African Wildlife & Environment Issue 80

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& ENVIRONMENT

ISSUE 80 (2021)

WESSAWELCOMES NEW CEO

FordWildlife Foundation: COMMITTEDTO CONSERVATION

SIXTYYEARS OF CONSERVATION MILESTONES

THE MAGAZINE OF THE WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA

CONTENTS

The content below is hyperlinked to the article Just click and read

1 Editorial 2 WESSA welcomes new CEO 3 Good reads

WESSA welcomes new CEO

FWF Newsletter 7 Ford Wildlife Foundation Newsletter 1 (2021) Conservation 11 Pollution and water as a national security issue Fauna, Flora & Wildlife 16 Growing up with the Accacia karroo 23 Dandelion, the perfect weed for foragers 26 Sixty years of conservation milestones

Magaliespark

Gardening for Biodiversity 34 The Bush Tick-berry

Destinations 41 Magaliespark, a relaxing experience 49 Reaching for the sky in the Magalies Biosphere Reserve

Birding 55 The remarkable African Skimmer WESSA People 58 Leanne Venter - loving leopards

The Harties Aerial Cableway

Nature Notes 62 Gripping Geckos

Subscriptions / General 66 WESSA membership 67 Leaving a legacy 68 Region, area office, branch & centre contacts 69 Publication details

Leanne Venter

Copyright © African Wildlife & Environment. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by and means, electronic or mechanical without the prior written permission of the publisher. African Wildlife & Environment retains the right to make alterations to any material submitted. The publisher, while exercising due care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to material submitted. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of WESSA. Copyright on all content belongs toWESSA and the individual contributors.

Cover photograph: John Wesson

GENERAL

Dr John Ledger EDITORIAL The year 1990 was very significant in the history of South Africa, because Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in prison, and the journey to democracy was initiated in earnest, resulting in the first fully democratic South African election in 1994. For wildlife and environmental conservation, 1990 was also significant because the Mazda Wildlife Fund was created in that year. This was the first time that a leading automotive company had committed itself to supporting conservation by providing vehicles for the use of research, education and wildlife management personnel associated with the non-government sector in southern Africa.

In 2014 Ford and Mazda parted ways, and the latter set up its own independent operation in South Africa with a capital injection of R150 million from the parent company in Japan. There was a lot of concern among the conservation community that the Mazda Wildlife Fund would disappear from the scene, which would have been a major blow to conservation and to all the project executants who relied on their sponsored vehicles. After much debate, discussion and negotiation, which involved the Ford head office in Dearborn, Michigan, the Ford Wildlife Foundation was born, to continue the pioneering efforts of the MWF. This involved a lot of work and a lot of money, as Ford started reviewing all of the MWF projects and deciding how to convert the branding of this exceptional programme to the 'Blue Oval'. Many of the Mazdas were donated to the NGOs that were using them, and the 'flagship projects' were provided with brand new Ford Rangers, most often the 4 x 4 double cab versions, splendid vehicles indeed and an incredibly valuable contribution to conservation. In this landmark 80 th edition of African Wildlife and Environment magazine, we are delighted and honoured to present the first Ford Wildlife Foundation Newsletter, which you will find on page 7. The Foundation is supporting an astonishing 28 projects of incredible diversity all over South Africa. The financial value of this contribution is literally worth a fortune to the environmental conservation community, who would otherwise have to raise the funds from donors to provide vehicles for their personnel. I am sure all our readers will join me in congratulating and thanking the Ford Motor Company of South Africa for their magnificent support for the many important wildlife, environmental and educational projects that benefit from the use of Ford Rangers. And may many of us reciprocate this appreciation when we buy our next car or bakkie! The Editorial Team wishes all our readers the very best for the Festive Season, and peace, health and safety in the NewYear. Dr John Ledger Consulting Editor john.ledger@wol.co.za 083 650 1768

