Simply Green Magazine, Issue 1 2016

DIGIMAG

YOUR LEADER IN ECO-BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE

ISSUE 1 • 2016

simply

10 l 20 enta nm sm iro nali v En our ard J Aw er nn Wi

Inside

ican Afr ited uth Lim e So ies Th er Brew

News

Features

10 General 14 SA Eco Film Fest 36 Water 91 Conservation

17 The global water crisis is here 22 Blue-green algae 26 How SA water shapes up?

30 SANBWA 32 Water in SA 35 SAWEA 40 Does COP21's Paris agreement mean anything?

44 COP21 report back

Reviews 70 Cooking 72 General

simply www.simplygreen.co.za • editor@simplygreen.co.za Cape Town Office • P O Box 30946, Tokai, 7966 Tel 27 (0) 21 701 1186 SG 4

Publisher Robbie Sammers robbie@insightspublishing.co.za

Project Manager Kyle Villet kyle@insightspublishing.co.za

Editor Chris Erasmus editor@simplygreen.co.za

Design Kevin Rule studio@simplygreen.co.za

Creative Director Silke Erasmus silke@simplygreen.co.za

Issue 1 • 2016 Volume 9 No.1 •

Office

Lifestyle

Conservation

52 Greening your office 54 E-waste

60 Greening your home 66 Microgreens: vegetables all year round 68 Recipes 74 Tintswalo: risen from the ashes 80 Wheeling the globe

86 Why the albatross matters 85 Garden route walking

Publishing House Insights Publishing 176 Main Road, Claremont Tel 021 683 0005

Copyright Simply Green is a registered trademark and is copyright protected worldwide. Material published in Simply Green, including all artwork, may not be reproduced without the permission of the editor.

Disclaimer Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or staff.

ISSN 1998-1309

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SOUTH AFRICA'S ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN www.indaloyethu.co.za

EDITORIAL SG 6

'Water, water everywhere' goes part of the famous poem by Coleridge (more fully quoted elsewhere in this edition).

But these days, not even that part applies. We are so grateful for the very late summer rains that are now falling in some parts of the desperately-affected drought region across Southern Africa.

This year's especially severe summer drought has devastated the livestock, crops and lives of millions of people living in a swathe of territory across the southern and central parts of Africa, putting many in dire danger of death by both dehydration and/or starvation. By some estimates it will take up to 15 years for many agriculturalists to recover from these hard times, especially those who have lost most of their livestock to the drought. But even if the late rains break the current drought – doubtful in many areas – they cannot solve the underlying problem.

Water is, despite its occasional propensity to invade our land spaces from swollen river systems or from the sea, a scarce resources. And fresh, potable drinking water is even more scarce.

One may throw around statistics, like the fact that even though earth is by all reasonable measures a water planet, with more than 70% of its surface covered in oceans, barely 3% of that total is 'fresh', and most of that is, in turn, locked up in ice or deep underground in hard-to-reach aquifers. We are using, in effect, around 1% of the planet's water supply as potable drinking water – and even with recycling and effluent removal, that figure is falling all the time as a growing percentage of the water 'meant' for our drinking needs is becoming toxified beyond use – take, for example, what has happened in Flint, Michigan, in the USA. And that is by far not the only such event in America, here in South Africa or elsewhere.

We have, in Southern Africa, even more pressing issues given that we are already a water-scarce region and likely to suffer increasingly severe and frequent bouts of serious water under-supply as a warmer, more urbanised and more populated future looms before us.

So what to do? As with all big problems, one should start to address this question with the small, easy steps which fall within everyone's ambit of 'do-ability'. Stop wasting water is the first and most important step. Then we move onto other forms of conservation and to ensure that what fresh water

bodies we have, such as the Hartebeespoort Dam, and any number of rivers, are not continuing to be contaminated with sewerage and other effluent. We also have to stop the spread of blue-green algae, which the alarming report on page 22 of this issue demonstrates is yet another threat to our fresh water resources.

It's hard to know exactly what to say about water since everyone is aware that it is essential to life. And yet we act, so often in our day-to-day lives, as if it is a 'given', that it will always be there and that we can do with it as we like, without consequence.

Well, the hard news is that there are consequences, that water is scarce and rapidly getting scarcer and that the 'good old days' of plenty of water for all, and cheap too, are long gone.

We have to start treating water like the prescious source of life that it is. This issue, therefore, is dedicated, to water and its proper use – as well as some of threats we face around water, its availability and how to deal with those threats.

Water-saving is not merely good for the bottom line, good as a general idea or a 'feel good' thing to do. It is a necessity and we should all be applying ourselves to it rigorously and with focused intensity.

People say that when the chips are down, and when the food runs out, everyone will find that chasing the 'great god of money' has been a fool's enterprise because one can't eat money. Cynics reply that one can use money to buy food.

Perhaps, but only if there is any food to buy. If we run out of water – and every indication is that we are facing exactly that scary prospect in just some few years time – then there certainly won't be enough food for all, and those with water will be protecting it with all their might against those without. No-one has to play that scenario out to its logical conclusions to see that is something we all want to avoid.

So let's think about water in a different way. Let's try to adopt a respect for our precious water and treat it like the critical life-source that it is and without which we are all doomed. Then maybe we have a chance at a future which is something other than dusty, deathly dry and littered with the whitening bones of the animals and people that once lived in a green and pleasant land.

Green greetings Chris & the Team

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ADVISORY BOARD Contributors

Brian Wilkinson is the CEO of the Green Building Council. He joined the GBC in 2011 as Chief Executive Officer after some creative encouragement out of what he thought was his ‘early retirement’. At the time he was working with ILIMA Trust, an NPO involved in supporting leaders in the public sector.

Gareth Burley is the CEO of Green Business Synergy, a company that brings business together for sustainable energy solutions and projects.

He consults to companies and organisations such as the SAEE, Measurement and Verification Council, Energy Saving Company QDM, Microcare Solar Manufacturers and local government.

Jane Griffiths is a television producer, writer, artist and traveller, who has grown organic vegetables and herbs in her Johannesburg garden for 20 years. Her best-selling book Jane’s Delicious Garden has led to a vegetable revolution in South Africa, with thousands of people now following in Jane's green footsteps.

Jeunesse Park established ProGreen, SA’s first environmental communications and public relations company, as well as Food & Trees for Africa and has won many awards. She continues her work as a social activator with the African Climate Reality Project.

Kevin James Kevin James is a sustainable business strategist and futurist. He applies systems thinking to tackle some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing business today, He believes that the only way to solve the many problems that our current sustainability conundrum presents to us, is to connect the dots between stakeholders, their activities and the various systems within which they all interact.

Richard Duckitt has a BSc in Environmental and Geographical Studies (UCT), an Honors degree in Oceanography and is a registered Green Star Accredited Professional for New Buildings and a Green Star SA Assessor.

Promoting sustainability solutions through an integrated and collaborative approach, he considers how all elements of a building’s design, construction and management work together to meet the needs of its owners, occupants and the environment.

Richard Sherman serves as a technical advisor on multilateral environmental agreements, international environmental governance, climate change and sustainable development. He is a member of South Africa’s Official Negotiating Delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and is currently the Advisor to the Co-Chair of the Board of the Green Climate Fund and is the convenor of the African Group of Negotiators Finance Working Group.

Susanne Karcher is a chemical engineer who runs her own Environmental Consultancy called EnviroSense. Her company specialises in the planning, development and facilitation of tailor-made governmental, industrial/commercial and residential 'Integrated Resource and Waste Management' programmes.

Susanne is also the coordinator and chair(wo) man of the Southern African e-Waste Alliance (SAEWA).

Johan van den Berg is the CEO of the South African

Wind Energy Association, the Chair of the South African Renewable Energy Council and the African Private Sector Focal Point for the Africa-EU Energy Partnership.

A barrister, he has spent 18 years in dispute resolution; environmental mediation; climate change avoidance/ emissions trading; and efforts to deploy renewable energy in Southern Africa.

Prof Mark Swilling is an internationally-recognised expert in sustainable development and is Academic Director of The Sustainability Institute, University of Stellenbosch. Swilling has published eight edited and co-authored books, over 54 book chapters, 37 articles in refereed journals, and compiled 22 major technical reports.

Lise Pretorius is a sustainability economist at GCX Africa and heads up the Sustainable Investment division. Lise has worked on various sustainable investment/economics projects in South Africa, the UK, and Bhutan. She was previously a senior writer at Financial Mail – mostly on energy and sustainability issues – and still likes to write about things to do with new economic thinking. She has a masters degree in Environmental Economics from the London School of Economics.

Bernard Jacobs is water management specialist and associate at GCX Africa. He has been involved in the development of global water treatment solutions for the marine and potable water sector for the last 14 years. His financial background coupled with the legislative requirements for international approvals of the water systems, test facilities and regulative water standards has established him as an authority on the design, implementation and management of water related challenges.

Mark Ledger is a water management specialist and associate at GCX Africa. Mark is a highly qualified and experienced water management professional. He holds a BSc Chem Micro degree from UCT and has over 20 years in the field of industrial water treatment and water resource management. Companies he has worked with include Anikem. Chemical Services Group, Nalco Chemserve, Nalco Global, Ondeo Nalco, ImproChem and besides being part of GCX expert advisory panel he is also the managing partner of Agua Africa / Liquid Science.

Mark Matthews is a proudly South African earth observation scientist and entrepreneur specialising in the detection of harmful cyanobacteria blooms from space. Mark is an honorary research associate at the university of Cape Town and is registered as a professional natural scientist.

He is the founder and director of CyanoLakes, a startup company aimed at significantly advancing the use of earth observation for monitoring harmful cyanobacteria blooms and eutrophication in the world’s lakes.

Carole Knight is a freelance environmental writer with specialisations in sustainability, emerging trends, and globalisation. She lives in the Western Cape of South Africa. The website for BirdLife South Africa is www.birdlife.org.za

Jaco Du Toit holds a BA and an MPhil from Stellenbosch University. He has lectured on Decision Making Theory and Economics and completed research projects on solar energy for local government and business. He currently works for WWF International as a Programme Manager in the Global Climate and Energy Initiative, primarily on policy coordination and team management for the WWF delegation to the UNFCCC.

