Blue Victoria

Blue Victoria is local NGO based Tanzania. The Organization works in Freshwater Biodiversit Conservation, Climate Change, Fisheries, Aquaculture, & Knowledge

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐀𝐓 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇-𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 - 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒

Our Program Officer, Shabani Mwita, represented Blue Victoria at the UNESCO Youth Impact High-Level Meeting held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

The meeting brought together young leaders, innovators, policymakers, and development partners from around the world to discuss the role of youth in advancing sustainable development and creating lasting social impact.

Shabani's participation reflects Blue Victoria's commitment to ensuring that young people from the Lake Victoria Basin are represented in global conversations on environmental conservation, freshwater governance, climate action, and community-led development. It also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, build partnerships, and learn from inspiring initiatives taking place across the globe.

We are proud to see our team contributing to international platforms and bringing back valuable knowledge and networks that will strengthen our work with communities around Lake Victoria.

Congratulations, Shabani, on representing Blue Victoria and Tanzania on the global stage! 👏🌍

#UNESCO #YouthImpact #YouthLeadership #BlueVictoria #LakeVictoria #FreshwaterConservation #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #Paris

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

Blue Victoria is proud to congratulate our staff member 𝐌𝐬. 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐠𝐞 on her selection as the 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦. 🎉

#NileBasinYouthForum #YouthLeadership #WaterGovernance #NileBasin #BlueVictoria #YouthEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #FreshwaterConservation

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

🌍♻️ 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Blue Victoria joined environmental stakeholders across Mwanza Region in commemorating World Environment Day through a peaceful march aimed at raising awareness about the importance of keeping Mwanza City clean, healthy, and sustainable.

The march highlighted the need for improved waste collection infrastructure at the community level, better solid waste management systems, and stronger enforcement of environmental cleanliness throughout the city.

Following the march, participants took part in a city-wide clean-up exercise, demonstrating the importance of collective action in protecting our environment and promoting sustainable development.

A clean environment is everyone's responsibility. Let us act today for a healthier and greener tomorrow.

#WorldEnvironmentDay #BeatPollution #CleanMwanza #BlueVictoria #EnvironmentalConservation #SustainableCities

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

🌍💧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧

Blue Victoria, in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board-Mara Catchment, successfully convened a Stakeholders Workshop in Tarime, Mara Region, bringing together representatives from all eight Water User Associations (WUAs) in the Mara River Basin, local NGOs working on Mara River conservation, and local government officials from Serengeti, Rorya, Tarime, and Butiama Districts.

The workshop provided a valuable platform to reflect on lessons learned, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and advance the role of women in water resource governance. A key highlight of the event was the distribution of Gender Toolkits to all eight WUAs, equipping them with practical resources to promote gender inclusion and strengthen women's participation in leadership and decision-making processes.

We were also pleased to welcome Curat East, an organization dedicated to documenting and strengthening cultural narratives for the conservation and restoration of freshwater basins across Africa.

This project is supported by the @IUCN through the #BRIDGE programme.

@IucnE #BRIDGE #IUCN #TransboundaryBasins #InclusiveWaterGovernance #WomenLeadership #WaterStewardship #MaraRiver #BlueVictoria #GenderInclusion

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

🏆BLUE VICTORIA RECEIVES AWARD FOR CREATIVE INNOVATION IN LAKE VICTORIA DEVELOPMENT

We are honored and proud to announce that Blue Victoria has received an award recognizing our creative innovation for the development of Lake Victoria.

The award was presented during the Lake Victoria Day Gala Dinner held at Kwatunza Beach Resort, and was officially handed to us by the Minister of Water of Tanzania, Eng. Juma Aweso. The recognition was awarded by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC).

This achievement reflects the dedication of our team, partners, fishing communities, and supporters who continue to believe in innovative solutions for freshwater conservation, sustainable fisheries, and community development within the Lake Victoria Basin.

We remain committed to using technology, community engagement, and local innovation to protect and transform the future of Lake Victoria.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. This recognition belongs to all of us. 🙏🌍

#LakeVictoriaDay #BlueVictoria #Innovation #LakeVictoria #FreshwaterConservation #SustainableDevelopment #LVBC

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

🌍🌊 LAKE VICTORIA DAY – DAY 3 | STAKEHOLDERS & DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS ROUND TABLE

Day 3 of the Lake Victoria Day celebrations focused on a productive Stakeholders & Development Partners Round Table Discussion, bringing together actors committed to the sustainable future of the Lake Victoria Basin.

The discussions highlighted key challenges and opportunities facing the basin, including freshwater conservation, fisheries sustainability, pollution, climate resilience, and the role of innovation and partnerships in protecting Lake Victoria.

