Spatial analysis is an important tool for gathering information about plant diversity in specific geographic areas around the world.

Monitoring the status of plant species and patterns of distribution enables us to set priority areas for conservation, identifying which species are most at risk and where we have gaps in collections. This vital information helps us tackle global challenges such as food security and climate change.

As part of its capacity building programme, Bioversity International has published a training manual for practitioners who work with biodiversity data and want to develop spatial analysis skills using free Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The manual is available for download as part of Bioversity’s training materials series.

Read more about this manual here >>.

Nature Harness Initiatives (NAHI) is a Ugandan civil society organisation, working with PRESA to enhance ecosystem conservation while improving people’s income.

NAHI hopes to reverse wetland degradation by facilitating collaborative management plans, and developing one or more PES (payment for ecosystem services) schemes to generate financial resources to help pay for wetland management activities.

PES in Uganda is a relatively new practice, and NAHI has much to learn about how the concepts and principles can be applied.

NAHI and PRESA are conducting research that will lead to workable rewards for environmental service agreements in two landscapes: the Rushebeya-Kanyabaha wetland and the Wambabya riverine forests. Both lie in western Uganda, within the Albertine Rift associate site of the PRESA project.
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Humans are more dependent upon ecosystem services and biodiversity than ever before, according to researchers.

Nature provides ecosystem services that benefit economic development. PHOTO: V. Meadu

A new study has demonstrated that human well-being derived from three major ecosystem services has been increasing, particularly in countries considered to be biodiversity hotspots. The ecosystem services are water provision, biodiversity and carbon storage.

This study aimed to answer the question, ‘are humans still so dependent on ecosystems?’ The researchers analysed three indicators of human well-being provided by ecosystems:

(i.) production of wood;

(ii.) production of hydroelectricity, which depends on river flow; and

(iii.) investment in tourism, which depends on the cultural and aesthetic value of an area.
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The Albertine Rift in western Uganda rises from an altitude of 700 metres to 5,000 metres at the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is a nature paradise of trees, plants, animals, birds and fish.

A tree nursery in Uganda. PHOTO: V. Meadu.

Population increase, and the resultant demand for agricultural land and timber, necessitates ensuring that ecological resources are not exploited to depletion. Rewarding communities for environmental services is one way of doing this as it creates incentives for conservation.

However, the development of reward mechanisms requires a thorough understanding of the ecosystem services in question, potential buyers, intermediaries and suppliers, institutional arrangements and the policy environment.

In western Uganda, PRESA has partnered with two local organizations: Ecotrust Uganda and Nature Harness Initiatives (NAHI). Both are helping communities adopt sustainable land use practices and benefit from stronger links to markets for ecosystem services.
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By Mildred Atukunda

Poor communities rely on ecosystems for safe drinking water, nourishment and for earning a living. In Rushebeya – Kanyabaha, the ecosystem includes wetland streams, rivers, open water bodies and the beautiful, hilly scenery. However, there is no judicious sharing of benefits between sellers and buyers of environmental services.

A wetland in western Uganda. PHOTO/Nature Harness Initiatives

The Rushebeya – Kanyabaha, wetland not only benefits human beings but also acts as a habitat for animals and birds. The most common animal is popularly known as Ejobe (Sitatunga or Marshbuck). As you move around the area, you cannot fail to notice Uganda’s most beautiful and elegant bird – the Crested Crane.

Seven parishes share this wetland and all benefit in one way or the other. People carry out beekeeping as well as growing Irish potatoes, cabbages, sorghum and apples in the cool climate. The wetland provides raw material for basketry, mat weaving and thatching of roofs. The wetland is a blessing in such away that people collect local herbs to cure and treat illnesses like malaria. It is a source of water for animals in the area. Many people have benefited from its fish ponds and wells.
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Acacia tree on a farm in South Africa. PHOTO/Kim Sarah Bernard

The role of agriculture in biodiversity conservation is getting special attention from an online newsletter by the Ecoagriculture Partners.

“The goal of this newsletter is to facilitate information exchange among a global community of practitioners who are developing the agricultural payments for environmental services (PES) sector,” says the organization.

Ecoagriculture is working to revive the concept of ecoagriculture, which has been lost within the past a hundred years.

“Ecoagriculture describes landscapes that support both agricultural production and biodiversity conservation, working together to improve the livelihoods of rural communities,” says the organization, “Ecoagriculture recognizes agricultural producers and communities as key stewards of ecosystems and biodiversity and enables them to play those roles effectively.”

You can subscribe to the newsletter at the Ecoagriculture Partners website or view past and current editions here.