The MWF had identified a special niche in the market where its products could be used for the good of the environment. Reliable transport is the key requirement for virtually every project, to get researchers into the field, to get educators to their target audiences, and to translocate rare and endangered species to new habitats.With an off-road vehicle often being the most expensive item on a conservation project, the contribution of the MWF vehicles was of enormous value to conservation. The history of the South African automotive industry is interesting, although rather convoluted and influenced by politics. The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In 1923 Ford set up an operation in South Africa, and the following year the assembly of Model T Fords commenced in a disused woolshed in Port Elizabeth, making Ford the first automobile manufacturer in the country. An assembly plant in Silverton near Pretoria was opened in 1967. Ford and the Sigma Motor Corporation (which at that time belonged to Anglo American and produced Mazda models for the local market) founded the South African Motor Corporation (Samcor) in 1985. Samcor produced car and commercial vehicle models of both the Ford and Mazda brands. In 1988, Ford withdrew from South Africa for economic and political reasons. With the renewed takeover of Samcor shares (45%) in that historical year of 1994, Ford returned to South Africa. In 2000 Ford took over the majority of the Samcor shares, which became the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. Mazda and Ford were marketed as different brands, although in many cases they were the same vehicles with different badges! The Mazda Wildlife Fund was seen as being strongly identified with the Mazda brand. The MWF established an Advisory Board with representatives from the major conservation NGOs, and I was honoured to be a member (representing the EWT) from the start in 1990, together with colleagues from WESSA,WWF-SA, the Botanical Society and the Rhino and Elephant Foundation.

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GENERAL

WESSAWELCOMES NEWCEO

Andrew is a non-executive director on the boards of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, African Habitat Conservancy and (up until August) the Cape Leopard Trust, which he co-founded in 2004. Andrew’s professional experience lies in strategic re-alignment, business development and people management. He has spent many years in the non- profit sector, working with organisations such as the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), The Cape Leopard Trust, and others, to develop sustainable income strategies and to run efficient and credible organisations. Andrew draws experience from many years in the corporate sector. He founded CAPESTORM, the outdoor apparel and equipment company, and built this into a household brand. He has served as an executive with Cape Union Mart and has, more recently, consulted for technology companies including some of the largest solar PV projects in Africa, and a South African company developing ground-breaking technology solutions for Silicon Valley tech giants. Andrew holds a PhD in palaeoecology from UCT, and he has special interests in landscape ecology, predator conservation, the climate emergency, and human origins (with special reference to southern Africa). Andrew Baxter was appointed as the CEO of WESSA on 1 September 2021. Andrew was formerly consulting for organisations on strategy and leadership development. Hismost recent assignments have been in the non-profit sector, with the Pedal Power Association (a national membership-based organisation) and the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.

Cycling has been part of Andrew’s life, since a child and he has ridden more than 280,000km – (he has since stopped counting). He enjoys rock climbing and mountaineering and is an avid amateur photographer. His unique low-light pictures of fynbos entitled ‘Floristic Fireworks’ have been widely shared and appreciated. Andrew loves spending as much time as he can in nature. He and his partner Jen recently came across an undescribed spider on Table Mountain which has become affectionately known as the ‘Strawberry Widow’ due to its remarkable colouration.

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GOOD READS

GOOD READS Book reviews by Dr John Ledger

because our way of studying the subject has changed significantly during this time." Seemingly barren wastes, the deserts of southern Africa have long intrigued scientists and traveller alike. In fact, these deserts are teeming with life, from ants to elephants, stone-plants to the amazing welwitschia, dainty dik-diks to towering gemsbok, cart-wheeling spiders to fog- catching beetles. How do they cope with scarce resources, unpredictable rainfall and extreme temperatures? How do they protect themselves against predators? These questions are answered in this excellent updated edition, which every nature lover, scientist and traveller will want to lay their hands on. The four arid biomes of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are the Desert, Arid Savanna, Succulent Karoo and Nama-Karoo. The author reveals how and why such a great diversity of plants, insects, mammals, reptiles and birds successfully exists in these arid environments.The text is supported by the most recent research, superb photography and many explanatory diagrams and maps. This wonderful book is sure to become the 'holy writ' on our deserts for some time to come. Glads

