Rivers of Resilience: Assessing Hydrological Baseline Data for Nature-Based Conservation in the Yala River Watershed

The Yala River Watershed, like many other catchment areas worldwide, faces a multitude of environmental challenges that threaten its ecological integrity and the sustainability of the communities it supports. The “Yala River Watershed Catchment Protection Project” aims to implement nature-based conservation measures to preserve the ecological integrity of the Yala River watershed. This research publication presents the methodology and results of a hydrological and water quality assessment carried out at six monitoring points strategically located at sub-catchment confluences within the watershed. The data collected from these monitoring points provide valuable insights into the current state of the hydrological regime and water quality parameters in the region. To establish the baseline hydrological conditions, discharge measurements were conducted using an Acoustic Doppler Current Velocimeter (ADV) at each monitoring point. The results revealed substantial variations in discharge rates across the points. The Cheplelachbei monitoring point showed a discharge of 0.5687 cubic meters per second, Kesses recorded 0.864 cubic meters per second, Kiutany had 0.297 cubic meters per second, Kipgorgot exhibited 1.240 cubic meters per second, Yala at Tindinyo had 18.750 cubic meters per second, and Chepkumia displayed 0.4361 cubic meters per second. Water quality analysis was also conducted at these monitoring points, including pH levels, turbidity, and nitrate concentrations. Cheplelachbei and Kiutany rivers showed acceptable pH levels, falling within the range of 5.5 - 9.5, indicating a relatively balanced aquatic environment. However, Cheplelachbei exhibited elevated turbidity levels at 40.5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (N.T.U), surpassing the standard maximum limit of 25 N.T.U, while Kiutany displayed turbidity of 100 N.T.U. Kiutany’s nitrate concentration of 10 mg  L^-1 was well below the standard maximum limit of 45 mgNO3 - L^-1, implying a positive sign for human health and aquatic life. In conclusion, the findings indicated alarming levels of sedimentation, increased soil erosion, and declining water quality, attributing these issues to human activities. Based on the results, one recommendation is to implement targeted afforestation and reforestation programs in erosion-prone areas to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation. Such measures can effectively reduce the sediment load entering water bodies, thereby improving water quality and supporting biodiversity. The findings from this study serve as a crucial baseline for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed nature-based conservation measures. By establishing the current hydrological and water quality conditions, this research provides essential data to assess the impact of future conservation efforts on the Yala River watershed. The results will aid in the formulation of targeted conservation strategies, ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of aquatic ecosystems in the region. As the “Yala Water Fund” project progresses, these research-based findings will play a pivotal role in guiding evidence-based decisions for the preservation of this vital watershed.