Modelling the long term dynamics of the Mara wetland (Tanzania) using a 2D-hydromorphydynamic model

Abstract

In wetlands, water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life (Ramsar Convention Secretariat, 2006). Wetlands not only provide diverse ecosystem services but also contribute to the improvement of surface water. In tropical Africa, their supportive role has become progressively highlighted in ongoing studies, but less scientific research has been carried out as compared to other ecosystem forms and wetlands in other parts of the world (Kabii, 2017). This is largely due to the difficulty in field or insitu monitoring owed to their remote locations (Gallant, 2015), with those accessible during periods of low flow, totally cut off during high flows. The lack of timely and reliable information on the status and evolution of tropical African wetlands impedes efforts to sustainably manage and develop them.