Desert Life Lovegrove, Barry (2021). The Living Deserts of Southern Africa. Struik Nature, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. Hard cover, 21x27 cm, 296 pp, illustrated in colour throughout with photographs, sketches and maps. ISBN 978- 1-77584 -704-5. RRP: R450. This is a magnificent,

hard-covered, beautifully illustrated book that has been a classic for many years. In his preface to the new, updated edition, the author writes: "Twenty eight years have passed since Fernwood Press published the first edition of Living Deserts… I was young and unemployed when I wrote the book, and my head was stuffed with the science behind how animals and plants have adapted to living in arid and desolate places – a passion I wished to share with others who love deserts. Now I am older, wiser, retired, but no less fascinated by the remarkable deserts of our region." Professor Lovegrove was persuaded to update his book by Duncan McFadyen who is the Manager, Research and Conservation at Oppenheimer Generations, who provided sponsorship for the new edition. In 2019 and 2020 he undertook four photographic field trips : "…wherever I travelled, in Namaqualand, the Kalahari and the Karoo, I was humbled to learn that in the intervening years Living Deserts had become the holy writ for many: tourist guides, reserve management staff, researchers, students and others." This new edition is a magnificent production, and is sure to be as popular and useful as its predecessor. "Today I understand adaptations to desert environments so much better than before

Saunders, Rod and Rachel, with Fiona Ross ( 2021). Saunders' Field Guide to Gladioli of South Africa. Struik Nature, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. Soft cover, 15x21 cm, 383 pp, illustrated in colour throughout with photographs, sketches and maps. ISBN 978-1-77584 -761-8. RRP R420.

This book is a remarkable tribute to two extraordinary botanists, Rod and Rachel Saunders, who loved the attractive gladioli plants and had set themselves the goal of photographing every species of Gladiolus in South Africa and describing them in a comprehensive field guide. From 2012 they travelled to almost every corner of the land, and by 2018 they had found and photographed all but on the of the known Gladiolus species. In

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GOOD READS

Reptiles Pietersen, Darren, Luke Verburgt and John Davies (2021). Snakes and Other Reptiles of Zambia and Malawi. Struik Nature, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. Soft cover, 15 x 21 cm, 376 pp, illustrated in colour throughout with photographs, diagrams and maps. ISBN 978-1-77584 -737-3. RRP R430.

that year they were returning from a trip to the Drakensberg when they were kidnapped, robbed and murdered. Professor Fiona Ross from the University of Cape Town established the Saunders Guide Trust to ensure that their goal would be fulfilled. She, together with other botanists and friends of the Saunders', notably John Manning and Peter Goldblatt, oversaw the posthumous publication of this beautiful publication, and South Africa and the world owes them an enormous debt of gratitude for doing so. The book is a lasting memorial to the lives of two very special people, who live on through their beloved gladioli and the images of both of them in the field, gathering the material that they would never themselves see in print. This is the first book to offer a complete photographic record of the 166 species of Gladiolus that occur in South Africa. This genus has fascinated plant collectors, taxonomists and the general public for centuries. Known for their spectacular flowers, these highly adapted and specialised plants occur throughout Africa, Madagascar, Europe and the Middle East. South Africa is home to more than half the world's species, and the Western Cape is the heart of their species diversity. The book comprises an introduction giving the history of gladioli, information about the morphology and taxonomy of the genus, and guidelines to using the book in the field. Detailed descriptions are given of each species, along with what is known about ecology, pollinators, similar species and conservation status. There are up- to-date distribution maps indicating where the different species have been recorded. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the book is the over 1,000 excellent photographs taken in the field to show the morphology and habitat of each species. This is a book that anyone interested in the botany of South Africa, and the gladioli in particular, would want to have on their bookshelves, and to use in the field. It is a thing of beauty, and the tragic background to its creation brought a tear to my eye. I am sure the Saunders' would have wanted to share their love of these gorgeous plants with as many people as possible. Thankfully, that is now indeed achievable.

