163 Case study – Wetland restoration and climate-smart agriculture in Uganda Project approach The project expands the Community Based Wetland and Biodiversity (COBWEB) modelfor restoration by establishing Community Conservation Areas (CCA) in a participatory,multi-stakeholder approach. CCAs are conservation areas, managed and monitored by local communities. The project will conduct habitat restoration activities in the wetland and grasslands in the catchment area, and improve small scale water infrastructure – including aquifers, small earth dams and inlets – to further strengthen the provision of water and ecosystem services.A key objective is to address identified gaps in the COBWEB model, including financial barriers and connections to the private sector. While the COBWEB model depends on ecotourism, this project introduces alternative livelihood models (e.g., beekeeping and raising goats or chickens) to improve value chains and local incomes. The project will provide training and demonstrations in climate-resilient agricultural practices, increasing access to markets. The project will create sustainable livelihoods and a reduction in food and water insecurity. The final aspect is strengthening access to climate data products and warning systems through training,community networks, and improved data sharing. This supports adaptive managementresponsive to climate change, and the decentralisation of warning systems. Project outcomes Expected project outcomes and milestones include: 64,370 ha of wetland restored by 2025. In 2019, farmers near restoration sites reported improvements to microclimate and reduction of prolonged flooding. 800 farmers (330 women) trained in crop diversification, climate-smart agriculture and livestock management, sustainable land management, and agroforestry practices. Alternative livelihoods adopted by 1,095 households, including fish farming, apiary, heifers and 300 community members producing high value vegetables and fruits with improved irrigation. Increased household incomes for 63% of beneficiaries who had been provided agricultural training or alternative livelihoods. Two Environment and Social Management Plans developed at project level to mitigate or prevent any unintended negative impacts to the environment or human well-being. Lessons learnt Mainstream objectives into national and international frameworks: Support from national policies and budgets allows for responsiveness to change or delays to disbursements. Linkage to global agreements provides an additional driver for government to invest in NbS. Engage with multiple stakeholders in a participatory approach: Scaling up the COBWEB model of Community Conservation Areas allows for local level planning and community ownership of the project. Acknowledge synergies and uncertainties: Cross-sectoral alignment and multi-scale approaches ensured completion of activities, harnessing the resources of multiple stakeholders. Identification of uncertainty allows for barriers to previous iterations to be addressed. Sustainability and legacy of project The project builds on lessons learned from COBWEB, addressing barriers to success and expanding into new territories. Barriers included a lack of connections to sustainable financial models and establishing microbusinesses. Sustainable markets and improved value chains create the necessary conditions for the financial benefits of alternative livelihoods to persist beyond the term of the project. The participatory approach to designing Community Conservation Areas and upskilling local communities ensures community buy-in and builds capacity on the ground for the maintenance of climate warning systems, data collection and interpretation. Connecting activities to decentralized decision-making community platforms increases the likelihood that the project will be embedded in community culture and continued. Further information: https://www.greenclimate.fund/project/fp034 Diagram of NbS interactions showing that wetland restoration cancontribute towards multiple benefits. Return to Principles