Identifying potential pollution hazards to the ecological well-being of Lake Hayq and Lake Hardibo and related threats in Ethiopia: Advocating development of decision-support tools and policy options

Abstract

The present study focuses on the pollutants draining into two closely related lakes in northcentral Ethiopia and related policy issues at a national scale. Observational interviews were conducted in the catchments of the lakes, and related published scientific and policy papers were examined. The susceptibility of the lakes to degradation was investigated on the basis of a set of related attributes and associated questions. The hydrological, morphometric features, chemical and biological characteristics, land uses and socio-economic activities within the catchments of the lakes were assessed. Soil erosion, nutrients and plastic and organic wastes are identified as likely pollutants posing risks to the lake aquatic ecosystems. A better understanding of the sources, distribution and dynamics of the pollution vectors within the catchments is important in order to protect the lakes from further degradation. Based on a national perspective, the absence of monitoring and emission controls in catchments is hindering the development and application of protection measures in the lake catchments. Legal enforcement directed to controlling point source pollutants is poor, with regulation of diffuse source pollution being urgently needed to protect the lakes. Accordingly, commitment on the part of the federal, regional and local governments is clearly required to enhance assessment and enforcement capacities and to authorize regulating institutions.