This book is about the snakes, lizards, terrapins, tortoises and crocodiles of Zambia and Malawi, of which there are 240 known species, including 14 endemics. This is the first book that describes every one of these species that occur in the two countries. It is beautifully produced and lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs, and is yet another invaluable contribution to the natural history literature of Africa. The team at Struik Nature has once again demonstrated its extraordinary skills in publishing outstanding books. In their preface, the authors point out that Zambia and Malawi are something of a 'herpetological enigma', being too far north to be included in southern African field guides, and too far south for East African field guides. This former 'black hole' has now been admirably filled by this excellent publication. In his foreword, noted herpetologist and author Johan Marais writes: "In an age of mediocrity and misinformation, it is great to see a herpetological book of this calibre. It will fit in well with other classics on African herpetology." The book provides comprehensive descriptions of each order, suborder, family, genus and species. For each group of reptiles, a key is provided to aid in species identification. The species descriptions cover identifying features, behaviour, prey and predators, range and danger to humans. Up-to-date distribution maps are based on over 16,000 recorded observations. It will be of enormous value to naturalists, conservationists, tour guides and safari and hunting companies operating in the two countries. It is a superb effort, highly recommended.

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GOOD READS

Sharks Ebert, David, Marc Dando and Sarah Fowler (2021). A Pocket Guide to Sharks of the World. Struik Nature, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. Semi- soft cover, 13 x 20 cm, 288 pp, illustrated in colour throughout with artwork, diagrams and maps. ISBN

Marine Mammals Stuart, Chris and Mathilda (2021). Marine Mammals. A guide to the whales, dolphins and seals of southern Africa and the southern Ocean. Struik Nature, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. Soft cover, 13 x 19 cm, 72 pp, illustrated in colour throughout with photographs, drawings and maps. ISBN 978-1- 77584 -789-2. RRP R150. Chris and Mathilde Stuart have made a major contribution to our knowledge of African mammals, wildlife and conservation, through their extensive range of books, field guides and mobile applications.You can learn more about this remarkable couple online here. Their latest offering is an easy-to-use identification guide to the whales, dolphins and seals found in southern African waters and in the Southern Ocean. At least fifty species occur in these waters, including nine species of baleen whale, 18 species of toothed whale, 16 species of dolphin, as well as three fur seals (family Otariidae) and five true seal (family Phocidae) species. A few species at the limits of their ranges and unlikely to be spotted in the region have been omitted. This handy little booklet is a real gem, and provides quick access to much information about our marine mammals. It should be of special interest to families with children, teachers and holiday-makers. Topics covered include key identification features, behaviour, diet and distribution; the best times and places to see the more commonly-viewed species; 'breaching', 'spy- hopping' and other behaviours are explained; and numerous other interesting facts about this fascinating group of mammals are provided. The book is beautifully illustrated with coloured drawings and photographs.The latter are quite stunning, with whales breaching and dolphins leaping out of the sea. One shot that impressed me was of three Killer Whales 'spy hopping' in a channel next to a sheet of ice, the front parts of their bodies held erect as they searched for some penguins to eat. Apart from being a useful identification guide, this booklet includes fascinating accounts of behaviour, as well as conservation issues. Whaling no longer occurs in the southern Ocean between the mainland and the Antarctic ice shelf. Threats

978-1-77584 -776-2. RRP R340. This is the revised and expanded second edition of the first and only field guide to identify, illustrate and describe every known shark species, and it is an impressive piece of work indeed. Its compact format makes it very handy for identifying living species, fisheries catches or sharks and their parts sold at markets.The biology, ecology and conservation of sharks are covered, and useful details on identification of shark teeth and fins encountered in trade are provided. Sharks are among the most misunderstood creatures on the planet, and have generally had a poor public image because of their occasional attacks on humans that intrude into their marine space. Movies like 'Jaws' have exacerbated the sinister reputation of the sharks. I can remember times walking along the beaches of the Natal South Coast with my children and watching fishermen pulling out 'sand-sharks' by the dozen; these were simply left to die and rot on the beach because they were considered to be the vermin of the sea. The barbaric practice of 'finning' sees fishermen cutting off the fins of living sharks to make soup, and then tossing the mutilated animals back into the sea. Such disregard for living creatures is truly a disgusting and shameful indictment of Homo sapiens. As a result of unrelenting human pressure, time is running out for many species that are seriously threatened with extinction, and are in greater need of conservation and proper management than any other major group of vertebrates. The three authors have impressive credentials; Mark Dando in particular deserves acclaim as the illustrator of the book.The time, patience and skill that has gone into the artwork for the hundreds of coloured drawings of sharks is truly impressive and admirable. This book is a must for anyone interested in sharks and their conservation.

