Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-32858

An overview of Pollution Loading into Lake Kivu Basin

S. BashwiraF. KansiimeJ.G.M. MajaliwaM. Tenywa

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Abstract

145 words

Increasing pollution loading is one of the factors which have led to instability of the Lake Kivu threatening the survival of millions of people living around it. This study will i) characterise and quantify historical land use and livelihood changes in the Lake Kivu region, ii) estimate pollution load from different sources into the Lake and iii) identify the best management options for reducing point and non-point pollution loading into Lake Kivu. Qualitative, quantitative and modeling approaches are being used. The major outputs of the study include increased understanding of the factors and processes driving changes, land-use/cover and livelihood trajectories since 1974, tools to predict future conditions, hotspot of sediment and nutrient export into the Lake, evidence based recommendations to inform future management decisions aimed at conserving and restoring the natural and human environments of the Lake Kivu basin. This study has just been initiated.

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