One of the highlights of the day was the official launch of the Lake Victoria 100, an ambitious expedition initiative that will soon begin its journey around Lake Victoria to raise awareness and strengthen engagement on lake conservation and development.

During the event, we had valuable exchanges with Valerio Crespi from FAO, Ally Mwinchande from the EU Delegation in Tanzania, Mr. Odongo from Waterzyme, and Dr. Kayanda from LVFO, discussing ideas and collaborative opportunities for the prosperity and sustainability of Lake Victoria and its communities.

#LakeVictoriaDay #LakeVictoria #BlueVictoria #FreshwaterConservation #SustainableDevelopment #Partnerships #AfricanGreatLakes

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

🌊🤝 LAKE VICTORIA DAY – DAY 2 | STAKEHOLDERS FORUM

Today at the Stakeholders Forum held at Malaika Beach, Mwanza, we had a great opportunity to reconnect, learn, and exchange ideas with different actors working for the future of African Great Lakes.

It was a great moment to reconnect with Mark from Train My Generation, where we had great conversations about Lake Victoria 100 initiatives. We also had valuable discussions with Ted from ACARE, a think tank for the African Great Lakes, where we exchanged ideas on the prosperity and sustainable future of our lakes and communities.

We were also pleased to connect with David Wambura, Country Manager of the East African Development Bank, and exchange perspectives on sustainable development and opportunities within the Lake Victoria Basin.

Events like these continue to strengthen collaboration, innovation, and partnerships for protecting Lake Victoria and advancing sustainable development in the region.

#LakeVictoriaDay #LakeVictoria #BlueVictoria #StakeholdersForum #FreshwaterConservation #AfricanGreatLakes

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

🌊🎉 Preparations are underway for the Lake Victoria Day celebrations!

Blue Victoria is proud to be participating in this important event, where we will showcase our conservation and technology-driven initiatives at our exhibition booth. Our team is working hard to prepare educational materials, IoT water monitoring tools, and interactive displays that highlight our work in freshwater biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries, and community engagement.

Visitors to our booth will have an opportunity to learn more about our projects, including the use of IoT technology for water quality monitoring in Lake Victoria, ghost gear removal activities, and women-led water governance initiatives in the Mara River Basin.

We look forward to connecting with stakeholders, communities, researchers, and fellow conservation actors as we celebrate and protect the future of Lake Victoria together.

#LakeVictoriaDay #BlueVictoria #FreshwaterConservation #IoT #LakeVictoria #SustainableFisheries

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

🌊♻️𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐞 𝐍𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡

We recently conducted a beach clean-up exercise at Kayenze Ndogo, focusing on removing ghost fishing gear and discarded clothes along the shoreline of Lake Victoria.

During the activity, we collected, sorted, and categorized all types of waste, ensuring that each type of ghost gear and textile was measured and recorded. This data will support ongoing efforts in evidence-based advocacy and better management of lake pollution.

Compared to other sites, Kayenze Ndogo Beach was noticeably cleaner. This is largely due to a proactive initiative by the Beach Management Unit (BMU), where fishers contribute a small fee that is directly used to support regular clean-up activities.

This is a strong example of how community-driven solutions can make a real difference. We encourage other beaches to adopt similar approaches to protect our waters and sustain fisheries.

Thanks to @GGGInitiative and @OurOcean for making this happen.

#GhostGear #LakeVictoria #CleanUp #CommunityAction #SustainableFisheries #BlueVictoria

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫

We are proud to mark the successful completion of our Women Leadership in Water Resource Governance training in the Mara River Basin, bringing together members from the North and South Tigite Water User Associations (WUAs).
The session was officially opened by Eng. Wiston Agusto Agwaro from the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, while Noberth Honde emphasized the key roles and responsibilities of #WUAs in managing water resources effectively.
Participants engaged in discussions on the qualities of good leadership, with each member sharing perspectives and experiences. The session also highlighted the critical role of women in water governance, emphasizing that women are key water users, strong resource managers, effective educators, and important actors in conflict resolution.
Despite this, participants acknowledged several barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership.
The group explored practical solutions such as continuous leadership training, community awareness, engaging men to support inclusion, and building women’s confidence to take up leadership roles.
As a way forward, participants agreed on a collective commitment to create space for women in leadership and decision-making processes. One participant shared, “𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡, 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛.” The WUA Chairperson also emphasized that women are responsible and effective in resolving conflicts within communities.
This training was conducted by Blue Victoria in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, and is supported by the @IUCN through the #BRIDGE programme.