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GOOD READS

redesigned. Readers who spend time in the bush will find this handbook a very useful aid to finding your way around the night skies of the Southern Hemisphere. Aimed at everybody interested in astronomy, whether novice, amateur or professional, the book covers the 2022 planetary movements, predicted eclipses, meteor showers and any other events and facets of the night sky that change annually. Star charts map the evening sky for each season, and for every month, facilitating the identification of stars and constellations. The Sky Guide also contains a wealth of information about the sun, moon, planets, comets, meteors and bright stars, with photos, diagrams charts and images. The guide also includes an excellent overview of the most useful online resources available to the astronomy enthusiast. There is a chapter on 'telescopes and observing', an historical overview of 'astronomy in southern Africa' and the SAAS. The last pages of the book contain an 'Astrophotography Gallery' with some breath- taking colour photographs. This is the 77th annual edition of the Sky Guide, and all those associated with this landmark publication deserve a solid round of applause!

to whales include being struck by ships and entangled in fishing nets. South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute has trained teams that will go to the aid of entangled whales. Seal hunting used to be a major mortality factor; today only Namibia still culls Cape Fur Seals, in part because their burgeoning numbers are seen as a threat to commercial fish stocks. Night Skies

Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (2021). Sky Guide – Africa South. Struik Nature, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. Soft cover, 15 x 21 cm, 133 pp, illustrated in colour and monochrome with photographs, diagrams and maps. ISBN 978-1-77584 -763-2. RRP R150.

The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa celebrates its centenary in 2022, and to mark this important occasion the annual Sky Guide has been given a fresh new look, and has been substantially

THE WONDERS OF DESERT L IFE : A COMPELL ING, IN-DEPTH READ THE LIVING DESERTS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA Barry Lovegrove

A DEFINITIVE NEW EDITION OF A CLASSIC AVAILABLE AT LEADING BOOKSTORES NATIONWIDE & ONLINE

Join the Struik Nature Club for online talks and events, special offers, prizes and upcoming natural history publications: www.struiknatureclub.co.za

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FWF NEWSLETTER 1 (2021)

FORDWILDLIFE FOUNDATION Newsletter 1 (2021)

The conservation and preservation of the environment has become a major worldwide issue, dramatically changing the attitudes of consumers and the way large corporations do business. Against this background the Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) was announced in September 2014, funded by the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and supported by its nationwide network of Ford Dealers. The FWF supports environmental education, research and conservation projects in mainly Southern Africa. The Ford Ranger is used to enable the projects to go further and make a real impact in the communities in which they operate. For further information on the FWF, please email wildlife@ford.com.

9. Sea Search Research and Conservation Project - Sea Search Research and Conservation 10. Leopard Research Project - Cape Leopard Trust 11. Saving the Survivors - Dr Johan Marais - Saving the Survivors Foundation 12. Cheetah Metapopulation Project - Endangered Wildlife Trust 13. Black Rhino Range Expansion Project -World Wildlife Fund (WWF-SA) 14. Coral Reef Programme - Oceanographic Research Institute 15. SA Cranes,Wetlands and Communities Project - EndangeredWildlife Trust 16. Threatened species projects, Landscape Conservation Programme – BirdLife SA 17. Ecology and conservation of vultures in southern Africa and impacts of changing land use - UKZN School of Life Sciences 18. Wildlife &Transport Project - Endangered Wildlife Trust 19. Behaviour and ecology of hippos and their ecological role in aquatic and terrestrial systems - UKZN School of Life Sciences 20. International Schools Programme -WESSA – Gauteng 21. Seabird Rehabilitation Support Project - SANCCOB – PE 22. Tourism Blue Flag -WESSA 23. Spatial Planning and Data Project – BirdLife SA 24. SomkhandaWildlife ACT Emergency Response - Wildlife ACT Fund Trust 25. The People in Conservation Programme – people thriving alongside wildlife - Endangered Wildlife Trust 26. Drylands Conservation Programme - EndangeredWildlife Trust 27. Tourism Green Coast -WESSA 28. Cape Critical Rivers programme – Freshwater Research Centre SHORT-TERM LOAN VEHICLE Southern Mozambique Sea Turtle Research Project (Supported annually for six weeks with a loan Ford Ranger) - Pierre Lombard

