ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6273-1288
Current Organisations
University of Mpumalanga
,
Rivers of Life Aquatic Health Services CC
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/MF19176
Abstract: Irrigated agriculture and inland fisheries both make important contributions to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and wellbeing. Typically, in modern irrigation systems, these components operate independently. Some practices, commonly associated with water use and intensification of crop production can be in direct conflict with and have adverse effects on fisheries. Food security objectives may be compromised if fish are not considered in the design phases of irrigation systems. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a framework that can serve as a backdrop to help integrate both sectors in policy discussions and optimise their contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Inland fisheries systems do play an important role in supporting many SDG objectives, but these contributions can sometimes be at odds with irrigated agriculture. Using case studies of two globally important river catchments, namely the Lower Mekong and Murray–Darling basins, we highlight the conflicts and opportunities for improved outcomes between irrigated agriculture and inland fisheries. We explore SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) as a path to advance our irrigation systems as a means to benefit both agriculture and inland fisheries, preserving bio ersity and enhancing the economic, environmental and social benefits they both provide to people.2
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-11-2017
DOI: 10.1111/FAF.12258
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 06-07-2023
DOI: 10.1139/ER-2022-0126
Abstract: Environmental flows (e-flows) aim to mitigate the threat of altered hydrological regimes in river systems and connected waterbodies and are an important component of integrated strategies to address multiple threats to freshwater bio ersity. Expanding and accelerating implementation of e-flows can support river conservation and help to restore the bio ersity and resilience of hydrologically altered and water-stressed rivers and connected freshwater ecosystems. While there have been significant developments in e-flows science, assessment and societal acceptance, implementation of e-flows within water resources management has been slower than required and geographically uneven. This review explores critical factors that enable successful e-flows implementation and bio ersity outcomes in particular, drawing on 13 case studies and the literature. It presents e-flows implementation as an adaptive management cycle enabled by 10 factors: legislation and governance, financial and human resourcing, stakeholder engagement and co-production of knowledge, collaborative monitoring of ecological and social-economic outcomes, capacity training and research, exploration of trade-offs among water users, removing or retrofitting water infrastructure to facilitate e-flows and connectivity, and adaptation to climate change. Recognising that there may be barriers and limitations to the full and effective enablement of each factor, the authors have identified corresponding options and generalizable recommendations for actions to overcome prominent constraints, drawing on the case studies and wider literature. The urgency of addressing flow-related freshwater bio ersity loss demands collaborative networks to train and empower a new generation of e-flows practitioners equipped with the latest tools and insights to lead adaptive environmental water management globally. Mainstreaming e-flows within conservation planning, integrated water resource management (IWRM), river restoration strategies and adaptations to climate change, is imperative. The policy drivers and associated funding commitments of the Kunming-Montreal Global Bio ersity Framework offer crucial opportunities to achieve the human benefits contributed by e-flows as nature-based solutions (NBS), such as flood risk management, floodplain fisheries restoration and increased river resilience to climate change.
Location: South Africa
No related grants have been discovered for Gordon O'Brien.