Water management vital for a viable bio-economy
Recent disruptions of oil supply chains strengthen the case for alternative growth models.
By Leon Louw founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions
A hybrid model, with fossil fuels still as the foundation but supplemented by locally produced renewable alternatives, remains an attractive economic approach.
The bio-economy blends natural resources with technology and innovation to drive value creation. While Africa’s bio-economy is unlikely to replace fossil fuels soon, it offers a complementary energy solution.
A viable bio-economy?
Biofuels and biomass, for example, can provide partial energy security, especially for transport and rural power generation, reducing exposure to external shocks. But a viable bio-economy is dependent on efficient water management and proactive catchment stewardship.
In South Africa a partnership between global woodfibre and forestry group Sappi and the WWF could serve as a blueprint for securing the bio-economy through active catchment stewardship.
Blueprint for a bio-economy
According to Graeme Wild, CEO of Sappi, true water security requires effective water management. “This means the active governance and restoration of the ecosystems that provide water to mills, farms, cities and citizens,” says Wild.
“South Africa’s pressing water security and biodiversity risks demand collective action that extends beyond the capabilities of any one company,” he adds.
Sustainable economic activity
Sappi has partnered with WWF South Africa since 2021 to implement solutions that safeguard ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic activity.
A key focus of this partnership is the uMkhomazi catchment in KwaZulu-Natal. Key milestones of this project include significant areas cleared of alien vegetation and significant land rehabilitation.
In addition, a successful bioturbation trial was conducted in iNzinga. By using livestock to naturally break up compacted soil, the project has improved nutrient cycling and water infiltration.
Partnerships drive impact
“Only in partnership with the private sector can we drive lasting impacts for people and nature,” says Pavitray Pillay, Executive Head of Business Development and Marketing at WWF South Africa.
Pillay ads that emerging research from the Gerana Initiative highlights the growing recognition that the health of river basins, soils and ecosystems is becoming fundamental to long-term business resilience.
Its soon to be launched, Market Opportunity Scoping (MOS) study, explores how companies are beginning to respond to mounting pressures in the landscapes that underpin global supply systems.
Read more on WhyAfrica
Read more about the MOS, water management, soil conservation and biodiversity credits on the WhyAfrica website.
WhyAfrica specialises in the sustainable use and responsible development of Africa’s natural resources that includes (amongst others) water, biodiversity, wildlife, metals and minerals, fossil fuels, soil, wind and the sun.
Image: uKhomazi River. Image credit: Sappi South Africa
Water management vital for a viable bio-economy