LIST OF PROJECTS - NOVEMBER 2021

1. Threatened Amphibian Programme - Endangered Wildlife Trust 2. Capacity Development of LWS Community Outreach Programmes in Limpopo Province - LapalalaWilderness School 3. Creating Hope from Hurt - Saving the Survivors 4. Mabula Ground Hornbill Project - MGHP 5. Critically Endangered Renosterveld Conservation Easement Programme - Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust 6. Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds - SANCCOB 7. Carnivore Conservation Programme - EndangeredWildlife Trust 8. Establishment of a National Grassland Park in the Eastern Cape -WorldWildlife Fund (WWF - SA)

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WESSA LEADERSHIP FWF NE SLETT R 1 (2021)

THE TALE OF TWO LEOPARDS AT THE TIP OF AFRICA

Conservation efforts need to be multi-dimensional, involve diverse role players, and span land-use types. This holistic approach to conservation has inspired an exciting new collaboration between the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) and Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) that will focus on two iconic species in the Overberg region. Both projects are supported by the Ford Wildlife Foundation.

indicator of ecosystem health, and the leopard toad is the foundation level or ‘bottom up’ counter measure of ecosystem health. Both species thus act as flagships for the viability of a large range of other species, and can be used to support the integrity of the area’s biodiversity by acting as important indicators of habitat integrity and landscape connectivity. The CLT and EWT are very excited about this partnership and the scope for future collaboration. We view this project as a synergistic platform where the eventual outcome will be more significant than what we can achieve individually. There is an established and respected

Leopards Panthera pardus have survived across the landscapes of the Cape where other large carnivores have not. Leopards in the Cape are physically smaller than their savannah cousins, and they have territories up to ten times larger, which necessitates movement across human landscapes. A priority therefore, is to keep critical landscapes protected and corridors open to them. Similarly, the endangered Western Leopard Toad Sclerophrys pantherina , that has existed for millions of years, must navigate modified landscapes during its annual migrations between breeding and over-wintering sites. Named for its striking resemblance to a leopard, the species exists only in a very small area of the Western Cape. Like the Leopard, they too represent a remnant population, that has adapted to surviving in an otherwise rapidly changing urban and agricultural landscape. The significance of amphibians is their indispensable value as indicator species. The presence of these two iconic ‘leopards’ in the Overberg gives us the opportunity to look at landscape resilience through an ecological lens. The Leopard is an umbrella species and ‘top down’

network of environmental NGOs in the Overberg with whom we are already collaborating. The CLT research team is currently undertaking a large- scale Leopard camera trap survey involving 172 cameras at 86 different locations. The EWT team has also already started fieldwork with regular field visits to locateWestern Leopard Toads.

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WESSA LEADERSHIP FWF NE SLETT R 1 (2021)

COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION FOR CONSERVATION

Sustainability and environmental conservation are concepts that we still struggle to grasp in terms of our everyday lives. Therefore, we ensure that we unpack concepts and co-create solutions with our stakeholders through our environmental education and human capacity development programmes and projects. In that way, we take positive action against social and environmental challenges with minimal disruption to our everyday life and that of our natural surroundings. The Ford Ranger, provided by the Ford Wildlife Foundation, has enabled theWESSA team to bring nature back to schools and create ecosystems that are used as outdoor classrooms that ensures Natural ecosystems are fundamental for human survival, yet many ecosystems are severely damaged. This is predominantly the result of urban and agricultural development. The WESSA Schools and Youth Unit works with communities, teachers, learners and youth across SouthAfrica, toachievesustainabilityandenvironmental conservation through education and action-based projects.

practical solutions to the socio-ecologic challenges and problems they are facing. This encourages the schools and youth to look at environmental issues differently, and not in isolation from their lives. Youth are empowered through resilience training and skills development programmes which are structured and systematic. This prepares them for a future work, study or entrepreneurship with the environment as part of their fundamental learning and understanding of life.

