Civil Society Advocates for Inclusive UNESCO Listing of Lake Victoria

A coalition of 116 civil society organizations from 35 countries is advocating for a thorough, community-driven evaluation of Lake Victoria as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. The groups, coordinated by Action for Climate and Environmental Justice (ACEJ) and the Environment Governance Institute (EGI), believe that local communities must be central to any decision-making regarding the lake’s future.

Instead of immediately seeking inscription, the coalition wants an inclusive assessment that considers the lake’s entire ecosystem, encompassing wetlands, tributaries, islands, cultural sites, and fishing communities. This approach aims to recognize Lake Victoria not just as a natural resource, but as a “living cultural landscape” with “Outstanding Universal Value,” as highlighted by Cirrus Kabaale, CEO of STREC. He stressed that protecting the lake’s broader landscape is essential for preserving the heritage it has sustained for generations.

Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and a vital shared resource for Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, supports millions through fishing and is crucial for regional water security as it feeds the Nile River. For lakeside communities, the lake is deeply intertwined with cultural traditions and a wealth of ecological knowledge.

The civil society groups argue that World Heritage status should safeguard these connections by ensuring full community participation, guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. They are also concerned about potential impacts from projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) on the lake’s water quality, fisheries, and community livelihoods, noting that “Impacts can move through interconnected ecosystems,” according to Doreen Namara of the Liberty Probono Initiative.

The coalition recommends establishing a joint taskforce with significant local community representation to oversee the assessment process. They also call for enhanced lake governance, increased research, and a precautionary approach to major infrastructure projects within the Lake Victoria Basin. This proposed assessment could be the first step toward determining if Lake Victoria meets UNESCO criteria while empowering its long-standing inhabitants in shaping its destiny.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)