NATURE-Water: Effectiveness of wetlands as reservoirs for integrated water resource management in the Ruzizi plain based on water evaluation and planning (WEAP) approach for a climate-resilient future in eastern D.R. Congo
The Rusizi Plain, situated between Burundi and D.R. Congo to the north of Lake Tanganyika, is undergoing land-use changes, rapid urbanisation, and climate variability, which are threatening the region's current water availability. A team of researchers applied the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) approach to estimate current and future demands in two sub-basins in eastern D.R.Congo: Mulongwe and Luberizi. Specifically, the study investigated the risk of using the local wetlands as reservoirs to meet current and future water demands.
The study reveals that both watersheds have experienced an increase in recurrent dry years, characterised by fewer days with low-intensity rainfall and a significant rise in extreme rainfall events. Future projections indicate that water demands will increase, putting additional pressure on current water sources, including the wetlands.
In this context, adopting an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) tool could help prevent the degradation of natural resources, ensuring a sustainable balance between environment benefits, economic activities, and local communities needs.
Please find the full open access publication at this link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-72021-x
Reference of the original research paper: Chuma, G.B., Mondo, J.M., Wellens, J. et al. Effectiveness of wetlands as reservoirs for integrated water resource management in the Ruzizi plain based on water evaluation and planning (WEAP) approach for a climate-resilient future in eastern D.R. Congo. Sci Rep14, 21577 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-72021-x