Berg River study points to importance of monitoring in managing catchments

Abstract

Low water levels in the Berg River Catchment have resulted in increased pollution in places, triggering the need for farmers to consider adapting their farming practices to ensure future profitability. The Berg River that rises in the Groot Drakenstein Mountains, near Franschhoek, and discharges in the Atlantic Ocean at Velddrift, supports land uses such as agriculture, forestry, urban development and conservation. It is an important producer of table and wine grapes in South Africa, with more than a fifth of the country’s wine cellars located here. Agricultural experts already expressed concerns in 2008 that deteriorating water quality might affect the ability of the region to export grapes and other fruit. This would have a significant impact not only on the regional economy of the Western Cape, but also the national economy. The area is a major contributor to foreign currency earnings, and is important for the welfare of thousands of people who are dependent for their livelihoods on the agricultural sector in the region.

Authors

Categories