The Uhai Lake Forum Development Group : community initiatives for the conservation of Lake Victoria resources

The grant also supported the development of written materials based on previous activities, specifically, a regional workshop of East African community conservationists, researchers, and policymakers (known as Forum "99); a forum for women community elders; and Lake Victoria Advocacy Days in 2000 and 2001. Uhai"s approach is based on a model of "ecoculture." The organization emphasizes the need to integrate a "people dimension" into conservation work in the area, which has in the past largely focused on biological resource perspectives only. Similarly, Uhai believes that development programs have emphasized economic dimensions and quick, technical solutions to the neglect of indigenous knowledge, experiences, skills, wisdom, and local governance systems. In a short time and with limited resources, Uhai developed and thoroughly documented a wide range of activities. It produced a video emphasizing the positive participation of women in fish breeding activities and soil conservation. A book of proceedings from Uhai forums contains extensive information on conservation issues, possibilities for investment, and the perspectives and initiatives of communities. A clear gender perspective was integrated throughout the forums and in the development of strategies to restore Lake Victoria to health. Uhai"s achievements are impressive because they involved a wide range of grassroots groups in economic development and conservation. Many of the key organizers of and participants in the various projects were women, and by emphasizing gender-related issues, trends, and perspectives in all of its activities, Uhai has helped spark new awareness among elders, researchers, and policymakers about the role of gender in development. Uhai"s forums brought together previously unconnected groups, from academic researchers to village elders to fish traders, and highlighted their common interests (i.e., the need for both resource protection and viable livelihoods). The forum was an important first step towards improving regional collaboration (as well as across borders in East Africa) to enhance sustainable development. Uhai"s recent work has also resulted in links with institutions and NGOs, which will in the future facilitate efforts to support communities while at the same time finding ways to conserve natural resources. Uhai"s participatory, broad approach is precisely what is needed to ensure that development and conservation projects undertaken around Lake Victoria have positive, real, and long-lasting effects that benefit people and ecosystems alike.