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Page 2 of 10 Overview
The East African Community has designated Lake Victoria and its Basin as an "area of common economic interest" and a "regional economic growth zone" to be developed jointly by the Partner States. And Lake Victoria is the focus of new attention following the declaration by the East African Community Heads of State that a joint programme be developed for the overall management and rational utilization of the shared resources of the Lake.
The East African Community established the Lake Victoria Development Programme in 2001, as a mechanism for coordinating the various interventions on the Lake and its Basin; and serving as a centre for promotion of investments and information sharing among the various stakeholders. The programme is the driving force for turning the Lake Victoria Basin into a real economic growth zone.
The Programme envisages a broad partnership of the local communities around the Lake, the East African Community and its Partner States as well as the development partners. The Programme is focusing on the…
- Harmonization of policies and laws on the management of the environment in the Lake and its catchment area;
- Continuation of the environmental management of the Lake, including control and eradication of the water hyacinth;
- Management and conservation of aquatic resources, including fisheries;
- Economic activities in the development of fishing, industry, agriculture and tourism; and
- Development of infrastructure, including revamping the transport system on and around the Lake.
The Programme further places emphasis on poverty eradication and the participation of the local communities. It is expected to make a significant contribution towards reduction of poverty by uplifting the living standards of the people of the Lake region. This is to be achieved through economic growth, investments and sustainable development practices that are cognisant of the environment.
Anticipated Benefits
Among the specific anticipated benefits from the programme are:
Organisation and Operations:
A Special Unit for the Lake Victoria Development Programme is established at the East African Community Secretariat in Arusha. The Unit services the Sectoral Council and Sectoral Committee on Lake Victoria Development Programme.
The Sectoral Council is constituted by Ministers from the Partner States while the Committee comprises of all Permanent Secretaries from the three Partner States whose Ministries' mandates relate to the Lake Victoria Basin, particularly Water, Agriculture, Transport, Communication, Energy, Tourism and Wildlife, Fisheries, Environment and Economic development.
A Protocol for Sustainable Development for Lake Victoria has been prepared. Once signed and ratified, it will provide for the creation of a Lake Victoria Basin Commission as an overall institution for the management of issues related to the Lake Victoria Basin; the present Unit is expected to evolve into this Commission.
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Lake Victoria Basin Commission
