Toward Resilient Rivers: Insights from the Kafue, Magdalena and Atrato River Basins in Zambia and Colombia

Key messages: Forests and fisheries are interconnected, and both are impacted by changes in land use within watersheds. Watershed functions are affected by climate, land-use change, overfishing, deforestation and forest degradation. Riparian communities value watersheds but lack political structures for effective integrated management. Community-based governance of natural resources within watersheds can protect ecosystem services and support livelihoods of riparian communities. Even where there is little data now, actions can be taken to enhance monitoring and management of watersheds.

Citation

Kaala Moombe, Sandra Barrero, Lubomba Bwembelo, Thierry Fanin, Davison Gumbo, Amy Ickowitz, Keagan Kakwasha, Henry Kanyembo, Vuyo Maphango, Netsayi Mudege, Lizzy Muzungaire, Teo Nakalema, Julia Perez, Rishi Sharma, Mercy Sichone, Ashley Steel, John Valbo-Jørgensen, Mauricio Valderrama, Matthew Walsh. (10/2/2025). Toward Resilient Rivers: Insights from the Kafue, Magdalena and Atrato River Basins in Zambia and Colombia. Indonesia: CIFOR.