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www . simplygreen . co . z a 9 SG

N ews 5 reasons not to underestimate the power of plants and trees We humans have a wide range of feelings about members of the kingdom Plantae, from total disregard to thinking they are clever friends, but what does science have to say about our botanical cohabitants? This is what the BBC World Service Inquiry program wondered when they asked four scientists what they thought about plants. Here are their responses: 1. Plants could be cognitive and intelligent Professor Stefano Mancuso runs the International Laboratory for Plant Neurobiology at the University of Florence. In an experiment with two climbing plants, they found that both competed for a single support when it was placed between them. The plant that didn’t make it to the pole first immediately 'sensed' the other plant had succeeded and started to find an alternative. 'This was astonishing and it demonstrates the plants were aware of their physical environment and the behaviour of the other plant. In animals we call this consciousness. We are convinced that plants are cognitive and intelligent.'

2. They're all brain; and we're dependent on them Mancuso continues, 'Plants distribute all along the body the functions that in animals are concentrated in single organs.

Whereas in animals almost the only cells producing electrical signals are in the brain, the plant is a kind of distributed brain in which almost every cell is able to produce them.'

Underestimating plants can be very dangerous, he says, 'because our life depends on plants and our actions are destroying their environments.'

3. They could be sentient beings Professor of Forest Ecology in the Department Of Forest and Conservation Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Suzanne Simard talks about the ways in which trees are linked together underground. 'We grew Douglas fir in a neighbourhood of strangers and its own kin and found that they can recognise their own kin and we also grew Douglas fir and ponderosa pine together. We injured the Douglas fir by pulling its needles off and by attacking it with western spruce bud worm, and it then sent a lot of carbon in its network into the neighbouring ponderosa pine. My interpretation was

the Douglas fir knew it was dying and wanted to pass its legacy of carbon on to its neighbour, because that would be beneficial for the associated fungi and the community.

'We haven't treated them with respect that they are sentient beings.'

4. They can help us better understand nature to advance our future Dr Barbara Mazzolai is the co-ordinator at the Centre for Micro-BioRobotics at the Italian Institute of Technology.

She uses plants as a biomimetic starting point to design robots. She says they can use a plant-inspired robot for environmental monitoring, space applications or rescue under debris, because, as she says: 'It can adapt to the environment like a natural system. The robot doesn't have a predefined structure, but can create on the basis of need.

Medical robotics could also be a key application.'

5. Their ability to adapt is crucial for us to learn from Professor Daniel Chamovitz, the Dean of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University, pulls back from declaring that plants are smart. 'Anyone who claims they're studying plant "intelligence" is either trying to be very controversial or is on the borderline of pseudoscience,' he says. But he admits they are exquisitely aware of their environment and how to adapt to that and understanding them is important for our survival.

'We've completely underestimated plants. We look at them as inanimate objects, completely unaware of the amazing, complex biology that allows that plant to survive. If we don’t learn from them,' he says, 'we might find ourselves in a big problem 50 to 100 years from now.'

The great 'green wall' of Africa Eleven African countries (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal) are moving ahead with an ambitious pan-African effort in the Sahel-Saharan region of the continent to protect arable land from the encroaching Sahara desert – by planting trees. The countries came together in 2007 to execute the $2bn dollar project to arrest the creeping desertification in the region. The 15km wide and 7.8km long tree wall will stretch all the way from Senegal in west Africa to Djibouti in the east. The original idea for the tree wall was first proposed by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 and the African Union took it up in 2007. The World Bank helped co-finance it and the UN has been a supporter. Senegal has so far been able to plant over 12 million trees up 150km covering 40 000ha worth of land.

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Power from the people

Disruption: The movie ‘When it comes to climate change, why do we do so little when we know so much?’ Through a relentless investigation to find the answer, Disruption takes an unflinching look at the devastating consequences of our inaction.

The exploration lays bare the terrifying science, the shattered political process, the unrelenting industry special interests and the civic stasis that have brought us to this social, moral and ecological crossroads. The film also takes us behind-the-scenes of the efforts to organise the largest climate rally in the history of the planet during the UN world climate summit.

This is the story of an unique moment in history. We are living through an age of tipping points and rapid social and planetary change. We’re the first generation to feel the impacts of climate disruption, and the last generation that can do something about it. The film enlarges the issue beyond climate impacts and makes a compelling call for bold action that is strong enough to tip the balance to build a clean energy future.

For more and to download the movie click here.

A renewable energy project in Lagos, Nigeria, has taken an incredibly smart — and sporty — approach to people-generated power through the reinvention of the humble soccer pitch.

The people-powered soccer pitch in question, located at the Federal College of Education in Akoka, is the result of two rather unlikely entities, Anglo-Dutch oil behemoth Shell and frequently shirtless 'Smack That' rapper Akon, coming together for a single good cause. Grammy-nominated Akon, a St Louis-born Senegalese-American hip-hop star-turned-solar entrepreneur, has dedicated much of his recent energy to Akon Lighting Africa, an organisation dedicated to spearheading various electricityproviding clean energy projects across Africa. For the project, Akon and Shell collaborated with Pavegen, a lauded British clean tech startup and self-described 'market leader in the footfall energy harvesting sector' headed by Laurence Kemball-Cook.

While the recently unveiled Lagos project isn’t the first of its kind in the world – nor the largest – it is a first for Africa, a continent that’s seen a flurry of sustainable energy projects that aim to help bring light to communities where it’s needed most.

With 100 energy-harnessing tiles hidden away under the artificial turf (the Rio installation, by comparison, has 200), the soccer pitch at the Federal College of Education helps to power floodlights that illuminate the grounds at night along with supplementary help from an on-site solar array. Normally, the area is plunged into darkness after the sun sets while the college itself is powered by polluting diesel generators. The very hustle of the players that use the field has, in effect, rendered the pitch a safer and more accessible place for all.

'City of Habitarbres' One of the biggest and most pressing issues today is making our cities more livable, efficient and self-sufficient – especially as urbanisation is projected to increase dramatically in the next few decades. For more than 30 years, Belgian architect Luc Schuiten has taken a visionary approach to rethinking cities, in a biomimetic fashion. In his lush and fantastical renderings of what he calls 'vegetal cities', urban centres are transformed into living, responsive architectures that merge nature with the man-made.

Watch Schuiten's speech above to hear his incredible take on future living (turn on subtitles in the video's settings).

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N ews SA cities score at COP21 The City of Cape Town and Johannesburg have been named international winners for climate action at the Paris Climate Conference (COP21).

The City of Cape Town was presented with the C40 Cities Award for 'Adaptation Implementation', recognising the City’s Water Conservation and Demand Management (WCWDM) Programme, while Johannesburg was the winner in the Finance and Development category for its Green Bond initiative.

The two cities were Africa’s only winners. The C40 Cities Awards spans 10 categories, all recognising cities demonstrating 'climate action leadership', this according the awards’ website.

The WCWDM programme began in 2007 and focuses on water conservation and water demand management, aiming to minimise water waste and promoting the efficient use of water. It includes raising public awareness, free of charge plumbing repairs for low-income households, and the training of 'community plumbers'.

Johannesburg’s award-winning Green Bond is a funding model for green projects which previously did not have any financing and could thus not be implemented.

What lies beneath?

Geologists studying satellite imagery of the remote Princess Elizabeth Land in East Antarctica, one of the largest unsurveyed land surfaces on Earth, have discovered evidence of a massive subglacial canyon system buried beneath the ice.

Tipped off by the physical hints, the team of researchers utilised radio-echo sounding to pull back the white curtain and peer through the ice. What they found is an absolute monstrosity of geology, a canyon system believed to be more than 1 096km long and as much as a kilometre deep.

In some places, the measurements failed simply because they were too deep to be recorded.

Should the initial study's results be verified, the Princess Elizabeth canyon system will take the title of largest ever discovered, dwarfing the Grand Canyon and stealing the crown from Greenland's Grand Canyon, itself buried under thick ice. A more comprehensive radio-echo sounding analysis of the remote region is expected to be completed later this year.

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This new matter matters

Researchers at Japan's Tohoku University are making a bold claim: an entirely new state of matter. The team, led

by Kosmas Prassides, says they've created what's called a Jahn-Teller metal by inserting rubidium, a strange alkali metal element, into buckyballs, a pure carbon structure which has a spherical shape from a series of interlocking polygons. While combining buckyballs and rubidium, the researchers created a complex crystalline structure that seemed to conduct, insulate and magnetise while acting as a metal. According to the researchers, It goes far beyond what ordinary matter can do. Applying pressure to the compound when it's in the conductor/insulator phase turns it into the weird state of matter, and also makes it superconductive at (relatively) high temperatures.

Understanding and then mastering high-temperature superconductors, which this strange state of matter could help researchers to do, could make all sorts of new things possible in computing, transportation and infrastructure among others.

Leo the Eco-hero

Leonardo DiCaprio announced that his foundation will be give more than $15m to fast-track cutting edge sustainability and conservation projects around the world, during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

While giving an acceptance speech for the Crystal Award (which celebrates the achievements of leading artists who have shown exemplary commitment to improving the state of the world), Dicaprio shared his astonishment at seeing ancient glaciers rapidly disappearing while travelling making a new documentary on how the climate crisis is changing the natural balance of our planet. 'We simply cannot afford to allow the corporate greed of the coal, oil and gas industries to determine the future of humanity.

Those entities with a financial interest in preserving this destructive system have denied – and even covered-up – the evidence of our changing climate. Enough is enough.

You know better. The world knows better. History will place the blame for this devastation squarely at their feet.'

DiCaprio announced that his grants will support projects that have expanded protected areas on land and at sea, protecting iconic endangered species and empowered indigenous communities to fight back against corporate encroachment on their lands for the past decade. The donations are divided up among a number of organisations: $6m to Oceana and Skytruth for Global Fishing Watch; $1m to the Nature Conservancy for its Seychelles debt-for-nature swap project; $3.2m to Rainforest Action Network and Haka to protect the Sumatran rainforest, $3.4m to Clearwater and the Ceibo Alliance in South America; and $1.5m to the Solutions Project.

'We simply cannot afford to allow the corporate greed of the coal, oil and gas industries to determine the future of humanity.'

'Our oil-based society depends on non-renewable resources. It requires relentless probing into vast reaches of pristine land, sacrificing vital bioregions, and irreplaceable cultures.

The possibility of catastrophic climate change is substantially increased by the 40 million barrels of oil burned every day by vehicles. We must all move shoulder to shoulder in a unified front to show this administration that the true majority of people are willing to vote for a cleaner environment and won't back down.'

– Leonardo DiCaprio

TRUTH IN PICTURES 'When the Last Tree Is Cut Down, the Last Fish Eaten, and the Last Stream Poisoned, You Will Realise That You Cannot Eat Money.' This prophecy is becoming a more and more brutal reality. But, even today, not every person is aware of the horrible effects our lifestyles have on nature. Hefty.com recently published a series of evocative photographs that will leave you speechless. We will share a few of them over the next few editions.

