A study on aquatic biodiversity in the Lake Victoria Basin

Abstract

This is the final report of the study "Data and Information on the aquatic Biodiversity in the Lake Victoria Basin East Africa". This Executive Summary sketches out how the assignment was carried out and the main findings from the study. In chapter 1, the background highlights major geographical features of the Lake Victoria Basin, why aquatic biodiversity is important and the objectives of the study. Methodological aspects of the study are presented in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3, a detailed assessment of the components of aquatic biodiversity is given. The components studied are ecosystem (lakes, rivers and wetlands), plants (algae and macrophytes), invertebrates, fish and non-fish vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals), genetic diversity and the needs of institutions dealing with aquatic biodiversity including policy frameworks. Chapter 4 highlights proposals for tackling biodiversity threats. A prototype meta-database illustrating features from a home page through various screens and populated structure is presented in chapter 5. The report is backed by a Bibliography in Chapter 6, which is also incorporated in the meta-database. Two annexes, one on the consultations made and the other is the Terms of Reference. Therefore, the extended Executive Summary provides outcomes of the assignment from Background through Biodiversity categories to the prototype biodiversity meta-database. This part of the assignment is supplied with the software on CD that was successfully trial-hosted on the web for three weeks and ready for installation.