Environmental Flows (EFlows) are defined as the quantity, timing and quality of the flow of water, sediment and biota necessary to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, and the human livelihoods and well‐being that depend on these ecosystems. As such they are a vital component of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). A recent survey found that, in general, Africa lags behind schedule with respect to the global SDG Target 6.5 to implement IWRM at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. This web‐based review explores progress made in EFlows Assessments and implementing their outcomes in southern Africa. It outlines the apparent impetus to the uptake of EFlows provided by legislation, common funding mechanisms for EFlows assessment and evolving trends in EFlows assessment. It also highlights instances of implementation of EFlows in both in‐country and transboundary settings.

中文翻译：

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南部非洲 EFlow 的现状和趋势

环境流量 (EFlows) 被定义为维持淡水和河口生态系统以及依赖这些生态系统的人类生计和福祉所必需的水、沉积物和生物群的流量、时间和质量。因此，它们是综合水资源管理 (IWRM) 的重要组成部分。最近的一项调查发现，总体而言，非洲在各级实施 IWRM 的全球可持续发展目标具体目标 6.5 方面落后于时间表，包括酌情通过跨界合作。这项基于网络的审查探讨了在 EFlows 评估方面取得的进展以及在南部非洲实施其结果。它概述了立法为采用 EFlow 提供的明显推动力、EFlow 评估的通用资助机制以及 EFlow 评估的发展趋势。