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The SA Eco Film Festival will take place at the Labia Theatre in Cape Town and will aim to bring you a world-class programme of beautifully shot and engaging short and feature-length films exploring a wide range of environmental topics. And in 2016 we'll be bringing you some environmental surprises too, under the theme 'Future Possible' With the festival growing each year, we're experimenting a little with Multiple screenings, a focus on local content in our shorts and the very first SA Directors Showcase.

Like us on Facebook, we'll be doing some fun thing's there too: www.facebook.com/ecofilmsa

LANDFILL HARMONIC

BIKES VS CARS

RACING EXTINCTION

HOPE FOR ALL

Preceded by Short Film: Sak en Pak (SA)

Preceded by Short Film: Unwieldy Beast

Preceded by Short Film: Vulture Culture (SA)

Preceded by Short Film: The Spinach King (SA)

Thursday 1 April 18:15 Saturday 2 April 12:00

Friday 1 April 18:15 Sunday 3 April 12:00

Saturday 2 April 14:00 Sunday 3 April 16:00

Sunday 3 April 14:00

Full Programme and Festival Time Table available for download at saecofilmfestival.com TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WEBTICKETS.CO.ZA

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AFRISAM-SAIA AWARD 4 SUSTAINABLE ARCHITEC TURE + INNOVATION

THE WORLD NEEDS VISIONARIES. WE RECOGNISE THEM. Online entries for the 2015/16 AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture + Innovation are open for submissions in four categories:

• • • •

Sustainable Architecture Research in Sustainability Sustainable Products and Technology Sustainable Social Programmes

ENTER NOW ENTRIES CLOSE 24 MARCH 2016

Visit our website

sustainabledesign.co.za for all the details

4SA4tmrw

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@4SA4tmrw

Feature

The global

water crisis is here already

The day we started writing this story there was no water at our office in Westlake. There was no water in the block of offices; or in the office park; or in the entire suburb. As a consultancy whose main inputs are computers and human capital, the effect of this supply disruption was mere inconvenience. But for sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining and industry, where water is indispensable for production, a day without water could mean millions in lost revenue. Lise Pretorius and Mark Ledger of GCX Africa report.

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In 2015, only 403mm of rain fell on South African soil (on average) according to the country's weather service – the lowest rainfall in over 100 years.

T

he risk of days like this is becoming a fact

sanitation services to 768m people and 2.5bn people

of life as the demand for water continues

respectively, while at the same time supporting the

to grow. In many regions around the world, the

growth of economic activity. Water consumption

confluence of economic, urban and population

by energy may need to increase by 85% by 2035 to

growth, combined with an emerging middle class

keep up with energy demand. Irrigated agriculture,

demanding improved services, means that almost

which gobbles up 70% of freshwater globally, will

exponentially more people are starting to demand

need to use 15% more water to feed some 9bn

water-intensive foods and products. At the same

people by 2050. These sectors will also impact water

time, urban sanitation and treatment systems often

quality through their usage, further exasperating

can't keep up with the amount of waste water

the pressures.

going into them. Add to this that climate change is rendering floods and droughts the norm, and

The local challenge

it is not hard to understand why, by 2030, global

In South Africa, the global challenge is amplified.

demand is likely to outstrip supply by 50%.

Average annual rainfall is around 464mm compared

The challenge has become so pressing that the

to the global average of 860mm, making this a

World Economic Forum (WEF) named water as one of

relatively water-scarce country. The added effects

its top challenges in 2013 and 2014, and it reached

of climate change and this year's extreme El Niño

the top of the list last year. This year WEF recognised

event have lead to five SA provinces being declared

it as the defining risk of the next decade.

drought disaster areas, with others severely affected

Nature of water

rainfall in Southern Africa while climate change

To understand the implications of this, we need

causes more extreme and variable rainfall patterns).

only to take a moment to think about the nature of

In 2015, only 403mm of rain fell on South African

water. Water is indispensable to economic activity,

soil (on average) according to the country's weather

but more importantly, to all life on earth. There are

service – the lowest rainfall in over 100 years. On

also no substitutes or alternatives. In other words,

top of this, ever-increasing pollutants in our rivers,

the one resource needed for human survival and

neglected infrastructure, and a lack of capacity and

progress, and which has no substitute, is becoming

skills are putting strain on what is left. The result

increasingly scarce and of increasingly poor quality.

is that demand has already outstripped available

This makes the water crisis unique.

supply in Gauteng, and is projected to do so

The result will be felt in competition for water

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by water shortages (El Niño causes a reduction in

nationally by 2025.

between countries; between communities and

Addressing these challenges will put huge

sectors within countries; and between companies

strain on the public purse – current infrastructure

within sectors. There will also be tradeoffs between

challenges alone will cost the Department of Water

economic and social goals as governments are

Affairs an estimated R671bn. This will be passed on

expected to increase the reach of water and

through higher water tariffs for all users – domestic,

Vulnerable communities are already feeling the social, economic and environmental consequences of what is nothing less than a national disaster.

industrial and commercial.

become less reliant on water; or as McKinsey has

Vulnerable communities and economic sectors

argued, they are going to have to start doing more

are already feeling the social, economic and

with less. But what has the business response been?

environmental consequences of what is nothing less than a national disaster. In some parts of the

The response

country communities have gone weeks without

The latest CDP Water Report for South Africa

water, with News24 reporting cases of people

– an investor initiative to understand water-risk

turning to drinking sewerage water. Food price

in JSE-listed companies – suggests a sluggish

increases are predicted to go well past 10% as

recognition of water risk in corporate South Africa.

shortages have forced the importation of staples

In all, 58 companies were asked to respond to a

such as maize.

questionnaire; only 32 responded. Given that these

Ongoing water challenges will affect all business

companies were chosen due to their vulnerability to

in one way or another – through supply disruptions,

and impact on South Africa's water challenges, we

floods or droughts, deteriorating quality, price

were intrigued by the lack of response. After all, the

increases, or other user regulations. There are also

platform is one of the first that allows businesses to

less obvious risks like operation shut downs due

report their exposure to water in a way that assists

to competing interests for water rights between

them in identifying risks and risk exposure.

industry agriculture, and local communities. Both

Through engagements with industry we have

Pepsi and Coca-Cola learned this the hard way when

learned that there is still a general sense of willful

in 2007 they lost their social license to operate in

disbelief about the crisis. There is also uncertainty

parts of India.

around what value can be gained from understanding

Closer to home, the unreliability of re-supply of

the implications of water for business risk. Perhaps

the national water reserves has been an evident and

more fundamentally, many companies just do not

growing concern for some years, while recycling

have the relevant data to meaningfully understand –

and sanitation capacity has diminished: extreme

let alone report on – their risks.

flooding forced Sasol to shut down its Synfuels

That being said, those that did respond gave a

plants at Secunda in 2010, causing R130m in

clear message: 90% are exposed to risks in their

losses; water scarcity in the Garden Route area saw

direct operations; and 57% to risks in their supply

a PetroSA shutdown; and, since 2014, we have been

chains.

experiencing contaminated municipal supplies in

As for the rest of the over 400 listed companies

growing number of towns and regions all across

on the JSE, as well as thousands of private companies,

the country.

the extent of preparedness for the physical,

South African business is inescapably intertwined

regulatory, and reputational risks around water

with this reality – businesses both impact and are

remains unknown. In our experience with a wide

impacted by the quality and availability of water. To

range of clients and industries, many companies

continue operating, businesses are going to have to

have not yet responded with the level of urgency

19 S G

that a crisis of this magnitude and seriousness should inspire.

To understand why, we need to look at the drivers for corporate action on water: cost, risk, and sustainability.

Cost Cost has always been, and will always be, a key driver for corporate action on water. Almost all companies that have implemented water solutions to date have done so to save operating costs. To date the business risk has largely been seen as the embedded cost of water, and therefore risk mitigation responses have mostly been geared towards lowering this bill. But while these initiatives

While holistic water management strategies that integrate cost savings, risk mitigation, and sustainability in context are rare, many companies have started on this journey in one way or another.

Any reason – even if it is experiencing a water-related impact – is a good reason to start this journey.

have a positive impact on the bottom line, they cannot guarantee that the taps won't run dry. In

or contaminated areas. While this can be an

this sense, it is now becoming clear that water is a

uncomfortable realisation, it is also critical business

strategic risk factor for business, rather than just a

intelligence.

To add to the complexity, some of the most

cost to be controlled.

material risks can and do originate outside of the

Risk

boundaries of any one organisation. For many

A risk-based approach goes one step further. It

large companies, the majority of water embedded

asks the following question: if there was no water in

in their products is attributable to suppliers, which

your operations for 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week, what

often span international boarders. The question

would it cost your business? For some industries

then becomes: what happens to your business if

the answer would be shocking. This translation of

a supplier faces water disruptions or water quality

water risk into rands and cents begins to uncover

issues?

the true cost of water. This approach also goes

Understanding the true risks of water – the

beyond merely trying to reduce the utility bill and

risks beyond the utility bill – can leave directors of

attempts to understand how water supply, quality,

companies in a difficult position. It now becomes a

regulations and prices can put entire business

fiduciary duty to address them, but to successfully

processes at risk.

do so requires more than just installing waterless

The first step is simply to identify and understand company – and sector-specific risks. Questions to ask include: where does my water come from? Is

– comes in.

the quality of the source water reliable? How much

Sustainability

water does my organisation use? How much water

Sustainability refers to the ability of solutions to

will we use in the next 2, 5, or 10 years? Where and

provide longevity for business and its stakeholders.

how is my water discharged and what impact do I

This is about integrating the use of and impact on

have on the resulting quality?

water with land, energy, waste, and local social and

Of

S G 20

urinals. This is where the third driver – sustainability

course,

a

company

can

have

two

economic contexts, with the aim of maximising

manufacturing plants with exactly the same answers

economic, social, and ecological values. The aim is

to the above but in completely different contexts.

to create systems, ecosystems, and infrastructure

What really matters, then, is where your current

required to support businesses and societies in the

and planned operations are based geographically

long run.

and whether water availability and quality in these

This context-driven approach is based on the

areas are in line with your demand expectations.

fact that it is too late to simply conserve our way

Perhaps you will uncover that 80% of your revenue

out of water scarcity. Conservation is about using

comes from operations in extremely water-scarce

less water as an input and discharging less water as

a byproduct. But given the increasing population,

water-harvesting solutions, are already in

urbanisation, and demand dynamics that will play

development and have proven viable in certain

out in the coming years and decades, even our best

conditions.

efforts at becoming more efficient will still result in increased demand for water in absolute terms.

