presentation south africa - academia engelberg · doesn’t reach kruger national park. 11th...
TRANSCRIPT
11th October 2007
South Africa Dealing with the Past, Working for the Future
Jess Schulschenk | Katy Lannas
211th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Presentation Overview
Background on water issues in South Africa
Learning from the past & solutions for the future
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Annual Rainfall
Source: Water Institute of South Africa
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South Africa’s Rivers
Source: UNESCO
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Available Water Resources
Amount of sub-surface water available uncertain – limited due to geology
Only 1 natural lake
Wetlands – but lost more than 50%
Over abstraction e.g. Limpopo River sometimes doesn’t reach Kruger National Park
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Source: Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism
Lesotho
711th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Source: University of Texas Librarie
811th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Source: University of Texas Librarie
911th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Do Inter-basin Transfers meet demands?
High demands for industry & agriculture (BEE)
Growing urban populations
Building dams affects river output – affects water supply to other areas
Source: Zefa Visual Media
1011th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Traditional African Value of WaterKhoisan & San lived in arid areas but moved with rainfall patterns
In African cultures river gods and rituals linked with water
Cultural & spiritual value –maintain society’s life blood
Source: National Science Foundation
Source: Geocities
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The Legacy of a Turbulent Past
Arrival of Dutch settlers –local people forced to be sedentary
“Riparian Principle” –1685 settlers given ownership of water supply flowing across their land
Source: South African history
1211th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Previous Homeland AreasHome Areas Act forced black people to live in high numbers on marginal areas
Source: SA History Online
1311th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Basic Service ProvisionIn 1994:35% of population had no access to basic water53% lacked proper sanitation
Today:6% of population have no
access to basic water30% lack proper sanitation
1411th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Basic Service ProvisionIn 1994:35% of population had no access to basic water53% lacked proper sanitation
Today:6% of population have no
access to basic water30% lack proper sanitation
Source: State of Environment Report 2004
1511th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Some, For All, Forever!
Water Services Act 1997 & National Water Act 1998 – free basic water
Recognises water is a scarce resource, unevenly distributed
Aims to manage what water there is as efficiently as possible
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Human needEnvironmental need The Reserve
Buffer for future use
“The Water Reserve” Principle
The Reserve = water always there to meet basic human & ecological needs
Surplus to beallocated to other uses
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Key Challenges & Priorities
Implementing the Water Act
Balancing environmental protection with water provision for development
Issues of co-management
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Uncertainties & Risks for the Future
Population Growth– Current Population: 48 million– Population Growth Rate: 0.48%
Urbanisation
Climate Change
1911th October 2007 J. Schulschenk / K. Lannas
Population Growth & Water Demand
Source: Vanishing Waters
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Currently Approaching Water Scarcity
Source: International Water Management Institute
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Impacts of Climate Change
Temperature increases: 1°C to 4°C by 2050
Broad reduction of rainfall (5% to 10%)
Longer dry spells followed by intense storms.
Severe impacts on freshwater resources.
Source: National Geographic
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Recommendations & Proposals
Better use of existing water– Stricter demand management
techniques– Reallocation to most profitable
sectors – Monitoring water quality & bio-
remediation– Optimal usage of water
Investigating alternative water resources
Source: Working for Water
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Focus: Water Supply & Sanitation in Informal Settlements
Source: Hans Hendriksen
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Informal Settlements
Large concentrations of population in informal settlements
Home to 15% of population (7.2million) inhabitants
Inadequate water supply & sanitation Source:
Wikimedia
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Providing Direct Access to Water
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Inadequate Sanitation
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Pollution of Water Sources
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Water-borne diseases
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Urbanisation & Population Growth
Source: Google Earth
Source: Hans Hendriksen
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Social & Cultural Barriers to Change
Embracing new technologies
Sustainable Design
Waterless Composting Toilet
Source: EcoSan Online
“Play Pump”
Source: Good Magazine Online
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In Conclusion
Dealing with the Past
Working for the Future
Source: Good Magazine Online
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Hope for the Future
Luhlaza High School, Khayelitsha
11th October 2007
The End
Thank you for your time