opportunity to explore these further. A Clearing House Mechanism – The Africa Climate Exchange was also developed as part of this project and over 200 documents uploaded to the library. The website will be updated to include content on ecosystem-based adaptation.

 

 

 

 

 

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Session 3: Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Policy

Mainstreaming EbA into Policy Edward Perry, Climate Change Policy Officer, BirdLife International

This presentation looked at the concept of mainstreaming, which Mr Perry explained as a process of integrating climate change and ecosystem considerations into development models, policies, programmes and projects. He provided an overview of policy-making processes and project cycles, indicating opportunities to integrate EbA throughout these processes, and described potential tools for doing so, such as Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments, and fiscal instruments. The presentation explored the links between different multi-lateral environmental agreements, such as the Rio Conventions, and the presenter emphasized that these synergies can be captured at an international, national and local level through holistic and programmatic planning, harmonization of objectives and indicators, and communication between focal points. He noted that immediate opportunities exist for mainstreaming EbA, including through the Green Climate Fund, the review and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and National Adaptation Programmes of Action, and the development of National Adaptation Plans.

 

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Institutional mapping and roles of stakeholders

Participatory Exercise

The purpose of this exercise was to engage participants in discussions on the roles of key stakeholders in EbA. The exercise examined the current level of influence of stakeholders in Rwanda on policies for conserving ecosystems and adapting to climate change, and their engagement inEbA.Participants were grouped into two, and were asked to first identify the stakeholders and plot their position according to their engagement and influence today. Participants then repeated this exercise plotting the stakeholders according to where they would like to see the stakeholders in the future.

A wide range of stakeholders was identified, highlighting the need for multi-stakeholder approaches. It became evident that a number of the most influential stakeholders are currently not engaged to the extent desired. This was particularly the case, for example, for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINEFCOFIN), who are responsible for budgeting and lead on the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy. Participants recognized the need to engage with this Ministry and outline the multiple benefits of conserving ecosystems and the urgency of climate change adaptation. The role of the private sector was also discussed in depth. Participants in general felt that the private sector is lacking in their engagement, and to successfully reduce ecosystem degradation and ensure the provision of ecosystem

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services for human adaptation, greater engagement will be needed. It was suggested that this could be achieved through more effective and rigorous application of environmental impact assessments, and (dis-)incentives such as taxes and subsidies. On the other hand, it Participants noted that while local rural communities are directly implicated in the management and use of natural resources and will be most affected by climate change, they have very little influence. To address this, participants suggested the need for empowerment of local communities, raising their awareness but also their capacity to engage in decision-making processes. More inclusive governance approaches will be required.

Review of EbA in National Policies in East Africa Olivia Adhiambo, BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat

A key objective of the workshop was to initiate discussions on how EbA can be included in national policies and plans. This presentation provided an illustration of existing opportunities at national and regional level for mainstreaming EbA into policy.The presentation focused on the countries where the project is being implemented. The presentation was a summary of a research done by BirdLife International. The major highlights of the presentation included biodiversity and climate change policies and the extent to which they have incorporated EbA. Under each policy key recommendations were sharedon how EbA can be incorporated.The presentation was concluded with a highlight of the opportunities for incorporating EbA into ongoing national processesincluding

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the NBSAPs review process and the development of National Adaptation Plans.

Panel Session on Opportunities and challenges for mainstreaming EbA in Rwanda

This session was delivered through a panel discussion. The panelists were given a chance to respond to a set of questions and thereafter participants were also given a chance to ask follow up questions. The panel was composed of:

1. Dr. DésiréKagabo the Senior Principle Research Fellow, Rwanda Agriculture Board.

2. Mrs. DancillaMukakamari, National Coordinator,ARECO Rwanda Nziza

3. Mr. DidaceMusoni, Director of Data Management and Research, Rwanda Meteorological Authority and Rwanda Focal Point for Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change Rwanda

4. Mr. John Gakumba, National Coordinator of Nile Basin Discourse Forum(NBDF)

The discussion was shaped by the following questions:

• What are the existing opportunities and challenges for mainstreaming and implementing EbA?

• How can the challenges be addressed and what needs to be done in order to take advantage of the opportunities?