The opportunity

If we are to lift millions out of poverty and give all

While

citizens access to toilets and showers, for example,

that integrate cost savings, risk mitigation, and

the conservation equation will never work out.

sustainability in context are rare, many companies

holistic

water

management

strategies

have started on this journey in one way or another.

A water scarce future

Any reason – even if it is experiencing a water-related

If we are to truly find solutions that will allow us all to thrive in a water scarce future, two things need

impact – is a good reason to start this journey.

But the business case for water stewardship

to happen simultaneously:

changes significantly when the question changes.

•

The first is that we need to implement a

The main question for determining a payback

circular approach to water management; we

period for water-related capital investment is not

need to reuse, recycle, and even to create new

how much money you'll save on current water

sources of water through technologies like

consumption, but rather what would it cost you

desalination. This will allow us to continue

if you didn't have water at all. As water-risk and

creating economic and social value with a

sustainability increasingly make their way onto

given supply of water. Initiatives based on

boardroom tables, companies will be pushed further

a combination of conservation, reuse and

along the journey of integrated water management.

recycling will assist in reducing both demand

•

Companies

wishing

to

get

a

handle

on

for water and discharge volumes. This will

their risks and opportunities can start with the

lighten the load on our crumbling wastewater

disclosure process through CDP Water. The scoring

facilities' capacity-stretched infrastructure. But

methodology is about supporting progress towards

this alone will not save us from water scarcity.

water stewardship, so companies should use this

The second half of the solution is ensuring that

as a benchmark and guide, and approach it with

technologies used are sustainable. Almost all

a no-judgment mind-frame. Disclosure is merely

technical solutions are energy-intensive, which

about gaining insights into the current state of

means we cannot solve the water crisis except

things, which is already one step further than many

through sustainable investment in renewable

businesses currently go. Awareness, management,

energy technologies. Some of these renewable

leadership, and, ultimately, resilience all follow on

energy-linked solutions, as well as innovative

from there.

SG

wATER TARIFFS UP BY 20% environment COSTS

landfill fees development

CHANGE Is the only CONSTANT aquaculture biomass windpower FIND THE RIGHT STRATEGY solar sustainable agriculture supply chain

optimisation

systems thinking

zerogreen economy www.gcxafrica.co.za

Innovation waste aquaponics

WASTE DISPOSAL FEES ARE UP 34% CARBON REDUCTION BY 2020

ESG WASTE MANAGEMENT

risk

biomimicry water

compliance

renewable

energy verification

carbon

tax

climate change

efficiency

circular economy carbon neutral

waste

CDP Carbon penalties

responsibility

SUSTAINABILITY strategy resource scarcity

bio-energy

Legislation

Policy

9.8% ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE

21 S G

W ater

SA's

Blue-Green Pr S G 22

roblem

At a time when much of South Africa is experiencing a crippling drought – the worst on record – it is difficult to swallow that 62% of the country's freshwater is, quite simply, toxic.

Mark Matthews reports.

23 S G

A 

fter decades of all sorts of waste water

drinking water across the entire country. It also

being discharged into SA's rivers and

makes treating water much more difficult as cells

dams, a build-up of nutrients from

build up in the water and release toxic compounds

fertilisers, households, and industrial wastewater

when treated.

has exceeded nature's capacity to maintain its

Apart from the obvious environmental impacts,

natural nutrient balance. In theory, all effluent must

eutrophication – and its sidekick cyanobacteria – is

be treated to a certain standard that is in line with

a significant economic burden. It affects the cost

keeping this balance, but often it is not (see story

of water treatment (which is already costly and

pg17).

over-burdened); it has negative effects on water-side phosphorus

property values; it impacts recreational use of water

from detergents are two of the main causes of

and therefore tourism; and it worsens public health

'eutrophication'. Just how 'trophic' water is depends

from its association with diarrhea, cholera, and

on how enriched with nutrients it is. Water can

other water-borne diseases.

Nitrogen

from

fertilisers

and

be 'oligotrophic' (little-nourished), 'mesotrophic'

The economic cost of eutrophication is likely to

(medium-nourished), 'eutrophic' (well-nourished)

extend to hundreds of millions of rands per year,

or 'hypertrophic' (very well-nourished). The latter

and although it will affect all levels of society, the

two are the problem and describe the majority of

livelihoods and health of the poor and vulnerable

the country's water supply. Consequences include

will be hardest hit. Studies in the USA and Great

taste and odour problems, dying fish, and loss of

Britain found that the cost of eutrophication was

biodiversity.

greater than $2.2bn per year in 2009, and $160m per year in 2003 respectively.

Cyanobacteria Eutrophic and hypertrophic waters also create

SA situation

the perfect breeding ground for cyanobacteria, or

But how dire is the situation in South Africa? Until

blue-green algae. This is more than just a green

recently, the monitoring of water quality in SA

nuisance; it poses significant health risks. Some

has been dependent on taking samples of surface

species contain toxins that are fatal when ingested

water quality from around 160 dams, lakes, and

in large quantities by humans or animals. Poisonings

rivers every month. But the efficacy of this method

of domestic and wild animals by cyanobacterial

is under pressure from rising costs of sampling,

toxins are widespread and threaten the supply of

limited budgets, an uneven distribution of skills and

Recent advances in space technology and remote sensing have made it possible to monitor eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms from space. Supplementing national and local government statistics with this data can help us to get a clearer picture of the country's water quality.

S G 24

laboratories, and the need to constantly sample

targeting isolated cases that are most impacted,

more widely. Recent advances in space technology

such as Hartebeespoort Dam. Secondly, a number

and remote sensing have made it possible to

of Catchment Management Agencies have been

monitor eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms

set up to deal with catchment scale problems like

from space. Supplementing national and local

eutrophication. While these can play a key role

government statistics with this data can help us to

going forward, not all have been established and

get a clearer picture of the country's water quality.

those that have are not yet mature.

Using this technology, 50 of South Africa's

The reality is that government is facing

largest water bodies were studied in almost-real-time

significant constraints. The success of interventions

from 2002 to 2012. They were analysed for their

is limited by stretched resources, a high staff

chlorophyll levels (a proxy for eutrophication), their

turnover rate, tightening budgets and rising costs.

cyanobacteria area coverage, and instances where concentrations of cyanobacteria pose extremely

Big business's role

high health risks.

What is needed is a more concentrated effort from

In most cases the findings were broadly aligned

all players; one that focuses on proactive solutions

with national data. Of the 50 water bodies, 36

rather than remedial ones. Big business has both

were hypertrophic and three were eutrophic.

the capacity and responsibility to innovate to find

Cyanobacterial blooms were identified in all 50

solutions. Legislation and appropriate regulations

of the water bodies. Five of these had visible

must also create the appropriate incentives.

cyanobacteria covering more than 30% of their

We can start with the most impacted catchments

surface area (including Hartebeespoort Dam with a

and come up with holistic strategies for these

shocking 48.5%). The Barberspan and Koppies dams

catchments. Are the farmers in the area educated

were also severely impacted with an average area

about their impact? Are local agencies adequately

coverage greater than 45%. Lake Chrissiesmeer,

funded and resourced? How can we engage with

Spitskop and Vaal dams were also heavily impacted

sources of nutrients such as agricultural feedlots

with close to 30% average coverage. Cyanobacteria

or water treatment works?

blooms posing a high health risk were recorded in 26 of the 50 water bodies in varying extents.

Of course, there is an urgent need to get our non-functional water treatment works functioning

But some of the results differed from national

properly, but we also need to reduce the amount

data. The Vaal Dam, for example, was found not to

of nutrients coming into them. Particularly, an

be the rosy picture suggested by national quality

active commitment to reduce runoff and the use

tests.

of fertilisers is needed from the agricultural sector.

Across all quality measures, the most impacted

We can optimise water treatment systems by

reservoir was Hartbeespoort, which may come

harnessing the power of nature itself. For example,

as no surprise to anyone familiar with area. This

by putting water through biological filters such

reservoir is hypertrophic and heavily impacted

as wetlands before applying chemical treatment,

by frequent and extensive cyanobacterial blooms

we can significantly reduce the pressure on our

and often exceedingly dangerous concentrations.

reservoirs and river systems. This is one of the

These findings support many studies which have

cleanest and most cost-effective solutions.

found this reservoir to be one of the most affected in the world.

Consequences

Water investment What is ultimately required of all South Africans is a greater appreciation of what our natural water

These findings have significant consequences

resources mean for our livelihoods. That water is

for potable, recreational and agricultural uses.

the one input into all life and economic activity that

Government is attempting to tackle the problem

has no substitute is enough of a business case for

on two main fronts. Firstly, remediation plans are

investing in solutions.

SG

25 S G

W ater

?

How does SA shape up in water stakes

S G 26

?

As global demand for water starts to outstrip supply, efforts to become more efficient are intensifying. But this can only ever be part of the solution. In the coming years, as a growing proportion of a growing population enters the middle class, absolute demand for water will almost certainly rise no matter how efficient we become. Lise Pretorius and Bernard Jacobs of GCX Africa report.

T 

he only way out of the water crunch we are facing is innovation. Not only do we need to develop affordable technologies that will allow us to reuse and recycle

water sources, these technologies must also be powered by energy sources which themselves do not put undue demand on water, do not compete with other sectors' energy needs, and do not contribute to climate change.

Like with many innovations, countries that have already felt the urgency of severe scarcity are leading the way in finding solutions. This is certainly the driver behind Israel's, Singapore's and Namibia's leadership in this space.

Israel For Israel, efforts to accelerate solutions in an already water-stressed country were spurred during the seven year drought that started in 2005. Through a combination of desalinating Mediterranean Sea water and recycling waste water, the country now has enough water to meet its needs, even in the face of drought. Today, according to The New York Times, over half of Israel's water used by households, agriculture and industry, is produced 'artificially' – 86% domestic water is treated and reused in agriculture, for example. To put this into perspective, the country with the second highest reuse rate is Spain at 17%.

Singapore For Singapore the driver for innovation was more independence from Malaysia. Despite high rainfall, the densely-populated nation has little space to collect and store rainwater and has therefore been dependent in imports from its neighbour. Under a programme called NEWater, the country further purifies treated waste water to make it safe to drink. This already makes up 30% of Singapore's water needs. Desalination meets another 25%.

Namibia In Namibia, where evaporation exceeds rainfall, water authorities have for decades been turning sewerage into drinking water at the Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant in Windhoek.

Following an upgrade in 2002, the now high-technology plant is set to remain a global leader in potable water research and technology.

