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Chapter 1: Water Resources
2,7 MILLION
HECTARES OF LAND
HAVE BEEN CLEARED OF
INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS
A partnership between WWF-SA, NCC and Danish partner Linddana in the
Riviersonderend catchment uses a wood chipper to demonstrate how value can be
created out of ‘waste’ wood generated from clearing alien plants – while also freeing
up more water. Most of the farmers in this area produce export apples and livestock.
“The wood chips provide extremely good
mulch for our apple orchards. It protects the soil and
increases its carbon content and fertility, which,
in turn, leads to better fruit production…. We do
not need to irrigate as much when the soil is well
protected because the water does not evaporate as
quickly. Healthier soil means we do not need to use
as much fertiliser.”
− Carl van Lingen, Farmer on Meulrivier Farm, Riviersonderend catchment.
Investment, protection and restoration
Going forward, we need to invest even greater effort, coordination and finance into
restoring living landscapes, which underpin our water security.
Our National Development Plan is clear about the need for change in the
management of our natural resources. The expansion of formally protected areas,
the implementation of the Ecological Reserve and wider support for conservancies
and stewardship programmes will all play a role in improving protection.
WATER STEWARDSHIP MEANS LEAVING A LIVING LEGACY
As South Africans we all carry the responsibility of protecting our natural
environment in all respects, leaving subsequent generations with an
endowment of at least equal value. WWF would like to see Water Source Areas
(WSAs) prioritised within catchments for restoration and protection. This may
include expanding the current network of protected areas and conservancies
into WSAs, as well as implementing broader stewardship initiatives in key
sectors such as forestry.
We have to start
planning from the
basis that water is
a key national asset
We have to start planning from the basis that water is a key national asset and
projects such as the 19 th Strategic Integrated Project, known as ‘SIP 19: Ecological
Infrastructure for Water Security’, need to be wholeheartedly supported and
recognised as a key part of the plan. If successful, SIP 19 will make a significant
contribution to the overall goal of ensuring a sustainable supply of fresh, healthy
water to equitably meet South Africa’s social, economic and environmental water
needs for current and future generations.
Cost benefits of maintaining ecological infrastructure
The importance of maintaining intact ecological infrastructure, comprising wetlands
and riparian zones (areas near river banks) is unquestionably highlighted when
compared to water purification costs.
Water Facts & Futures: Rethinking South Africa’s Water Future | Page
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