At the same time, special attention should be paid to the needs of the local population, and key decisions should be made with their participation. The initiative, supported by ACEJ and EGI, was presented at the session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, where applications for the inclusion of sites in the register and their preservation are being discussed.
The association of 116 organizations calls on the authorities of three East African countries, UNESCO and the East African Community to consider Victoria as a «living cultural landscape». Instead of submitting a nomination immediately, they require a study covering the body of water and its ecosystem, including wetlands, tributaries, archipelagos, cultural monuments, and fishing settlements, to determine whether to apply for cultural, natural, or mixed-use status.
According to Sirrus Kabaale from STREC, the research has confirmed the exceptional importance of the flora, fauna, commercial reserves and cultural values of Lake Victoria. «By preserving the natural complex of the reservoir, we protect the life support systems that support this heritage», he said.
Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the largest tropical body of water on the planet. Its watershed covers Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, reaching the borders of Rwanda and Burundi, and is a key natural asset of the region. Millions of residents depend on fishing and related industries for their livelihoods. The lake also feeds the Nile River system, affecting the region's water resources and security.
For coastal communities, the lake is not only a source of income, but also a part of spiritual and cultural traditions. Public organizations insist on the full involvement of the population in making decisions about the reservoir, based on the principle of free, prior and informed consent, especially for indigenous peoples, and protection from eviction and restrictions on traditional activities.
«An open, scientifically based examination with the participation of civil society is needed to study the lake and related complexes before making decisions», said Bwengye Rajab Yusufu from NAPE.
Community organizations are also concerned about the EACOP oil pipeline project and other oil and gas projects in the Victoria catchment area. Although the pipeline does not cross the lake, work in tributaries and swamps can cause lasting damage to water quality and the sustainability of local communities. «Negative impacts can threaten biodiversity and cultural values», said Doreen Namara of Liberty Probono. «Expertise with the participation of local residents can strengthen environmental protection measures and move towards sustainable investments», she added.
The Consortium proposes to establish a joint working group with the participation of local communities to coordinate the assessment. Activists also demand better management of the reservoir, the development of scientific research and a cautious approach to infrastructure projects in the lake region.
If the proposals are accepted, the examination will form the basis for determining whether Victoria meets UNESCO criteria, ensuring the participation of local residents in determining its future.
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