South Africa Solutions for South Africa must take into a variety of factors including cost, energy demands, energy type, and accessibility.

In this context, how viable are some of the leading technologies discussed above?

In terms of treatment technologies for re-using water, the

27 S G

economics of water innovation look a little different in SA. The costs for treating water are generally very high, while the option exists for organisations to pay a fine to the municipalities rather than to treat effluent water that comes from their production processes. As long as this balance exists, it becomes difficult to find the business case for capital expenditure for water treatment initiatives.

A further problem is that the municipalities have become used to receiving the income from the fines and would find it difficult to operate without this additional income source.

The upshot is that water municipal treatment plants are put under extra strain and are unable to treat these volumes of wastewater. A surplus of untreated water is therefore landing up back in our water sources without being treated. This is one of the major causes of South Africa's cyanobacteria crisis (see page 22). Solutions were being developed through a partnership between the University of Johannesburg and Israel's Ben-Gurion University – which has expertise in this space – but this partnership was severed in 2011 due to political reasons.

The obvious solution to solve this would be to find innovative ways to treat water that are cost-effective.

Treatment technologies Viable treatment technologies are already emerging and being implemented where the business case makes sense. For example, trickling filter technologies are able to treat domestic or industrial waste water to standards safe for re-use in agricultural or industrial processes or for potable use. Home-grown innovations include HWT's SOG filter treatment plants, which use earthworms, fungus, and bacteria to treat sewerage.

The technology allows sewerage to drip through layers of this biological filtration system, cleaning it such that when this water reaches the bottom it is sufficiently cleansed to be ready to be re-directed for its next use.

Desalination & renewable energy Desalination has traditionally been an extremely energy-intensive water solution, with energy costs accounting for up to half of the cost of desalination.

Until recently, this has meant that renewable energy sources have not been viable. This has made desalination a difficult sell in energy-stressed

S G 28

No single entity or technology will be able to solve SA's water issues.

Individuals, all levels of government, and private and public companies will all have to work together to achieve a sustainable solution to the crisis this country is facing.

countries, while going forward it would also be impossible to reconcile with climate change mitigation efforts. But with advances in both renewable energy technologies and with desalination technologies becoming more energy-efficient, this is changing.

It has now become viable, for example, to produce fresh water from sea or brackish water using the energy of the sun alone. On its own, desalination was already a game-changing solution for water-starved areas like the Middle East and North Africa (the most water scarce areas on Earth). But given that many of the direst places on Earth also have the highest potential for solar power, this could be a global game-changer if the economics are right. Saudi Arabia (which runs 38% of global desalination capacity) is at the forefront of investment into solutions that merge solar energy and desalination technologies.

Other areas investigating solar desalination include Australia, Chile and California.

SA desalinisation South Africa already has at least 13 publicly-run sea-water desalination plants, as well as a few privately-owned plants which treat brackish water from industrial use. All of these are fossil fuel-based, which makes the water they produce vulnerable to energy price increases. Local research has been looking at whether there are optimal combinations of renewable energies and desalination, and while not yet competitive with municipal water rates, this is expected to change as water starts reflecting its true cost and as renewable energies become more efficient.

What's next?

No single entity or technology will be able to solve SA's water issues. Individuals, all levels of government, and private and public companies will all have to work together to achieve a sustainable solution to the crisis this country is facing. Some of the solutions will be structural or technical, such as infrastructure systems that allow us to separate potable from other water (so that we no longer flush our toilets with drinking water); some of them will be behavioural; some of them will be about getting the business case right.

Maybe the silver lining of the current drought is that it will get us thinking out the box – if business as usual is based on the assumption of cheap and available water, what will business unusual look like?

SG

29 S G

S G 30

One Of Key Challenges

Misleading Information

W ater

The formation of the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) in 1997 addressed the biggest challenges facing the fledgling industry at that time, namely a lack of standards and legislative uncertainty. We take a look.

F

SANBWA,

food and beverage contact by the FDA and similar

and in line with international trends,

regulatory agencies throughout the world. It is

the Department of Health drew up new

biologically inert if ingested and used for packaging

legislation specific to the bottled (packaged) water

for many foods, including everything from ketchup,

industry based on the Codex Alimentarius. This

peanut butter, soft drinks, and juices to beer, wine

legislation classified bottled water as a food product

and spirits.

ollowing

representation

from

category of its own, and is therefore regulated by the Department of Health as such.

It means that, for the first time, all enterprises in

Myth 4: The bottled water industry is a poor user of water resources

the country producing bottled water for sale to the

Bottled water production in South Africa is a very

public were officially regulated and monitored by

water-efficient business in that it has an extremely

the Department of Health. It also means that South

low 'water usage' factor (how much water is used

Africa has amongst the best legislation in the world

to make a finished product). The measure includes

when it comes to the packaged water industry.

both direct and indirect water usage (in the bottled

And, that the challenges facing the industry have

water industry, that would be water for rinsing

changed.

and sanitising bottles, plant and general cleaning

The key challenge SANBWA faces today is

and sanitation, vehicle washing, floor washing,

misinformation. Despite the fact that bottled

toilets etc) and includes water from boreholes and

water is one of the safest, healthiest and most

municipal sources.

environmentally-friendly packaged beverages in the

The local industry benchmark is 1.8:1 (there

retailer's fridge, its detractors persist in repeating

are plants that achieve ratios of as low as 1.3 – 1.4

disproved data and blatantly incorrect facts,

by recycling their bottle rinse water). This means

according to CEO Charlotte Metcalf.

it takes 1.8 litres of water to 'make' 1l of bottled water, equivalent to 1kg. 'Manufacturing' 1kg of

Myth 1: Bottle or tap, never both

beef takes 16 000l of water, 1kg of maize 900l and

One of the biggest misconceptions about bottled

one cup of coffee 140l.

water is that people drink it instead of tap water, most people who drink bottled water also drink

Myth 5: All water sold in a bottle is the same

tap water, and they choose accessible, calorie-free

Not all water sold in a bottle is governed by the

bottled water as an alternative to less healthy

same legislation. When a shop or a restaurant fills a

packaged drinks.

customer's own container with water (as can happen

which is not the case. Research in the US shows

in settlements where the reticulated water supply is

Myth 2: Bottled water is not necessarily pure

sporadic or residents don't like its taste or believe

Locally, about 90% of bottled water producers belong

water', and is not subject to legislation. However,

to SANBWA and they are required to subscribe to

should a shop or restaurant fill their own containers

SANBWA's stringent standards. Developed over many

with water and seal those containers, the product

years and based on wide review and consultation,

is regarded as 'packaged water'. Under South Africa

this single standard benchmarks favourably against

law this means it is a food (see above), falls under

international standards and provides existing and

the auspices of the Department of Health, and must

new bottlers with a vision for future improvements.

comply with all requirements including tamper

it to be contaminated), this is regarded as 'drinking

proof seals, hygienic filling area, periodic testing

Myth 3: PET bottles leach carcinogenic substances

regime, batch labelling, and so on.

SG

The myth that PET (polyethylene terephthalate) leaches carcinogenic substances into bottled water stems from a concern about phthalates and BPA – which do not exist in PET. PET is approved as safe for

Further Reading 1. Thoroughly debunked as a junk science 2. SANBWA's stringent standards

The feature has been made possible with kind assistance of SANBWA 31 S G

W ater

Water in SA John Lucas is an award-winning nature conservationist, photographer, educator and youth developer, as well as the founder of explore4knowledge.

He has found that the need for conservation in some instances is not purchasing land, fencing animals in and protecting vanishing species. Instead he sees the importance and need for the understanding of holistic systems, community-based conservation initiatives and connectivity through all industries for a common goal. His company has various projects to promote a better understanding of the planet's vanishing resources.

In this article he explains what these projects have been doing for the last few years.

E 

arth is known as the blue planet with 97% of its surface being covered with water, though only 3% of the

water is fresh water. Of that 3% only 0.3% is surface water, 30% is ground water with some 97% of all ground water is available for human consumption. With the number of people on the planet having doubled in the last century alone, the demand for fresh water has increased six-fold. Figures suggest that if the current population growth trend continues that by 2025 as many as 4.2 billion people will be living in countries which will be unable to meet the minimum requirements of 50l of water a day. This means that one

in two Africans will live within an area faced with water scarcity or stress. Considering that Africa has the world’s most unstable rainfall, it is vital that conscious efforts are made in conserving this water and using it in a sustainable manner.

A way of ensuring water safety and security into the future would be to not only look at the river courses or ground water and the human effects on them, but to conserve the water towers of catchment areas. According to the

S G 32

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment any mountains

this number is dwindling. Fresh drinking water is

which act as water towers by storing water in

considered a basic human need globally, but should

glaciers, permafrost, snow-packs, soil or ground

not be treated as a right. For this reason, it is

water are the source of major trans-boundary rivers

essential for consumers to share the responsibility

globally, with most water towers in arid regions

for water usage, using it efficiently and with little or

providing 70-95% of water to the downstream

no waste. Considering the rate at which we utilise

catchment.

and pollute water resources globally, water could

Recent stats released as part of the WWF South Africa – Journey of Water campaign show that 8% of South Africa’s land mass produces 50%

be considered to be our greatest non-renewable resource on the planet.

of its drinking water and with current trends in

Olifants River – Western Cape

urbanisation, land use and industrial practices

This 260km river found on the South African West

33 S G

Coast forms the main stem of the second largest water catchment area in South Africa at 46 625km2.

Second only to the Orange River Catchment, of

explore4knowledge

which historically it has been found that the Olifants

Between 2013-2015, I have been able to work

River mouth was once the mouth of our mighty

with over 15 000 students and educators through

Orange River.

this self-funded sponsor supported, award-winning

Much has changed along this river course from

syllabus-based

environmental

education

and

its first European settlers in 1700s, though still

citizen science orientated workshops, projects and

considered the citrus basin for South Africa the once

expeditions. This work has empowered participants

free-roaming wildlife has been hunted, urbanisation

with a holistic and hands on understanding of

has altered the riparian zones of rivers and the dam

natural resources, the plight of fresh water and

and irrigation schemes have increased in size, but

how to make a sustainable difference into the

its name has stood the test of time. Originally, it

future. Through focusing on Biology (Life Science),

was named by Jan Danckaert in 1660 on his siting

Science and Geography, the programs are able to

of a herd of 200-300 elephants in the vicinity of

practically facilitate learning outcomes and provide

Clanwilliam, and later described as the 'Nile of

opportunities for schools to adopt rivers through

South Africa' in 1970 by Burman on account of the

monitoring tools such as miniSASS and actively

vast extent of the irrigation scheme along the lower

become involved in his research project through

reaches of the river.

organised sampling sessions.

