For the very first time, a comprehensive survey has been completed on persistent contaminants in the rivers, the atmosphere and biota of the lake. These surveys will provide important information on baseline conditions in 1996-98, against which future change can be evaluated. These results have importance to human health issues as well as biodiversity, given the significance of the lake and biota in supplying water for domestic use and food for consumption. Inception Workshop A draft inception report based on consultations with national agencies in the three countries of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania was prepared for presentation and discussion by representatives for the three riparian countries. There is a general consensus among the relevant institutions within the riparian countries as to the utility of the models for land and water resources management.
Different databases exist in the three countries, albeit at different levels of completeness.
These databases can be accessed either at a modest cost or free of charge. In Tanzania, linkages should be explored with ongoing research on sedimentation in Lake Tanganyika, being conducted by the Geology Department at the University of Dar es Salaam. Model can be used for the basis for EIAs relating to development of the Mtwara Corridor. Scenarios could be developed to support development activities surrounding the corridor. Workshop should provide greater clarification of the options for follow-on activities relating to model development and implementation.