Economy vs environment - how do we protect our rivers?

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems South Africa is a water-scarce country and, unsurprisingly, most of its freshwater resources are heavily utilised. All of the country’s main rivers have been developed to some extent. In fact, the first National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment highlights the fact that the country’s river ecosystems are in a much poorer state overall than its terrestrial ecosystems. The assessment of South Africa’s main rivers (which make up about 45% of rivers in the country) found that 47% are moderately modified, while 23% can be considered irreversibly transformed in terms of their ability to support biodiversity, and are deemed unsuitable for conservation. Of the 120 main river types identified 84% are threatened – 54% critically endangered, 18% endangered and 12% vulnerable. Economy vs Environment: How Do We Protect Our Rivers? The official launch of the national Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan earlier this year underlined the importance of safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

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