3rd Scientific Conference on Lake Victoria Basin recommends stronger linkages between research and policy

By In2EastAfrica Reporter Entebbe, UGANDA . Participants of the 3 rd Regional Scientific Conference on Lake Victoria Basin have ... thumbnail 1 summary

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Entebbe, UGANDA.

Participants of the 3rd Regional Scientific Conference on Lake Victoria Basin have recommended a strengthening of linkages between research, science and policy in the East African Community.

The Conference was opened by the Minister of State for Water in the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Betty Bigombe
The recommendation was made by over 100 researchers, scientists, professors and other academicians who took part in the Conference held at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda.
The Conference, which was held under the theme “Harnessing Research for Sustainable Development of the Lake Victoria Basin”, considered five sub-themes: (i) natural resources management; (ii) biodiversity, wildlife management and tourism; (iii) public health, water and sanitation; (iv) policy and stakeholder participation; and (v) a special focus on the Mara River Basin Ecosystem.
Participants recommended that the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) strengthens the documentation of best practices in the sustainable development of the Basin. They also encouraged intersectoral collaboration in the design and management of Water and Sanitation projects for increased effectiveness of the health, environment, water and related sectors.
A formal forum for continuous knowledge exchange amongst various researchers and institutions in the Lake Victoria Basin was recommended.
The Conference was opened by the Minister of State for Water in the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Betty Bigombe, who encouraged the free flow of ideas amongst experts on matters concerning the Basin.
The LVBC Executive Secretary, Dr. Canisius Kanangire, recognised research as one of the best means to support innovation and economic growth. “In Africa, governments and regional economic blocs like the East African Community have recognised the importance of research in defining the sustainable development path of its people and are increasing investment in this area,” he said.
Dr. Kanangire challenged the researchers to tailor their research to the needs of the policy-makers and communities served by the East African Community and LVBC.
For more information, please contact:
Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Tel: 255-768-835021; Email: othieno@eachq.org
Charles-Martin Jjuuko, Communications and Development Awareness Officer, Lake Victoria Basin Commission; Tel: +254 726 760127, Email:  jjuuko@lvbcsec.org