Dr. Desire Kagabo explained that mainstreamingEbAfaces many challenges, most of which are linked to administration

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structures.Even where ecosystems are integrated into policies, there are not results onthe grounddue to poor implementation. The issue is ensuring that policies and laws are translated at thesectoral and farm level. Dr Kagabo called forbetter monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation. Another issue raised by Dr Kagabo was the question of priorities – what is the priority for the community? Rural communities have other challenges to deal with. Dr Kagabo suggested ranking these challenges and then addressing them with solutions that integrate EbA. Using the example of plastic bags and sacs- which is now illegal, he explained that at first, these changes may be a big shock, but if feasible alternatives are offered then people soon accept and forget about these changes. Dr Kagabo expressed concerns that a lack of funding may undermine adaptation efforts.

Mrs. DancilaMukakamarilisted a number of challenges, includingthe weak coordination between environmental and other sectors; a lack of understanding of EbA and a need for capacity building for policy-makers through to practitioners (including monitoring and evaluation); mainstreaming of indigenous knowledge and gender; and a lack of successful case studies and guidelines that can be shared with stakeholders to help them plan and implement programmes or projects. On this last point, Mrs Mukakamari noted that some stories and information exist but have not been compiled and shared. Opportunities highlighted by Mrs Mukakamari include the strong policy framework that exists in Rwanda; a rich local knowledge that is not adequately used; the

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development of NAPs to integrate EbA; local level coordination and communication between stakeholders, which is currently limited to talkingin forums but has notyet resulted in sharing and collaborative work on the ground.

Mr. DidaceMusoniraised the issue that policies and programmesare developed by external experts from other geographies who do not have an adequate understanding of the challenges in Rwanda. Without involvement of Rwandans in these processes, there is no ownership and no sustainability – too many reports are just sitting on the shelf. Another challenge raised by MrMusoni was the lack of confidence and the lack of willingness to accept responsibility. MrMusoni called for more information sharing between countries in East Africa and more willingness to share between stakeholders within Rwanda. As he pointed out, the best farmers are those in the field, and not those in the ministry. MrMusonisaid, from the point of view of a climate scientist, Rwanda is lucky having two major rainfall seasons and should make the most of this. That means being open to suggestions and learning from others. MrMusoni called for a change in mentality, a greater thirst for knowledge and a willingness to assess and compare results. He remarked: “let us develop in our pace with realistic manner and resources. We aren’t rich but we can do better with the resources we have.”

MrGakumba, National Coordinator at the NBDF echoed earlier comments regarding the mind-set of people and weak and poor systems for implementation and enforcement.

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MrGakumba expressed his concern about the limited resources available for adaptation in Rwanda and the current knowledge gaps. He highlighted the exclusion of key stakeholders and partners from key consultations and frameworks and the lack of ownership and “copy-cat” approach in the development of policies, programmes and projects in Rwanda. What is needed, according to MrGakumba is in-built capacity within Rwandan systems. He called for engagement of more players in the sector and stressed the role of interesting approaches and stories to bring in more followers. Greater professionalism is needed, rather than sentimentalism and a more efficient use of resources. MrGakumba called for a marriage of CbA and EbA to produce maximum benefits. Gakumba concluded by requesting NGOs to work together not in isolation. He emphasized that this would lead to greater visibility and make change.

Lively discussions were fueled by questions and comments from participants. There was a particularly long discussion around the issue of finance. It was argued by some that more finance and external support would be needed for Rwanda to adapt to climate change, and by others, that finance was not the issue and that external finance actually created a culture of dependence. One participant, for example, stated that “Africa is not poor. We have a lot of resources. What we are missing is the strategy to mobilise these resources. That is the big problem”. MrGakumba supported co-financing requirements suggesting that this makes Rwanda take more ownership of their work. However, weak fundraising skills mean that

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Rwanda is not adequately accessing the available funds. DrKagabonoted that “Implementation needs money. But we need to adapt a bit. Do you need money not to cut deep when ploughing land?” There is a combination of issues that we need to address and not all require money. Participants also discussed the issue of awareness. It was suggested that the mobilization against AIDs is a good example of how governments can facilitate education and awareness raising.The discussion concluded with the remark that strong leadership is needed to carry the flame, put in place the effective approaches and mobilize the wealth of social and natural resources.