#BRIDGE #IUCN #TransboundaryBasins #InclusiveWaterGovernance #WomenLeadership #WaterStewardship #MaraRiver #BlueVictoria #GenderInclusion @IucnE @IUCN_Water

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐔𝐀𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐞 - 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫
The Blue Victoria team, in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, conducted a capacity-building session for the North and South Somoche Water User Associations (WUAs) aimed at strengthening water resource governance and promoting women’s inclusion in leadership.

During the session, members discussed their responsibilities in water resource management, while Noberth Honde, Hydrologist from the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, reminded participants of their duties to protect water sources, ensure sustainable water use, and resolve water-related conflicts fairly.

In addition, Gender Specialist Sophia Nsushi encouraged gender equality and the inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making positions, emphasizing that women’s participation is essential for sustainable water governance.

The training also focused on the importance of women’s inclusion in leadership and explored actions needed to ensure greater participation of women in decision-making roles.

One participant, Zakari, said: “I have learned the importance of women in leadership.”
Eliza and Veronica shared that they greatly appreciated the training, saying it helped them become more confident and strengthened their belief that women can lead effectively.
Shukuru encouraged women to overcome shyness and step forward to take leadership roles and participate in decision-making.
Meanwhile, Antony suggested that more awareness sessions should continue to encourage women to volunteer and engage in leadership positions.
This project is implemented in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board and is supported by the @IUCN through the #BRIDGE programme.
#BRIDGE #IUCN #TransboundaryBasins #InclusiveWaterGovernance #WomenLeadership #WaterStewardship #MaraRiver #BlueVictoria #GenderInclusion

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

Final testing for #IoT devices before full deployment in real environments. 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐔𝐀-𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚

As part of the ongoing effort to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, the Blue Victoria team, in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, conducted a capacity-building session with the Tobora Juu Water User Association (#WUA) in Serengeti District, representing 14 villages. The session brought together 10 participants, including 6 women and 4 men.
The meeting was officially opened by Eng. Wiston Agusto Agwaro from the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, who emphasized the important role of WUAs in governing water resources. He noted that WUAs are responsible for protecting water sources, identifying water users, resolving conflicts fairly, and safeguarding water infrastructure for the benefit of present and future generations.
During the discussion, women highlighted several barriers preventing them from actively participating in leadership and decision-making. Together, participants explored practical solutions to overcome these challenges and encouraged greater women’s involvement in leadership roles.
One participant, Prisca, shared: “𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑢𝑠 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛-𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔.”
The Chairperson and Secretary of the WUA stressed that women are the primary users of water resources and are the most affected when water sources are degraded. They also noted that women often play a stronger role in resolving community conflicts.
This project is implemented by Blue Victoria in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board and is supported by the @IUCN through the #BRIDGE programme.
@IucnE

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

Blue Victoria was delighted to participate on the Mara Basin Co- Design Workshop that was held on 24th-26th March in Bomet, Kenya, organized by IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa in partnership with UN Environment Programme and UNEP DHI Partnership - Centre on Water and Environment under hashtag#CREATES Programme (Climate Resilient Eastern African Transboundary Water Management for Environmental Sustainability) supported by Denmark in collaboration with the governments of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The program focuses on strengthening climate-resilient and cooperative water management in two key transboundary basins:
• Sio-Malaba-Malakisi Basin (shared by Kenya and Uganda)
• Mara Basin (shared by Kenya and Tanzania)

During the workshop stakeholders from both Tanzania and Kenya worked together to define key basin priorities, Nature Based Solutions interventions, infrastructure investments, KPI development and successfully drafted a five-year workplan (2026-2030).

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐔𝐀-𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚

The Blue Victoria team, in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board #LVBWB, continues to conduct capacity-building sessions for the Mara River Water User Association (#WUA) South Tobora. This session involved 10 participants (4 women and 6 men).
The meeting was officially opened by Eng. Wiston Agusto Agwaro from the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, who emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in conserving the Mara River.

The facilitator used a participatory approach, where participants were provided with cards to write down and share their ideas, ensuring that everyone had an opportunity to actively contribute.
During the session, WUA members discussed and reflected on their key responsibilities, including:
• Protecting and conserving water sources
• Resolving conflicts
• Identifying water users
• Safeguarding water infrastructure
One participant, Agness, noted: “𝐴𝑠 𝑎 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟, 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠.”
This project is implemented in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board and is supported by the @IUCN through the #BRIDGE programme.

