Research Needs in the Lake Tana Basin Social-Ecological System

Abstract

This chapter synthesizes the research needs presented in the book and proposes actions for addressing them. It highlights the socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics, development, production and consumption patterns, challenges and threats and management approaches that were discussed in the preceding chapters and discusses the priorities for future Lake Tana basin research that were raised. The analysis shows that the basin has many unique features, and great potential for sustainable development, especially in water resources. The lake and basin provide multiple benefits to the local community, the region and downstream riparian countries. Many of the problematic trends in the region result from an imbalance between resource production and consumption patterns, and limited or poorly implemented conservation measures. The many and complex challenges and threats in the basin are caused, in part, by the lack of an integrated basin plan and poor collaborative mechanisms to share data and find sustainable solutions. The available data and information about the basin is limited. It is not well-organized, accessible, or used well for the basin’s resource management. The identification of major research gaps and priorities for future research highlighted in this book, as well as the systems framework for integration and collaboration, provide a basis for further research and policy decisions to promote sustainability in the region.