This workshop falls under Component 1 of the REWaRD project, focused on improving the knowledge base and developing management tools for informed decision-making. The main goals were to:
- Present and discuss draft versions of Deliverables 2 and 3 from the environmental capital and ecosystem services assessment mission;
- Gather technical and strategic input from stakeholders to enrich and validate the deliverables;
- Co-develop a roadmap for finalizing the mission and guiding future activities.
Deliverables Reviewed
- Deliverable 2: Inventory and mapping of ecosystems in the basin, gender–water–environment analysis, spatio-temporal dynamics, and identification of major threats.
- Deliverable 3: Critical analysis of existing assessment tools and proposal of a harmonized methodology for evaluating ecosystem services.
Strong Regional Mobilization
The workshop brought together 35 participants from the six basin countries (Ghana, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso), including representatives from national water and environment institutions, gender focal points, universities, technical and financial partners, and project coordination teams. Sessions alternated between presentations, debates, and group work, fostering a bilingual (French/English), inclusive, and participatory environment.
Key Outcomes
- Technical improvements to the deliverables were identified and collectively validated.
- A technical follow-up group was established to ensure scientific and operational coherence.
- A shared roadmap was adopted to guide the next steps of the mission.
Strong Messages for Regional Cooperation
The opening ceremony was chaired by Mali’s Minister of Energy and Water, Mr. Boubacar DIANÉ, alongside Mr. Robert Dessouassi, Executive Director of the VBA, and Mr. Sidi Coulibaly, Acting Executive Secretary of GWP-WA. The Minister emphasized “the importance of this process for preserving ecosystems and enhancing community resilience to climate challenges,” noting that the five REWaRD events in Bamako form “an institutional continuum—from science to decision-making, citizen dialogue to political coordination.”
Mr. Dessouassi called for “synergistic action to reverse the degradation trend,” while Mr. Coulibaly reaffirmed “the network’s commitment to supporting integrated water resources governance.”
Toward Sustainable Governance
This workshop marks a key milestone in implementing innovative transboundary actions outlined in the Volta Basin Strategic Action Programme. It contributes to water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development in West Africa—anchored in knowledge, cooperation, and community engagement.