#BRIDGE #IUCN #TransboundaryBasins #InclusiveWaterGovernance #WomenLeadership #WaterStewardship #MaraRiver #BlueVictoria #GenderInclusion @IucnE

__________
Timu ya Blue Victoria kwa kushirikiana na Bonde la Maji la Ziwa Victoria imeendelea kutoa mafunzo ya kujenga uwezo kwa Chama cha Watumiaji wa Maji ya Mto Mara (WUA) Tobora Chini. Kikao hiki kilihusisha washiriki 10 (wanawake 4 na wanaume 6).
Kikao kilifunguliwa na Eng. Wiston Agusto Agwaro kutoka Bonde la Maji la Ziwa Victoria, ambaye alitoa utambulisho na kusisitiza umuhimu wa ushirikiano wa pamoja katika kuhifadhi rasilimali za Mto Mara.
Katika mafunzo haya, wanachama wa WUA walikumbushwa majukumu yao muhimu, ikiwemo:
• Kutunza na kuhifadhi vyanzo vya maji
• Kutatua migogoro
• Kutambua watumiaji wa maji
• Kulinda miundombinu ya maji
Mshiriki mmoja, Agness, alisema: “𝑁𝑖𝑘𝑖𝑤𝑎 𝑘𝑎𝑚𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑜𝑧𝑖, 𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑎 𝑘𝑢ℎ𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑘𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑗𝑖 𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑦𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑎 𝑛𝑎 𝑗𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑖 𝑛𝑖 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑎, 𝑛𝑎 𝑘𝑢𝑐ℎ𝑢𝑘𝑢𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑘𝑖 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑝𝑜 𝑚𝑡𝑢 𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑦𝑢𝑚𝑒.”
Mradi huu unatekelezwa kwa ushirikiano na Bonde la Maji la Ziwa Victoria na umefadhiliwa na Shirika la International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) kupitia programu ya #BRIDGE

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

We has been officially welcomed as a new member of the @THRDCOALITION

As part of this important milestone, we are honored to participate in the New Members’ Orientation Training on Institutional Governance, Risk Management, and Resource Mobilization.

This training comes at a critical time as we continue to strengthen our organizational systems and expand our impact in freshwater biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in the Lake Victoria Basin.

Through this opportunity, we look forward to:
•Enhancing our governance structures for greater accountability and transparency
•Strengthening risk management practices in our programs
•Building sustainable resource mobilization strategies to scale our impact

We are grateful to THRDC for this opportunity and for creating a strong network of organizations committed to human rights, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

Ghost Gear Cleanup and Awareness at Igombe Beach

The work of addressing ghost fishing gear continues. Last Saturday, our team conducted another cleanup and awareness activity at Igombe BMU along the shores of Lake Victoria. In collaboration with BMU members, volunteers, the Fisheries Officer of Igombe Beach, and fish mongers, we collected a large amount of abandoned fishing gear and textile waste from the lake.

After the collection, we sorted the ghost gear and textile waste into different categories, then measured and documented the findings. This data will support evidence-based policy advocacy and future interventions aimed at preventing gear loss and improving freshwater ecosystem management.

Our Fisheries & Conservation Officer, Ms. Alice Kaijage, also facilitated an awareness session, explaining the negative impacts of ghost gear and textile pollution on fish habitats, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Thanks everyone who participated in this event. We remain committed to restoring and protecting the health of Lake Victoria.

@GGGInitiative , @OurOcean
#GhostGear #LakeVictoria #FreshwaterConservation #CommunityAction #BlueVictoria #PolicyAdvocacy

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

Blue Victoria, in collaboration with Lake Victoria Basin Water Board (Mara Catchment), conducted a capacity-building session for the North Mara Water User Association (WUA), which brings together 8 villages in the Mara River Basin. The session involved 10 participants (7 women and 3 men) and focused on strengthening women’s leadership and inclusion in water governance.
The Vice Chairperson, Seproza Charles, who has served in leadership for 11 years, highlighted key challenges facing women, including limited space to speak in community forums, fear and internal barriers among women themselves, and lack of access to education.
Participants were reminded of their important roles, such as protecting water sources, initiating water-related projects to build resilience, promoting environmental conservation education, and taking action against violations of water protection laws. Women expressed appreciation for the training, noting it boosted their confidence to engage in leadership and decision-making. They also requested continued outreach at the village level.

This project is possible thanks to the support from @IUCN through the
#BRIDGEGrants, strengthening women’s leadership in transboundary water cooperation.

#BRIDGE #IUCN #TransboundaryBasins #InclusiveWaterGovernance #WomenLeadership #WaterStewardship #MaraRiver #BlueVictoria #GenderInclusion @IucnE

[Blue Victoria @BlueVictoriatz]

Tumekosogezea ripoti maalum inayoangazia zana za uvuvi zilizotelekezwa ziwani.

#ghostgearinitiative, #lakevictoria, #cleanup, @GGGInitiative @OurOcean