BIO-SMART PHASE 2

The Biodiversity Systems Management and Analytics for the Restoration of Transboundary Rivers of South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini project is led by the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD). With funding from JRS, this initiative builds on the foundation laid in BIO-SMART Phase One and aims to expand efforts into Mozambique and Eswatini to enhance transboundary cooperation and capacity-building for biodiversity and water resource management in the Inkomati River Basin. The project runs from February 2025 to February 2027 and focuses on improving biodiversity data accessibility, fostering cross-border collaboration, and strengthening regional capacity for sustainable conservation. Fragmented and inconsistent data collection across conservation and water management agencies in the region has hindered effective decision-making and policy development. This project seeks to address these challenges by establishing standardized biodiversity datasets, improving existing data platforms, and implementing robust capacity-building initiatives. Key strategies include mobilizing biodiversity data across the Lowveld River Systems, enhancing decision-support systems like FBIS and INWARDS, launching the eBioNet online learning platform, and establishing the Transboundary Biodiversity Learning Network (TBLN). These efforts will strengthen regional biodiversity data integration and support long-term sustainable management of transboundary freshwater ecosystems.