Project
NIRAS harnesses digital innovations to monitor ecological changes in Malawi
As part of a collaborative effort to combat environmental degradation and enhance sustainability in critical watersheds, NIRAS has developed a state-of-the-art tool to track and report spatially referenced data concerning biological, physical, and ecological changes
August 8, 2024
- SDG: #6, #13, #15, #16
- SECTORS: Water, Environment and Ecology, Data & Digitalisation
- DONOR: The World Bank
- DURATION: 7/2022-6/2025
Malawi is endowed with abundant natural resources that support the majority of its productive sectors and are the primary source of livelihood for over 80% of the population. However, the degradation of critical watersheds has reached alarming levels, severely impacting water security, agricultural productivity, and hydropower generation. The degradation of land, water, and forest resources, coupled with high exposure and vulnerability to climate change, has adversely affected water and energy security, agricultural productivity, and livelihoods.
In collaboration with Hydroc GmbH, Bintel Analytics Ltd, and the Centre for Development Management Consulting, NIRAS is pioneering a groundbreaking project in Malawi to develop an innovative online tool that tracks environmental changes in the middle and upper Shire River watershed. This initiative – the Biophysical and Ecological Monitoring System (BEMS) – aims to monitor the impacts of interventions under the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).
MWASIP is well underway and aims to scale up landscape restoration interventions in the basin, while enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and addressing climate change vulnerabilities; improve watershed services; and provide technical support to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and other government bodies to implement, monitor and evaluate MWASIP's impact.
Key developments and impact
BEMS is a state-of-the-art tool designed to track and report spatially referenced data concerning biological, physical, and ecological changes in the watersheds. These changes are expected to result from activities under MWASIP and other regional projects and programmes. The Government of Malawi is supporting the development of BEMS, through the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and the MWASIP project, with financial backing from the World Bank.
The system operates within a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, encompassing socio-economic, biophysical, ecological, and hydrological indicators. This framework, developed with the support of the MWASIP technical team and various stakeholders from the Government of Malawi, ensures comprehensive and practical monitoring.
Effective monitoring for informed decision-making
The BEMS framework includes 27 indicators divided into three categories: biophysical, ecological and hydrological, and socio-economic. These indicators provide a holistic approach to monitoring MWASIP’s impact, addressing key questions that inform decision-making regarding the state of the environment and human-environment relationships. Data syntheses, analyses, and visualisations are being developed in consultation with the Government of Malawi to provide clear and actionable insights.
The development of BEMS follows a structured process, beginning with an assessment of existing indicators and establishing a baseline using available data. A dedicated database platform has been prepared to store and analyse the monitoring information, enabling the loading of baseline data for robust testing and preparation for future data ingestion during ongoing monitoring activities.
One critical advancement is the automation of data handling and processes. While some indicators will still require manual field data collection, others will leverage near real-time satellite data and satellite data products directly. Automating these processes will streamline operations and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis.
Next steps and future vision
With the extensive baseline assessment complete, integrating data collected from the field and derived from satellite sources into the system database is underway. This integration, powered by sophisticated algorithms for indicator processing and advanced display capabilities, will support future data collection for monitoring purposes. Users will be able to comprehensively view, compare, and understand the impacts of MWASIP over time.
The successful implementation of BEMS will facilitate continuous monitoring and evaluation of environmental changes, providing crucial data to the Malawi Government and other stakeholders. This data will support informed decision-making to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance sustainability in the region.
The development of BEMS exemplifies the power of international collaboration and technological innovation. By leveraging advanced digital tools and comprehensive monitoring frameworks, NIRAS and its partners are setting a new standard for effective environmental management. Additionally, capacity building efforts will ensure that the Government of Malawi and key stakeholders have the skills and knowledge to utilise the system effectively. The insights gained from this project will not only benefit Malawi but can also serve as a model for similar large-scale programme monitoring initiatives worldwide.
