Socio-ecological aspects of sustaining Ramsar wetlands in three biodiverse developing countries

Abstract

Integrating conservation and ecologically sustainable development of wetlands is a major challenge, especially in developing countries. While many developing countries harbour significant biodiversity and socio-cultural resources, they have substantial development pressures. We explore the similarities in issues around wetland conservation and sustainability in three developing countries using case studies of internationally significant wetlands in Tanzania, Colombia and Papua New Guinea. We examine key aspects of their socio-ecological values, stakeholder and governance issues, conservation and management issues, and management responses. Key challenges across these regions include inadequate knowledge and data, population and development impacts, poor regulatory and planning processes, socio-economic inequities and conflict. All three areas lack adequate inventory, survey and monitoring, and there are significant risks to some wetland values. Mechanisms such as the Ramsar Convention provide a framework to assist in addressing global wetland loss, but implementation at these sites needs to be supported by effective, integrative approaches involving natural resource regulation, conservation and the development needs of local communities. Increased commitment and resourcing, along with comprehensive stakeholder engagement, are needed to develop and implement locally tailored plans to effectively manage these sites and their values, while also addressing the range of stakeholder needs and perspectives.

Sustainable Feedbacks of Colombian Paramos Involving Livestock, Agricultural Activities, and Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030

“…This migration of the rural population to the urban areas of the country does not generate the revenues that the peasants expect, on the contrary, many of the villagers who leave the countryside contribute to increasing misery and violence in the cities [64]. In addition to the low profitability, as a cause of migration of the inhabitants, the absence of the state (seen in the lack of basic services and infrastructure) [14,42,65] and the armed conflict [61], have promoted this phenomenon, bringing with it the displacement of people with a historical legacy in these territories. The absence of these people in the Páramos implies a series of negative consequences, for example, the entry of new people into these areas, without any traditional practical knowledge about the territory and its millenary management.…”

“…Available information usually refers to specific areas and locations and statistics are made at a local level to estimate population, cultivated land and crops, livestock species, and production systems [2]. From an environmental and ecological point of view the Páramo landscapes of the study area provide ecosystem services mainly related to biodiversity [15,24], collection and water supply [9,12] and among the anthropic activities typical of these Colombian ecosystems, the dual purpose cattle ranching [6,20], while ecotourism is also affirmed [14,25] (Figure 3). Economic activities of local products are mainly oriented towards local markets, to emergent markets in periods of increasing population and to city markets.…”

“…It seems quite clear that is not possible to describe Páramos using only vegetation and altitude characteristics, but they also have to be considered a socioecosystem with biogeophysical, ecological, socioeconomic and cultural factors [5]. Despite the variety of ES offered by Páramos, all the studies highlights two main features representing the central axis of their environmental role: (i) Water: management of water resources through collection, regulation, and supply [12][13][14], (ii) Carbon: storage and uptake of atmospheric carbon through the Páramos are important mainly for their biological uniqueness and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide to human populations [9]. Among the ES offered by the Páramos we can find biological regulation (water regulation, microclimatic regulation, water purification, air purification, among others), provision (food for livestock, food for agriculture, fishing, water, among others), and cultural services (ecotourism, environmental education, spiritual, among others) [10].…”

“…It seems quite clear that is not possible to describe Páramos using only vegetation and altitude characteristics, but they also have to be considered a socioecosystem with biogeophysical, ecological, socioeconomic and cultural factors [5]. Despite the variety of ES offered by Páramos, all the studies highlights two main features representing the central axis of their environmental role: (i) Water: management of water resources through collection, regulation, and supply [12][13][14], (ii) Carbon: storage and uptake of atmospheric carbon through the retention of organic matter in the soil [1,15,16]. Looking at the perception of the local populations the role of water provision and food production are the most relevant ones [17].…”

Understanding change in the ecological character of Ramsar wetlands: perspectives from a deeper time – synthesis

“…There is scope for broadening its use to more holistic forms of management, including from narratives based on palaeoecological analyses about past changes and projected management. Lynch et al (2016) Case studies identified inadequate inventory, survey and monitoring as well as significant risks to wetlands. Guidance for the wise use of wetlands could assist in addressing the loss and degradation.…”