The Bulshoek barrage and canal system were

In

addition

to

the

award-winning

constructed in 1919, providing farms along 90km

community-based projects managed alongside

of the lower Olifants River with irrigation water

conservation partners CapeNature, WWF South Africa,

up to the town of Ebenhaeser 15km from the sea.

The Fresh Water Research Centre and EWT within the

Originally constructed in 1932, the Clanwilliam

Olifants River Catchment, explore4knowledge also

Dam was raised 1966 and is currently being raised

facilitates 'learning expeditions'. Aimed at national

once more to assist with the growing demands for

and international school, tertiary and corporate

irrigation water.

institutions, these 'learning expeditions' aim to

This river and catchment area has been the

provide participants with a holistic environmental

focus of my masters research project since 2013,

awakening

focusing on metal concentrations within the river

research and educational camps managed within

from source to sea as well as explore4knowledge

Southern Africa.

focus for sustainable community education projects

S G 34

along the rivers course.

through

hands

on

environmental

The Water Warrior Expedition In addition to the educational camps and Learning expeditions managed through explore4knowledge, I am also proud to promote the plight of vanishing resources through film productions and expeditions managed through explore4knowledge.

September 2015, found the e4k team managing the Water Warrior Project. Conceptualised in 2011, having taken almost two years to plan due to high river flows in 2014 and drought in 2015, this 10-day Source-to-Sea expedition on the Olifants River was proudly supported and funded by Land Rover N1 City, Total South Africa, Pick n Pay and Cape Union Mart and K-Way. Our aim was to take 10 students on a 10-day expedition using five inflatable crocs, three Land Rovers and inviting South Africa’s leading fresh water researchers, conservationists and organisations to host lectures, workshops and data collecting sessions along the river course. Students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology together with guides from Gravity Adventures embarked on this first of its kind independently organised expedition within the Western Cape.

Resulting in the first official sighting of the alien

We believe we are truly promoting education through adventure in all we do through managing unique one-of-a-kind environmental research and educational expeditions.

The Future In the first five years (September 2011-2016) we have been able manage projects, expeditions and environmental campaigns through the support of numerous individuals, sponsors, organizations and partnerships. Without belief in my vision for explore4knowledge this would not have been possible. To all the panels that have awarded me with national and international recognition through awards and fellowships for my work, I thank you and most recently I thank The Explorers Club for recognising my passion in merging science, education and exploration.

Over the next five years we will be managing many more unique environmental education projects, workshops and expedition including our vision for 2020.

I invite you to view our website, contact me directly and discuss how we can host your schools, tertiary or corporate institutions in the field as part

species Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

of our unique learning expeditions.

in the Olifants River main stem, evenings were

info@explore4knowledge.com www.explore4knowledge.com All Social Media: @explore4knowledge

spent under the starlit skies of the Cederberg and watching a film on the impact we are having on marine resources in a cave at the mouth of the Olifants River covered in bushman rock art.

SG

Many thanks to Intrepid Explorer Magazine for permission to run this story.

35 S G

W ater

news

Drought: Cut red tape preventing farmers from accessing water

Place of Sweet Waters – Sven Harding – sH2Orts 2016 Cape Town, like much of South Africa, is currently in the midst its worst drought in two decades, yet millions of litres of naturally-occurring fresh water run under the city's streets, to be dumped straight into the sea, every day. This film aims to raise awareness of this almost criminally neglected, but desperately needed, resource, in the hope that it might be reclaimed to help sustain Cape Town's booming, and increasingly water-stressed, population. The above video was made as part of the sH2Orts film competition – a film competition from WaterAid in partnership with Public Media Alliance's WorldView project. www.wateraid.org

S G 36

In a presentation to a joint Standing Committee on Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and Economic Opportunities, Tourism and Agriculture in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, it was revealed that farms need immediate action to unblock the red tape and streamline the process of applying for water licensing.

DA spoesmen have called for a water symposium, where all key stakeholders, together with Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the National Department of Water and Sanitation can find a common ground on how to solve the bottlenecks in drought alleviation. The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning proposes that the environmental impact assessment process and the application for water licences should run concurrently, this will do much to streamline the lengthy application process. A report from the Department of Water and Sanitation on the outstanding water allocations has been called for.

The livelihoods of agri-workers and farmers are on the line. The sustainability of farms in the long term may be at risk if government doesn’t adequately assist in alleviating the damage caused by the drought. Many seasonal farmworkers will now face a double blow, firstly by losing income and secondly an expected increase in food prices. The wheat industry has been the most severely affected and will continue to negatively impact wheat supply to the Southern African region.

To battle the drought many farms have applied for water licenses and for the building of dams.

It came to light in the committee that there is a lack of knowledge among farmers of the requirements for receiving approval of dams and water licences. This is in addition to an existing backlog, and lack of co-operation between different entities.

This drought has highlighted the scarcity of water, and its importance for farmworkers, farms and food security. Government has been called upon to do everything in its power to assist farmers, so that South Africa can continue to have a sustainable agricultural sector.

Covered pools – the reservoir already in your back yard South Africa is experiencing one of its driest periods in history and with many provinces now under tough water restrictions, pool owners are being called on to change behaviours and critically examine their pool’s water footprint and water-saving practices.

While tanks and boreholes enable a self-sufficient alternative when it comes to water for the home, many homeowners overlook their existing water storage solution – the swimming pool.

Homeowners don’t always turn to pool water for domestic use as the chlorine content can make it unsuitable for the home. The one alternative is to stop chemical treatments but the pool quickly turns green and unsightly, and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The better solution is a pool cover that allows for reduced chlorine input while maintaining water hygiene at a level that makes the water suitable for use in the kitchen and bathroom. www.powerplastics.co.za

Bestmed joins ‘Water Shortage South Africa' In an effort to assist with the drought crisis, Bestmest staff members joined forces and collected 11 925l of water since the launch of the water drive during 20–22 January. Bestmed, as part of its commitment to healthy living, has pledged its support to Water Shortage South Africa, joining other corporates and individuals who seek to bring relief to affected areas.

Click here for the Water Shortage SA Facebook page

37 S G

W ater

news

Operation: Hydrate You may be aware of the water disaster in Flint, Michigan, USA, where tap water became contaminated with too much lead after the city switched its water supply in to save money while under state financial management. Local officials first declared a public health emergency in October in response to tests that showed children with elevated levels of lead.

There have been stories about the National Guard being called in to assist with water distribution and filtration, others detailing water donations by other cities, church groups, families and the like, as well as those explaining how ordinary citizens can donate to help Flint residents in need.

Meanwhile, here in South Africa, the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) has joined the Operation Hydrate Initiative that was recently formed following urgent calls for drinking water by several desperate communities impacted by the current drought (see page 30 for more).

Since its formation, scores of volunteers from Gauteng have been deployed to Senekal, Aliwal North and other areas to distribute about two million litres of drinking

water donated by members of the public to affected towns in the Free State and Eastern Cape. However, it is currently appealing to the public to make financial donations. According to the operation's co-ordinator, Yaseen Theba, while the organisation is grateful for all water, it is unable to distribute re-filled water to humans as this has quality and health risk considerations.

Re-filled water is used to water livestock and household pets while sealed bottled water is safe for distribution and consumption by humans. The preferred support from the public is donations of money, because this will allow us to purchase sealed water from producers closer to the stricken areas, which reduces the footprint of delivering water to the relevant communities. They use the funds to purchase water from bottlers at a subsidised price and distribute it.

In terms of the support SANBWA has offered to #OperationHydrate, its members will – in addition to the donations several have already made – provide water at cost price and assist with transport. SANBWA is also using its Twitter and Facebook activity to call for donations. Visit www.sanbwa.org.za for more

Pick n Pay steps in on drought relief Pick n Pay is donating R500 000 through different initiatives to provide respite for communities in drought-stricken areas. This is just one of the measures the company is putting in place to help those who are affected, and to assist the public wanting to make contributions to those most in need. Smart Shopper members will also be able to donate Smart Shopper points to the drought relief fund, and Pick n Pay will match customer donations up to an amount of R100 000.

There are a number of organisations which have been encouraging people to donate water at collection points for distribution. Pick n Pay will work with Water Shortage South Africa, who have representatives distributing water from collection points in all regions, and act as a drop-off point for bottled water.

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Leading analytics company to mitigate the impact of drought The drought bringing vast farming regions to their knees has highlighted the importance of better management of the country’s scarce water resources, says Kroshlen Moodley, GM Public Sector and Utilities at SAS, Moodley says that while it isn’t possible to combat the El Niño weather pattern, better resource management and more effective water conservation could help prevent communities from running completely dry in future.

'Averting future water crises is a matter of informed decision-making at local, regional and national level. And in order to make these informed decisions, the authorities must have all the relevant data to hand,' he says. With aggregated data and advanced analytics, the public sector is positioned to make more effective decisions about water conservation, allocation and management.

'When talking about water management and advanced data analytics, we have to consider the whole picture.

This includes water sources and treatment plants, the distribution network and usage, as well as overarching legislature and weather and demand/supply analysis to obtain a holistic view of the current situation,' Moodley says.

He notes that the relevant data needed extends to rainfall data, historical and predicted weather patterns, waste water treatment management, water quality management, distribution systems maintenance, loss and wastage management, and even population growth and demand forecasting. Advanced analytics can also help government better understand population growth and the effect that new residential and industrial developments could have on supply and demand.

This information, combined with weather data, can help government decide where to build new dams and reservoirs.

Using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, combined with mobile and social media to engage public participation in water management, as well as advanced data processing and analytics, the public sector would be able to monitor and manage water supply, distribution and treatment systems more effectively, Moodley says.

These integrated systems could enable the public sector to better control usage by individual households and encourage public participation in water conservation efforts.

'While the El Niño phenomenon may pass, all indications are that water will remain a scarce resource. It’s important that we look to all available solutions now to better manage the supplies that we have and avert future crises,' says Moodley. www.sas.com

Hippo Water Roller When the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership was launched in 2009, the average child in Lavavolo, Madagascar spent much of the day fetching water from a nearby well and few had the luxury of attending school. The introduction of Hippo Water Rollers has been a life-changing solution to the lack of water available in the region.

Hippo Rollers allow women and children an opportunity to free up time spent collecting water, acting as a catalyst for conservation and education.

The Hippo roller provides quick transport of water into a storage tank for reforestation to restore critical habitat for endangered species and reduces impacts of climate change.