Delivering gardening resources at Tshimollo Primary School in Naledi, Pretoria

Our interventions are aligned to global and local agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Plan which enables communities to break cycles and create a generation of individuals that care for the environment. All our programmes inspire active participation to deal with localised issues. We foster the process of individuals acquiring knowledge, values, motivation, skills and attitude needed to conserve the environment and use the earth’s resources efficiently. We ensure that the people involved in the projects can successfully execute their plans to achieve maximum impact and reconnect with nature. These localised projects in schools and communities are able to protect indigenous plants, reduce pollution, attract biodiversity and restore ecosystems.

Delivery of water canisters at a school in Hammanskraal

learning about nature is just as important as learning about math and science. We have tailored our approach toward more holistic, community-driven conservation interventions. With our stakeholders we identify localised issues, introduce intergenerational learning about our natural world, improve environmental content knowledge and develop

Reatlegile Thabathi and Lameez Eksteen

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As the Ford Wildlife Foundation we are proud to assist, support and celebrate those who protect South Africa’s rich biodiversity. From enabling our partners to reach remote locations with our Ford Rangers to supplying them with protective face shields, we’ll continue to help those whomake a positive contribution to this beautiful country. making a difference For

#ForSouthAfrica

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CONSERVATION

POPULATION ANDWATER AS A NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE

Arising from that period of intense engagement, was the notion of environmental security as an element of national security. Emerging as a distinct sub-set of the evolving discourse on environmental security, was the notion of human population dynamics as a driver of risk in an environment that is also water constrained One key question emerged from this period of intense scientific engagement in support of the national When the Cold War ended, many of the intelligence services of the world were left with deep technical capacity, but a changingoperational environment. In the periodbetween the collapseof theUSSRand the removal of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the attack on the World Trade Centre by a non-state actor in September of 2001, there was an active dialogue between all intelligence services of the world. This took place through the official liaison channels between governments, consistent with international diplomatic protocol.

Prof Anthony Turton

a given river system, which was protected by right. That reserve consisted of two distinct aspects – the ecological component and the basic human needs component. TheWater Crowding Index While the National Water Act was being drafted, prior to being promulgated in 1998, the notion of 'water crowding' emerged. This originated with a Swedish scientist named Dr Malin Falkenmark, with whom the author forged a direct and professional relationship at many levels (see Falkenmark papers in Further Reading ). Her work was unique in the sense that she asked a simple question that no other scientist had asked until that moment in time – is there a finite limit to the number of people that a given unit of water can sustain?

security discourse – can poor countries adapt to growing water scarcity? And if not, then why? This became an area of direct interest to the author, then busy with his Doctorate, but also a senior officer in the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and a founding member of the South African Secret Service (SASS) (Turton, 2021). The national security relevance of the interaction between population and the environment, was considered during the redrafting of the National Water Act (NWA) in 1998. In effect, the NWA defined the 'Reserve' as a distinct portion of the total flow of

Water Crowding as a concept is a useful way to understand the interaction between human population dynamics and water availability in a defined space like a country.

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CONSERVATION

To answer this question in an empirical sense, she used a global dataset, processed using the concept of water crowding. She reduced the known water supply of each country into 'flow units', which she defined as one million litres per annum. This enabled her to compare apples with apples. Using this methodology, she was able to determine a water crowding index for each country, at that moment in time. From that data she was able to define what she called a 'water barrier' beyond which no known country was able to retain social stability and sufficient economic growth to employ the growing population. However, her work also isolated a key variable that could alter this outcome. That key variable is technology which made it possible for any country to sustain a viable economy, with sufficient social cohesion, beyond the 'water

barrier' of 2,000 people per 'flow unit' of one million litres of water per annum. This concept became known as the 'hydraulic density of population'. The concept of water crowding is therefore a useful policy tool, because it enables decision- makers to comprehend precise thresholds beyond which existing policy is no longer viable. For example, the policy of achieving national water security by constructing dams and transferring water from one river basin to another, is only viable to a point. Once the sustainable yield in each river basin is reached, that basin is said to have reached a point of 'resource closure', beyond which dam-building is no longer viable, and consequently social stability is no longer attainable from that specific solution (Ashton & Turton, 2008).

