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The migration's timing is a complex mix of factors, including rainfall, vegetation growth, and predator-prey dynamics. Traditionally, the herds follow the rains, seeking out the lush, nutrient-rich grasslands that sustain them. However, climate change is disrupting these patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts, as well as unpredictable rainfall. These shifts can disorient the animals, causing them to deviate from their traditional migration routes and face increased risks of predation and starvation.

The Mara River, a vital lifeline for both wildlife and humans, is under increasing pressure due to climate change. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns become erratic, the river's flow is diminishing, impacting the availability of water for the migrating herds and local communities alike. The delicate balance of the grassland ecosystem is being disrupted, threatening the survival of countless species. This environmental crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only wildlife but also the livelihoods of people who depend on the ecosystem for their sustenance.

 

By looking at the challenges at the Mara, and to address similar challenges, innovative solutions are urgently needed globally. The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), through Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Programme is considering the effects of climate change and how this affects the Lake Victoria Basin.

 

The IWRM Programme, based on long-term cooperation between the East African Community (EAC), KfW Development Bank from Germany and the European Union (EU), is consistently working to contribute to protection and restoration of the region's ecosystems. One of the key initiatives is the development of the Lake Victoria Basin Water Information System (LVB-WIS).

 

This state-of-the-art system will provide historic, real-time and forecasted data on critical matters such as precipitation, temperature, water levels, quality, and flow, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions. By monitoring changes in water resources, the LVB-WIS will help to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Lake Basin as a result of some lessons also learned from the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

 

The concluded 13th Mara Day celebration held in Sekenani-Narok on 15th September, offered a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing the ecosystem and to showcase LVBC's work. With the theme "Flowing Forward Together: Conserving Mara Basin Ecosystem for Sustainable Biodiversity and Climate Resilience," the event brought together scientists, policymakers, and community representatives to discuss solutions and foster collaboration.

 

LVBC's participation in Mara Day is a significant step towards building a shared vision for the future of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, supported for instance by new tools such as the LVB-WIS. The event will be an opportunity to brainstorm on effective developments and strategies to protect this iconic landscape.