Water Wise Watch - August 2024
02.08.24
Role of Women in Sustainable Water Management
Women-led initiatives in water conservation through Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN).
- Clearing of alien invasive plants to restore natural springs Matatiele. The infestation of alien invasive plants has reduced water flow into the surrounding natural springs. The RAIN project has deployed female staff as its alien invasive plants clearing team. This women-led team is restoring and conserving water resources to refresh natural springs in Matatiele.
- Water for the people: local community project to conserve water in the Southpansberg. The Southpansberg mountains are under threat from the infestation of alien invasive trees, this has had an impact on the area’s water resources. To eradicate the alien invasive trees, an Endangered Wildlife Trust women-led team is clearing 32 hectares of invasive trees in its catchment areas.
Source
Powerfulwomen.mg.co.za
Mandela Day is an annual global celebration that takes place annually on the 18th of July to honour and celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela. It is a day where everyone can inspire change and take responsibility to change the world for the better. Every year on this day everyone is invited to mark the Nelson Mandela Day by making a difference in our communities. Rand water’s waterwise team (WWT) commemorated Nelson Mandela Day at Zimeleni Special School. On the day the WWT assisted in the kitchen (cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, etc.) and food gardening (Planting, watering, garden net installation, etc.). The day was also filled with fun activities for the kids and the Zimeleni staff members. The purpose of the day was to take responsibility to inspire change for the betterment of the Zimeleni Special School.
August, a windy month with changing weather patterns. Transitions from the winter season to warmer days, fresh growth and new beginnings. With spring around the corner, this presents the perfect opportunity to prepare your soil and start planting. This is a month where cutting of dead branches, leaves or frost damaged plants can be done. This season is characterized by flowing, providing an opportunity to prune and shape plants that have finished flowering for enhancing the aesthetic value of the garden.
How can you improve your garden?
- Mulching, the dead leaves or frost damaged plants can be repurposed in your garden as a source of mulch to help limit weed growth, maintain soil moisture, increase soil’s water retention, limit water loss, and reduce the risk of erosion.
- Soil fertilization, the application of manure as a nutrient supplement to the soil will improve soil quality and there will be sufficient nutrients available to the plants for growth. This form of soil preparation will aid during the growing season by availing key nutrients that are vital for plant growth and development.
- Gardening spot, it is very much key to choose a favorable location for your garden. It is recommended that factors such as soil drainage, exposure to sunlight, soil nutrition and wind conditions be taken into consideration. For example, most vegetables require more than six hours of sunlight a day, it is therefore advisable to select a spot with long hours of sunlight exposure.
Source
Lifeisagarden.co.za
Water recycling is reusing wastewater or reclaimed water for beneficial purposes such as landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, agriculture and potable water supplies to reduce the use of natural water resources. This presents an opportunity to conserve water and maintain the quality of the remaining natural water resources. It is an important part of water management and pollution control. Water recycling is also part of the solution to water scarcity, it reduces water stress, it is safe and efficient, and it's a reliable water source.
- Collect greywater, greywater is water collected from household activities such as showering, washing dishes, laundry or bathing but is still relatively clean for non-potable uses. Greywater can be collected and repurposed for other household uses such as landscape irrigation, flushing toilets, etc. This reduces the stress on natural water resources and promotes water conservation.
- Install a rainwater harvesting system, this is a method of collecting and storing rainwater using a barrel or an underground tank with a pump system for later use. This limits the stress on our natural water resources. This method is beneficial for plants because they will be nourished by untreated water which is suitable for their needs.
- Reuse water from the kitchen, this is a simple and effective method of conserving water. Individuals can collect and repurpose water for uses such as cleaning floors, flushing toilets or watering plants. This can be water from washing the dishes, rinsing fruits or washing hands. Households can reduce their water consumption and help conserve water.
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03 National Science Week ends
30 Arbor Week starts
31 African Traditional Medicine Day |
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“Government is set to launch a ground-breaking initiative that seeks to mobilize all South Africans to become more environmentally conscious.…”
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This KZN nature reserve fights rhino poaching with the help of communities and canines “Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is home to critically endangered black rhinos and is working with communities and other partners to protect them against poaching.…” |
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Sanccob opens new education and visitor centre for seabird conservation "To educate the public on African penguins and other seabirds, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) last week celebrated the official opening of its newly-built Education and Visitor Centre in Table View…” |
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