Project profile — UNU - Institute for Water, Environment and Health - Institutional Support 2013

The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (1) institutionalized adaptation strategies for coastal ecosystems of tropical waters, particularly mangroves and coral reefs; (2) better managed land resources and sustainable use of water and biodiversity resources in developing countries; (3) advanced education, capacity and information management, leading to improved implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management; and, (4) improved human well-being through sustainable, healthy ecosystems.

Results achieved as of December 2013 include: (1) preparation of an independent evidence-based analysis of how water can be addressed in a development agenda beyond 2015; (2) developed a floodwater management system to recharge aquifers naturally in Iran; (3) developed a community grazing management plan together with local communities in the Dana Biosphere Reserve in Jordan; (4) built the capacity of professionals and institutions in developing countries in Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa to undertake monitoring, research and conservation of critical coastal ecosystems in mangrove forests; (5) improved Jamaica’s climate change adaptation efforts and increase resilience to related impacts by improving the management and protection of healthy coastal ecosystems and restoration of degraded coastal areas; (6) analyzed the global economics associated with sustainable land management, to support the neutralization of land degradation and desertification; and, (7) organized seminars, workshops and events were organized in Canada and internationally to engage development communities and promote research results on food security, science-policy integration, water, maternal health, and the management of coastal ecosystems. These have contributed to: institutionalized adaptation strategies for coastal ecosystems of tropical waters, particularly mangroves and coral reefs; better managed land resources and sustainable use of water and biodiversity resources in developing countries; advanced education, capacity and information management; and, improved human well-being through sustainable, healthy ecosystems.