Closing Session

Reflection and Next Steps Participants were given the opportunity to reflect on the workshop and come up with steps each individual could take to address climate change impacts and help move forward EbA. Actions that participants pledged to take included: promotion of mainstreaming EbA, data and knowledge sharing;engagement of more stakeholders; integration of ecosystem considerations in planning, monitoring and evaluation tools; and capacity building in ecosystem based adaptation to climate change. It was noted that existing policy frameworksand sector and thematic working groups and other foraneed to be used effectively and in a coordinated manner, and government agencies, NGOs, and CBOs.

The workshop was officially closed by the Executive Director of ACNR.

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The Way Forward: Key Messages and Recommendations

The workshop provided a unique opportunity to gather a number of key stakeholders from Rwanda to address the complex and urgent issue of ecosystem based adaptation. Through the presentations, group work, and panel discussions on diverse topics related to ecosystem based adaptation to climate change, participants explored the challenges encountered and possible solutions.

Key messages and recommendations from the workshop are:

• Ecosystems provide a number of services important for local livelihoods including food provision and defence against climatic hazards such as flooding and erosion. Ecosystem-based adaptation aims to maximize the provision of these services to reduce the impacts of climate change on humans and to build ecosystem resilience to ensure these services are provided into the future. The sustainable use, conservation and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services form an important component of adaptation strategies.

• Poorly planned development and adaptation actions that do not account for natural capital may increase the vulnerability of communities and the ecosystems upon which they depend.

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• Building socio-ecological resilience to climate change in Rwanda will require a greater degree of coordination. National Adaptation Plans and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans provide an important opportunity for improving this coordination and achieving greater integration of climate and ecosystem considerations into policies, plans, programmes and projects. Effective mainstreaming of EbA will require a more cross-sectoral approach, engaging in particularsectoral ministries and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

• Adaptation planning and implementation needs to bring together a range of stakeholders. Participants called for a greater representation of local communities in decision-making, in particular those who are most vulnerable to climate change.

• Strong policies are imperative but not sufficient – better implementation, monitoring and enforcement are required in Rwanda to ensure effective actions are taken on the ground.

• Awareness of climate change, its potential impacts, and the role of ecosystems needs to be raised at all levels – from local communities to national government – and capacity built to development and implement effective adaptation measures. There is a growing body of climate science and good practice examples on adaptation that could be shared more widely, and inform decision-making.

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• Adaptation is largely local in nature, and local governments need to play a key role in adaptation and strengthening the resilience of ecosystems, by maintaining, restoring and protecting them and the services they provide.Local measures have a greater chance of success if supported and implemented with the participation of citizens.

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Annex 1: Participants list No Names Organization/

Institution Position

1 GoodLuckDorothee RBO Program manager 2 DidaceMusoni RMA Director of data

and research 3 GorettiManikuzwe RNRA Biodiversity

officer 4 John Gakumba NBDF National project

coordinator 5 Prudence Ndabasanze ACNR Internee 6 Alphonse Nzarora NUR Technician

/Biology Dept 7 Charles Uramutse WSE Managing

Director 8 Jacques Habimana ARECO Project assistant 9 BetyMutesi International

Alert Program manager

10 YacoubaKaba Model forest Advisor 11 Joseph Nsengimana KIST HoD Biology 12 JohnsonNkusi RENGOF Coordinator 13 FaustinGashakamba ARCOS Information

manager 14 PapiasKaranganwa MINIRENA Carbon market 15 MadaleineUsabyimbabazi MINAGRI Environmental

facilitator 16 EgideNtakirutimana ACNR GIS & Climate

Change officer 17 Olivia Adhiambo BLAPS Policy Officer

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18 EvaristeRutebuka ACNR Bioinformatics & community program officer

19 FaustinMunyazikwiye REMA DCCIO 20 Peace Mahoro ACNR Financial Assistant 21 SebastienDusabayezu RDB UNFCC Focal

point/Rwanda 22 Desire Kagabo RAB Senior scientist 23 DancillaMukakamari ARECO national

coordinator 24 Serge JoramNsengimana ACNR Executive Director 25 ImmaculeeUwimana REMA Climate Change

mitigation officer 26 TelesphoreNgonga RDB conservation

division manager 27 SylivieUwacu Bugesera

District Environmental officer

28 Edward Perry BLI Policy and Climate change Officer

Compiled byACNR

Nature for PeopleSeptember 2013