Speaking the same language: can the sustainable development goals translate the needs of inland fisheries into irrigation decisions?

Abstract

Irrigated agriculture and inland fisheries both make important contributions to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and wellbeing. Typically, in modern irrigation systems, these components operate independently. Some practices, commonly associated with water use and intensification of crop production can be in direct conflict with and have adverse effects on fisheries. Food security objectives may be compromised if fish are not considered in the design phases of irrigation systems. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a framework that can serve as a backdrop to help integrate both sectors in policy discussions and optimise their contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Inland fisheries systems do play an important role in supporting many SDG objectives, but these contributions can sometimes be at odds with irrigated agriculture. Using case studies of two globally important river catchments, namely the Lower Mekong and Murray–Darling basins, we highlight the conflicts and opportunities for improved outcomes between irrigated agriculture and inland fisheries. We explore SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) as a path to advance our irrigation systems as a means to benefit both agriculture and inland fisheries, preserving biodiversity and enhancing the economic, environmental and social benefits they both provide to people.2

Global advances in fish passage research and practice

“…Globally, irrigation has doubled in the last 50 years (Foley et al 2011) and hydropower is expected to double again by 2050 (Ziv et al 2012). Therefore, it is important that such development is planned, implemented and managed appropriately (Lynch et al 2019) because any structure which diverts or stores water will impede the free movement of fish; in both an upstream and downstream direction. The environmental impacts of migration barriers have been recognised globally as one of the major threats for aquatic biota, particularly riverine species (Poff and Hart 2002).…”

Improving Water Management in Pakistan Using Social-Ecological Systems Research

“…Similarly, developing a shared understanding of how the groundwater situation being faced can be articulated as a challenge for sustainable development can be informed by the growing body of literature that explores integration using the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (Stafford-Smith et al 2017;Velis et al 2017), including that which specifically promotes multiple use of aquatic systems and their resources (Lynch et al 2019) and the impacts of climate change (Pittock et al 2019).…”

Mapeo y amenazas de los servicios ecosistémicos culturales de la pesca artesanal para el desarrollo regional en una subcuenca antropizada del occidente de México

“…La pesca artesanal es un medio por el cual personas de países en desarrollo y zonas rurales reciben servicios ecosistémicos 1 de los ambientes de agua dulce, que constituyen una fuente importante de empleo, ingresos, seguridad alimentaria y beneficios inmateriales (Food and Agricultural Organization [fao], 2018;High Level Panel of Experts [hlpe], 2014;Lynch et al, 2019). El estudio de las pesquerías artesanales y sus servicios ecosistémicos se ha centrado principalmente en dos temas: suministro de alimentos (Olaya-Rodríguez et al, 2017) y pesca recreativa como servicio cultural (Arlinghaus et al, 2017;Villamagna et al, 2014).…”

“…El estudio de las pesquerías artesanales y sus servicios ecosistémicos se ha centrado principalmente en dos temas: suministro de alimentos (Olaya-Rodríguez et al, 2017) y pesca recreativa como servicio cultural (Arlinghaus et al, 2017;Villamagna et al, 2014). Sin embargo, existen otros beneficios inmateriales y valores relacionales 2 generados mediante la pesca que han sido escasamente abordados (Lynch et al, 2019;Small et al, 2017). Entre ellos, los asociados al sentido de pertenencia y patrimonio (Chan et al, 2012;Lynch et al, 2016) y los beneficios tangibles (uso artístico y ceremonial de los peces) e intangibles, como los derivados del placer de realizar la acción de pescar (beneficios estéticos, de actividad, de salud y espirituales) (Chan et al, 2012).…”