One of the key programs managed by the K2C Biosphere team focuses on protecting and improving the management of catchment areas. Our mountains and rivers are the source of our water. This underpins the local economy regardless of who you are and in what sector you may work. It therefore makes sense that these areas should be a priority for conservation action.
Historically, the focus has been on alien invasive plant clearing, but over the past few years this has also shifted to the use of fire to protect, safeguard and enhance the restoration effort. This type of work is also labour intensive, and is thus an important potential employment driver.
Over time Government programs such as ‘Working for Water’ have largely funded this type of work, but there is an increased focus on exploring models to sustainably finance these initiatives because this is something that impacts on us all!
In this regard K2C, with key partners such as the Kruger National Park and Conservation South Africa, are ‘The Water Fund’ model, and developed by the Nature Conservancy, this model has been identified as a framework to sustainably achieve these initiatives.
‘Water Funds’ have proved successful throughout the world with the Cape Town Water Fund the most well known local example. The aim of this fund would be to galvanize partnerships, to drive processes into the future that aim to protect and better manage catchment areas. This then will support a resilient and thriving local economy, especially in the face of climate change.
The success of this initiative relies on the support of a diverse range of partners and stakeholders from different sectors, but luckily the greater Hoedspruit area can boast that these are in abundance!
If you would like to find out more please feel free to contact us at:
nicktheron@kruger2canyons.org or wehncke@kruger2canyons.org
