Lake Victoria: a convergence point for environmental crimes

Criminals target loopholes in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania’s security force operations to exploit the lake’s ecosystem for profit.

Date: 2024-08-14

Time: 09:00 to 10:30

Venue: Online via Zoom

Lake Victoria is a precious transboundary resource shared by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. It supports up to 40 million people through fishing and agriculture, and the lake’s ecosystem is home to fish, wildlife, birds and many species of vegetation. This rich biodiversity attracts illegal fishing and timber harvesting for export, both of which are increasingly facilitated by foreign actors. These illicit activities have driven a rise in violence in Lake Victoria.

This webinar will share key findings from recent research on environmental crime networks in Lake Victoria, and hear from practitioners working to overcome the challenges.

Moderator: Dr Carina Bruwer, Senior Researcher, Southern Africa, ENACT, ISS Pretoria

Opening remarks: EU representative

Panelists:

• Dr Willis Okumu, Senior Researcher, ENACT, ISS Nairobi
• Nelly Kerebi, Fish Biologist, Kenya Fisheries Services
• Patrick Otuo, Researcher, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Institute (KEMFRI)