Optimising Resource Use at Large Dams Using the Ecosystem Service Approach - a Case Study from the Kafue River, Zambia

Inland fisheries globally suffer from a diverse array of anthropogenic pressures but one of the most insidious interventions is water resource development schemes for hydropower, agriculture and domestic supply.  These have considerable impact on downstream flows, sediment transport and upstream environment which ultimately impacts on both resident and migratory fish species and stocks.  Unfortunately, the social and economic value of such fisheries are rarely taken into consideration when planning the schemes and thus deteriorate as a consequence. In the current climate for ‘green’ energy, for which hydropower is a seen as a prime candidate, it is unlikely this trend will change, and indeed based on experiences in the Brazil and the Mekong region the trend appears to be accelerating. As a consequence there is an urgent need to reconsider the position of fisheries in relation to dam development to engage with the developers rather than conflict and optimise water resource use for the benefit of all stakeholders. This paper provides a case study from the Kafue River, Zambia where the ecosystem services approach to water resources management was instigated.