Kessup River gets a new conservation boost
The Kessup Water Resources Users Association (WRUA) has been officially registered, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen community participation in the management and conservation of the Kessup River and its catchment.
The registration is part of Scope Intervention’s ongoing AFR100 work being implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The 45-member WRUA brings together representatives from the upper, middle and lower sections of the Kessup River. Members recently participated in a one-day workshop conducted in collaboration with the Water Resources Authority (WRA), where they were taken through the WRUA registration process, statutory requirements, roles and responsibilities, and compliance obligations.
The workshop also saw members elect office bearers and leaders of the association’s various sub-committees. The newly elected leadership subsequently led the registration process, which has now been successfully completed.
Following the registration, Scope Intervention and its partners conducted a capacity-building programme for the new WRUA. The training focused on key areas necessary for effective institutional and river management.
These included institutional development, the roles of sub-committees, financial management, conflict resolution, catchment and riparian restoration, water resource protection, climate adaptation, livelihood enhancement, monitoring and information management.
The capacity-building programme is expected to strengthen the WRUA’s ability to coordinate community efforts and work with stakeholders in addressing challenges affecting the Kessup River and its catchment.
Next Step: Sub-Catchment Management Plan
The next phase of the initiative will focus on developing the Kessup River Sub-Catchment Management Plan.
The plan will provide a framework to guide the WRUA and other stakeholders in the sustainable management, protection and conservation of the Kessup River and its catchment areas.
It will also help stakeholders identify priority challenges and interventions while promoting coordinated action to improve the health and sustainability of the river and surrounding landscape.
Scope Intervention says strong and locally owned institutions are essential to achieving lasting restoration and sustainable natural resource management.
The organization is supporting the Kessup community with knowledge, structures and systems aimed at enabling local residents to take greater responsibility for the management and conservation of natural resources within their landscape.
Scope Intervention has appreciated the continued support and partnership of FAO and WRA, as well as the commitment and participation of the Kessup community in the initiative.