The Katse Dam on the Malibamatso River is one of the highest (185 m), and the deepest and coldest dams in Africa. Water is transferred from Katse to Gauteng via a 45 km transfer tunnel to Muela, and from there via a 37 km delivery tunnel to the Ash River. February 2009. Photograph: John Ledger

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CONSERVATION

Therefore, when basin closure occurs, a different set of policy options need to be considered, simply because the previous solution – dam building and inter-basin transfer – is no longer capable of supplying the water needed for the economic development capable of employing a growing population. Once the water barrier is reached, existing technology becomes irrelevant, so a policy shift is required if national water security is to be retained in a water constrained economy. The important aspect to note is that it is not water for drinking purposes that matters, but rather water as an economic enabler for both job creation and food security. This is the critical policy shift that needs to be considered. South Africa is a perfect example, so work conducted by the CSIR began to define the status of basin closure in the southern African region, with a view to informing evidence-based policy reform with respect to technology needed to alleviate the debilitating impact of a water constrained economy (Turton, 2008;Turton & Ashton, 2008). From this work it became evident that the two largest river basins in South Africa – the Orange (now Gariep) and Limpopo – are both closed. This has major ramifications for national security,

because it implies that there is an absolute upper limit to the economic development that is possible in the face of resource closure. Therefore, it was necessary to take Falkenmark’s Water Crowding Index, which was applicable to a The hydraulic density of population in the major river basins of South Africa indicates that the economic development needed to create full employment of the growing population is unlikely to be possible unless major policy reform embraces technology needed to recover water from waste and desalinate water from the ocean.

national level of analysis, and apply it to specific river basins. The CSIR's results were startling From a comprehensive analysis of all river basins inside the country, it was determined that the Limpopo, Incomati and Maputo basins were manifesting acute symptoms of economic collapse, by virtue of the hydraulic density of population within each basin (Ashton et al ., 2008). In effect the Limpopo is twice the upper value of the globally defined 'water barrier', with the Incomati and Maputo basins crossing that threshold by 2025, and the Gariep approaching that barrier in the same time scale. This has serious implications for the future of the country if left unmanaged.

Work done at the CSIR has mapped out the extent of basin closure in Southern Africa (Turton et al ., 2008).

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National Security Implications The national security implications of this startling fact are profound. In effect, it means that the South African economy is fundamentally water constrained, and existing policy, based on the construction of dams and the inter-basin transfer

of population double that which is considered the 'water barrier' beyond which social instability is likely, and then note a 241% increase in demand by 2025, we clearly have a problem in an area that has the highest hydraulic density of population in the country. The answer to the question about whether

poor countries can create endogenous growth in the face of water scarcity as proposed by Barbier and Homer-Dixon (1996), is that it depends on their capacity to firstly recognise that they have a problem, and then create policy reform that enables technology and capital to be deployed as a solution. This is our challenge as a water constrained economy. This is clearly a national security issue, made more manifest considering the widespread social unrest that was experienced in July 2021, where widescale looting paralyzed the country and caused an as yet unquantified number of additional job losses. Seen from this perspective, water is more than merely an environmental issue, when it is understood in the broader context of human population growth and economic development.

Sectoral demand for water from the major river basins in South Africa shows an unsustainable trend, with power generation and urban demands from the Orange and Limpopo, both closed basins, being exceptionally high.

of water, is no longer capable of creating the employment needed to absorb the growing population. In effect then, South Africa will be faced with an increasingly bleak future, manifest as an acceleration in the loss of social cohesion and the internal struggle for survival between marginalized communities competing for a diminishing number of jobs. The relevance of this statement is starkly evident when one looks at projected demands for water, knowing that the resource is already closed in key river basins.Work done at the CSIR has indicated a worrying trend in sectoral demand. When looking at sectoral water demands from the major basins for urban use, we clearly see an unsustainable pattern. However, when we consider that the Limpopo River Basin is already over- allocated by around 120%, with a hydraulic density

Conclusion We need to be thinking more about water as an economic enabler. The hydraulic density of population is a useful indicator for social stability, but also a specific metric that ought to drive policy reform. Soon the environmental community will have to make a series of decisions about where they stand vis-à-vis the use of technology to recover water from waste and remove salt from saline sources like acidic mine water and the ocean. More importantly, from a purely national security perspective, the nexus between water in the environment, human population dynamics, climate change and economic development will become an increasingly defined set of data needed for evidence-based policy reform.

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