The addition of an aquaponics system, filled with water from the Hippo Water Roller, grows fresh produce and fish providing improved nutrition and income generation. www.hipporoller.org

39 S G

C limate

change

Does COP21's Paris Agreement

mean anything?

S G 40

The Paris Agreement was the conclusion of a four-year multilateral diplomatic exercise that was initiated in Durban in 2011. South Africa played a significant role through this process, chairing and leading the developing country group of 135 countries in the last year of this diplomatic effort. In the final days of the negotiations, the French Presidency implemented a series of conversations among Ministers and high-level officials using the 'Indaba' style setting first used at the Durban Climate Conference (COP17). Reaching agreement with over 190 sovereign states is no minor effort, and it took almost four years of protracted negotiations to reach a universal agreement to arrest rising levels of greenhouse gas emission for the post-2020 period, while simultaneously increasing countries' ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. Richard Sherman reports.

T

he Paris Agreement has been hailed as

the UN Environment Programme suggesting that

a turning point in global climate change

an additional 12 gigatonnes (Gt) of carbon dioxide

governance. This is the first time that a

equivalent per year (GtCO2e/yr) is required by

comprehensive and universal agreement under the

2030 to keep the temperature below 2°C increase.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Under the Paris Agreement, these INDCs will be

Change (UNFCCC) has been adopted. The other legal

translated into new commitments to be submitted

instrument under the UNFCCC is the Kyoto Protocol,

and reviewed every five years, starting in 2020.

which only elaborates further emission reduction commitments of developed countries. The Paris

Aiming for 1.5°C

Agreement is a decision in four parts: Adoption

One of the cornerstones of the Agreement and

of

Nationally

resulting decisions is the focus on adaptation and

Determined Contributions; Giving effect to the Paris

the

actions to limit global temperature increases below

Agreement; and enhanced action prior to 2020.

1.5°C. The Paris Agreement established a global

While

Paris

Agreement;

recognising

the

Intended

importance

of

the

goal on adaptation, with a link to the temperature

outcome, it must be recognised at the same

goal and ensuring an adequate adaptation response

time that substantial work remains to be done to

to that. It further articulates adaptation as a global

convert the potential of the agreement into an

effort, with a reflection of the relationship between

outcome that keeps global warming to levels that

the adaptation burden and mitigation, including

averts the worst impacts of dangerous climate

the recognition of adaptation efforts by developing

change on African and other developing countries.

countries.

With its focus on implementation, the Agreement

Linked to these goals is the equally important

builds on the political momentum contained the

recognition that over time all financial flows

submissions made by countries on their intended

should be consistent with a pathway toward low

national contributions in the period before 2020. In

emission and climate resilient development. With

total, 145 countries submitted their so-called INDCs

an estimated US$90tn in infrastructure investment

by the October 2015 deadline. However, initial

expected to be deployed by 2030, the linking

assessments have shown that current commitments

of avoiding dangerous climate change with the

will result in global warming of about 3°C, with

concept of shifting investments and avoiding high

41 S G

COP 21: Heads of delegations

The Paris Agreement established a global goal on adaptation, with a link to the temperature goal and ensuring an adequate adaptation response to that. It further articulates adaptation as a global effort, with a reflection of the relationship between the adaptation burden and mitigation, including the recognition of adaptation efforts by developing countries. carbon lock-in is now an agreed global priority. It

Germany France, UK and Canada committed to

further implies a significant political signal to the

mobilise at least $10bn between now and 2020 to

financial and public sectors to redirect flows of both

increase the number of countries accelerating efforts

public and private investment away from high-risk,

to harness Africa's renewable energy potential and

high-emissions infrastructure towards low-risk,

expand energy access across the continent. The

low-emissions and more resilient infrastructure

second initiative, the Africa Adaptation and Loss

investments.

and Damage Initiative, aims to identify activities

In order to give effect to the Agreement, the

that will enhance climate resilient development

decision provides guidance and establishes elements

throughout the continent, by focusing on measures

of a work programme for the period 2016-2020, in

to increase countries access to climate finance.

order to provide more substance to the key issues

For the South African delegation, the journey

in the Agreement including mitigation, adaptation,

that started in Durban and ended in Paris was

loss and damage, finance, technology development

a significant achievement, and a display of the

and transfer, capacity-building, and transparency of

country's multilateral standing in the climate

action and support.

change negotiations. President Zuma summed up South Africa's role as follows 'under South Africa's

Legal future

leadership the Group of 77 plus China was more

In terms of its legal future, the Agreement will be

united than ever before in the history of the climate

open for signature for a year following the ceremony

change negotiations and South Africa managed

to be convened by the UN Secretary General on 22nd

to rally this group of developing countries, which

April 2016 in New York. The Agreement provides for

made a decisive difference in building the political

its entry into force on the 30 day after 55 parties

will that was required to reach agreement on this

have acceded to the Agreement, while also covering

important issue'.

th

S G 42

55% of the total global greenhouse gas emissions,

In addition to providing the political direction

suggesting that the Agreement can enter into force

for developing countries, South Africa also played

well before 2020.

a crucial role in the African Group of Negotiators,

On the sidelines in Paris, African ministers

co-ordinating the Group in the negotiations that led

launched two continental-wide initiatives. The first,

to the overall agreement on the Paris outcome, as

called the African Renewable Energy Initiative, aims

well as on pre-2020 implementation, transparency

to increase the share of renewable energy to 10

of support, pre-2020 action, components of the

GigaWatts (GW) by 2020 and to 300GW by 2030.

mitigation outcomes, and on finance.

SG

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store and manage our supply chain for

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each individual renewable project.

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Our shareholders are strategically aligned

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Passat offers a range of renewable

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technologies in solar, wind, and hydro power

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We have a strong technical team and our

these solutions with state of the art battery

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and diesel generating technologies.

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We are agnostic to OEM suppliers and will

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our solutions include EUREKA DIY Solutions,

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+27 11 894 4283 43 S G

COP21

looking back thinking forward S G 44

On 12 December 2015, in Paris, an exhausted Laurent Fabius, French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development and the President of COP21, brought the gavel down that signalled that all 195 countries of the United Nations had finally agreed on a single global agreement to combat climate change. Jaco du Toit, part of WWF's team that works on UNFCCC matters and who attended COP21, reports.

45 S G

A

fter 21 years of negotiation the Paris Agreement finally offers a fairly comprehensive accord that calls on all signatories (virtually all

the world's countries) to take appropriate action to combat climate change. However, as with any compromise agreement, much room is left for interpretation and much more work remains to be done. The decisions on implementation and national actions by countries that will follow in the coming year will determine whether the Agreement is ultimately an effective catalyst for much more ambitious action or if it becomes another empty international treaty that fails to drive any real action.

This is all the more pertinent when it is considered that the Agreement is largely focussed on longer term actions rather than the urgent interventions that are needed to scale up collective efforts to be in line with what is required to keep global warming at safer levels.

The most important signals that the Paris Agreement provides can be summarised as follows: •

All governments will work together to keep

Assessment of the remaining carbon budget

warming well below 2ºC and to make strong

•

•

•

efforts to keep warming to under 1.5ºC. This is

take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and

the first time that these temperature thresholds

to adapt to the impacts of extreme weather and

have been captured in an international climate

changing weather patterns, fall far short of the

agreement. Yet, without urgent action these

stated temperature objective. The most generous

goals will be unachievable – the global average

estimates of the efficacy of pledged actions leave

temperature in 2015 was already 1ºC above

the world on track for 2.7ºC of warming by 2100.

pre-industrial levels.

Some assessments still project global warming of

Almost all countries now have climate action

more than 3ºC by 2100. Most frighteningly – the

pledges as captured in Intended Nationally

Paris agreement is only set to enter into force in

Determined Contributions (INDCs)

2020. Yet, at current emissions levels the total

There is a clear recognition that vulnerable

amount of allowable emissions that still gives us

communities everywhere are already having to

any chance of keeping warming below 1.5ºC will

adapt to a changing climate and that they will

be exhausted within 15 years, after which it will be

increasingly face irreversible loss and damage

inevitable that warming will exceed levels that the

due to climate change impacts.

most vulnerable countries can bear.

Countries will have to come back every five years to take stock of collective progress and to resubmit or update their targets.

One of the stronger points of the Paris

As we look back almost three months later, a

agreement is that it creates structured international

more sober assessment of the agreement, beyond

opportunities or 'stock-takes' at which countries

these headline signals, is necessary and possible.

have to come together again and reconsider their

Does the agreement 'solve' climate change?

level of effort. The first trial run for a dialogue on

Not yet

S G 46

So what does the Agreement do about this shortfall in collective efforts?

enhancing efforts takes place in 2018 and then every five years from 2023. In the run up to COP15 in

That answer, pretty obviously, is not yet, no. The

Copenhagen and again in the months before COP21

pledges of domestic actions that each country will

in Paris we've seen that such moments of focus

on climate change action drive governments to develop and/or update their climate change actions, because they do not want to be left behind when all other countries stand up and announce new actions.

Some of the decisions taken during the negotiations in Paris also create an ongoing action agenda under which countries can work collaboratively on climate change actions that go beyond the targets they have already pledged. In a world where there is constantly a gap between the level of effort required by climate science and the political realities of politicians having to win near-term elections, this platform for urgent, incremental action creates a much-needed space for an alternative approach. While countries will have to continue to update their national targets every five years, the urgent action platform should drive state and non-state actors to take actions beyond national targets as collaboration and technological advances open up new opportunities.

Legally binding?

Is the Agreement legally binding? Strictly speaking – no, not really. But was it ever realistically going to be?

For a long time the legal nature of the international climate agreement was seen as the most important discussion point. The belief was that the only way to get adequate action on climate change would be to ensure that there is a strong legal framework that entails sanctions for non-delivery on commitments.

Such an approach is particularly problematic for the USA (currently the second largest emitter globally

and still the largest cumulative emitter) where the domestic political context would make it extremely hard for the Federal Government to sign and ratify

One of the stronger points of the Paris agreement is that it creates structured international opportunities or 'stock-takes' at which countries have to come together again and reconsider their level of effort. The first trial run for a dialogue on enhancing efforts takes place in 2018 and then every five years from 2023. an internationally legally binding agreement on climate change. The failure of the USA to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, which meant that they escaped having formal international targets, emphasised the dangers of fixating on legal 'bindingness' above all else. Even though the Kyoto Protocol contained relatively stringent enforcement stipulations,

and

penalties for non-compliance, Canada was still able to find legal loopholes to 'withdraw' before they could be found to be in contravention of their commitments. After the first commitment period ended, Russia and Japan also simply withdrew and refused to take up further targets.

Given this Kyoto history, the emphasis on a strong legal form was much-reduced in the Paris negotiations. Ultimately, there is very little in the final agreement that would legally bind any country to a specific action. In the absence of an international climate court or international climate police force, it is debatable whether stronger legal language would have made any difference to the level of action or the intentions of countries to deliver on their promises. In exchange for this weaker legal form the likelihood that the USA will be able to sign and ultimately ratify the agreement is increased while the larger emerging economies

Responsibility for Cumulative Global CO2 Emissions

47 S G

like China and India probably feel a little more comfortable that there will be less international interference in their domestic policies as well.

In lieu of strong legal sanction, the Paris agreement sets up an international climate change framework that requires countries to publicly report on the action that they are taking and to resubmit or update their targets as part of the five-yearly global stock-taking exercise. These moments of public scrutiny and reporting requirements are probably the best form of accountability that can be created under current international law and geopolitical relations.

IPCC AR5 assessment of predicted climate risks

Is the Agreement fair?

Equity and fairness were the largest casualties of the

clarity on who has to take on the bulk of actions

Paris agreement. At the heart of the climate change

only leaves poorer, smaller countries more exposed

problem lies the harsh reality that poor developing

and unfairly treated. The new arrangement offers

countries have to find alternate development

almost no guidance on how the responsibility for

pathways that do not rely on fossil fuels, while

action should be divided between countries, which

rich developed countries still reap the benefits of

only means that there will be a continued aggregate

centuries of fossil fuel exploitation without paying

shortfall and that developing countries will unfairly

the full cost of such resource use. On top of this, the

be pushed to take more and more action.

countries that are least responsible for causing the

On top of this, the Paris agreement failed to

problem are generally those that are geographically

secure clear pathways to scaled-up climate finance.

positioned to face the worst impacts while they are

Though it is clear that trillions of dollars need to be

also the least able to afford adaptation actions or

shifted from high-carbon investment to low – and

reconstruction.

zero-carbon alternatives, the Paris agreement only

For this reason the original 1992 United Nations

entrenches $100bn per annum between 2020 and

Framework Convention on Climate Change recognised

2025 as the floor for international climate finance.

that countries have 'common' but 'differentiated'

Without access to international climate finance it is

responsibilities and capabilities. This was translated

hard to see how poorer developing countries will

into a list or 'annex' of 'developed' countries that

be able to bear the initial costs of a transition to a

had the responsibility to lead on climate change

low – or even zero-carbon developmental pathway,

action, while other 'developing' countries would

especially considering that they have been 'robbed'

take voluntary actions and could request financial,

of their fair share of the carbon budget in the

technological

atmosphere.

and

capacity-building

support.

Developed countries have largely failed to deliver

In 2015 a broad coalition of civil society actors

their fair share of action while some developing

presented an equity review process that illustrated

countries have even exceeded the efforts that they

how indicators could be applied to determine more

could fairly be expected to have made.

equitable climate contributions based on both

Despite this, the Paris agreement implicitly

domestic action and, where applicable, support for

breaks the strict divide between the categories of

action in developing countries. Many countries were

countries that were established in 1992. Though

found wanting, notably, the EU, USA, Russia, Brazil

it is arguably legitimate, that those 'developing'

and Japan.

countries that have become rich since 1992 (such

So what's next?

as Singapore and Qatar, which are both in the top 10 of countries according to per capita income levels) should have more responsibility, the lack of

S G 48

As the final gavel came down in Paris many civil society activists felt a momentary sense of

relief. In an international context where so many countries have sanctions against each other, or where negotiators that faced each other over the table in Paris were actively engaged in supporting opposite sides of armed conflicts elsewhere, the outcome could have been worse. From a political perspective the Paris Agreement probably delivered close to as much as was possible. However, from the perspective of how little time we have left to act decisively on climate change, the agreement is

We cannot take another 21 years to conquer the true peaks that have to be summited for by then it will be far too late.

probably 20 years behind schedule. At this point a Marshall Plan or Apollo Programme level of action is

In her closing speech at COP21 SA's Energy

required. Paris does not give us that. All that it does

Minister Edna Molewa quoted President Mandela:

is to take us a step in that direction and by creating

'I have discovered the secret that after climbing a

spaces that have to be leveraged.

great hill, one only finds that there are many more

If we are to avoid catastrophic levels of climate

hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest,

change, citizens and civic organisations will have to

to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds

work domestically on their governments to ensure

me, to look back on the distance I have come. But

that leaders come back to the negotiation table

I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom

in subsequent years with much more ambitious

comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for

efforts and that they interpret the Paris decisions

my long walk is not yet ended.' In the end that is

in the most stringent possible manner while a

all that the Paris Agreement was. An important hill

much stronger framework for equity and fairness

that had to be climbed, but only one of many. The

will have to be negotiated in the coming years. The

time is now past to stare at the one little slope we

five-yearly stock-takes will provide opportunities

have overcome. We need to collectively ensure that

to hold governments accountable while the action

much more action is delivered in a much shorter

agenda provides a space for businesses, local

timeframe over the coming years. We cannot take

government and other actors to launch additional

another 21 years to conquer the true peaks that

initiatives to help to close the ambition gap and

have to be summited for by then it will be far too

build momentum for more action in future.

late.

SG

Civil Society Equity Assessment of INDCs

49 S G

Toshiba paper reuse system

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

VALUE ADDED BENEFITS

enables the creation of an

• Reduces waste paper by 1/5

• Reuse of the paper by

efficient office environment where information is not kept on hand as “paper” but is saved, shared and used as digital data, preventing the accumulation of “paper” and

by reusing the paper over and

erasing the prints (average

over again

recommendation of 5 times)

• Reduction of energy used to make paper by reduction of paper consumption • Reduction of water resource by 800 tons

• Automatically scans and archives • Automatically sorts reusable and nonreusable paper • Writings with Pilots Frixon ball point pen can be scanned and erased

“information” in the office.

That is to say, it achieves a no paper-stagnating office.

With its ability to erase print instantly, the e-STUDIO306LP/ RD30 multifunction printing system offers a new work style that will reduce the environmental impact, reduce paper costs and bring about changes in the way of working in the office.

www.ecotoshiba.co.za S G 50

OFFICE Greening your office 52 E-waste 54

51 S G

O ffice

Photo http://www.modulyss.com

10

WAYS TO GREEN YOUR OFFICE

Greening the office is easy. Many businesses have undertaken at least some of the following steps, but have you done them all in your office?

Read our list and find out – and if you have a great idea send it to us as we shall be looking at greening the office over the next few issues.

Meanwhile, the following tips for greening your office should be under the belt in no time.

S G 52

1

USE ELECTRICITY WISELY Turn

off

all

computers,

printers,

photocopiers, and other equipment

5

MAKE ECO-FRIENDLY FOOD CHOICES Encourage use of the 100km diet: local

that doesn't need to be left on at the end of the

first; organic for high consumption foods. When

day and leave them off until you need to use them

ordering lunch for an office meeting, how about

again. Check that all computers/monitors are set

going vegetarian (or even vegan, if you dare)?

to their most energy-efficient settings (monitors

Cutting down on meat can have a huge impact on

should be set to shut off after 15 minutes of

the health of the planet.

no use). When leaving a room for more than a few minutes, switch off the lights. Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones.

Take advantage of natural sunlight as much as possible.

6

TELECOMMUTING Encourage

working

from

home,

particularly for workers who would

normally drive to work. This cuts down on pollution and increases time availability.

2

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE 'Reduce, reuse, recycle' means more than just throwing old notepaper in

the paper recycling bin (though you needn't stop

7

TRANSPORTATION For those who do come to the office on a regular basis, encourage (and help

doing that). Really think about everything you use.

arrange) car-pooling, use of public transit, biking,

Do you need disposable cups at the water cooler?

or walking.

Can you use the other side of the used sheets of paper you've thrown in the recycle bin? Australia has added a fourth R – Refuse. Simply put: Don't buy stuff you don't need. And, when you do make a purchase, bring your own bags.

8

AIM FOR A PAPERLESS OFFICE Though the paperless office may still

seem unrealistic to many, at least try to cut down on printed material when possible. Read on-screen

USE ENVIRONMENTALLYFRIENDLY PRODUCTS

and only print documents when absolutely

On average, eco-friendly products only

paper products in the office and when getting

cost around 5% more than their non-friendly

promotional material professionally produced, ask

equivalents, which is a small price to pay to cut

your printer for FSC-Certified paper.

3

necessary. Use only 100% recycled content

down on waste and pollution. Start small – 100% recycled paper, refillable ink cartridges, non-toxic highlighters, etc. Check online to stock up on office products that go easy on the environment.

9

INSTITUTE A CASUAL DRESS CODE Not having to wear suits in hot summer

months can help keep cooling costs down (and

4

NON-TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS There

are

many

brands

make for a happier workplace). available

nowadays. Check online for locally-produced products with low carbon kilometres for the best

10

FAIR TRADE & ORGANIC Buy fair trade, organic coffee and teas for the office. If employees prefer to

eco cleaning solution. Encourage your cleaning

go out for their hot beverages, encourage them

company, if you have one, to use green cleaning

to take their cups or mugs so that there is an

products and if they won't, switch to one of the

automatic reduction in waste from not having

many companies that now do use environmentally-

to throw out paper or polystyrene cups, if the

friendly products.

beverages are purchased from an outlet using such containers.

53 S G

Tech

Gamers can be green too

S G 54

One does not tend to think of computer gamers as especially socially-aware and eco-aware people given media images of them being self-obsessed geeky types in darkened rooms with virtually the only light coming from their computer screen. But that picture, like so many others used to perpetuate stereotypes, is just plain wrong. We spoke to the folks at Landmark Computers, specialists in PC gaming components, and this is their story.

55 S G

I 

n the age of electronic storage it's hard to imagine that many more trees are being cut down in our forests for the production of paper.

The Amazon forest, for example, once covered 14% of the Earth's surface but today, due to exploitation and the need for more timber, it now only covers less than half (6%) of that original area. Experts believe that at the current rate the remaining forest will be consumed in less than 40 years and many species of plants and animals will be wiped out.

Some of these species may have special properties, including medical and technological applications, but once they are gone we will never know.

Besides

that,

the

collapse

and

effective

disappearance of the intricate web of life that rain forests embody represents a devastating loss to the global eco-system, with knock-on effects from increased local droughts through to changed regional weather patterns that are incalculable and very likely extremely harmful to the very human beings now taking advantage of rain forest resources.

Aware of facts such as outlined above, the people behind Landmark Computers have made a real effort to 'go green'. They have started with a Zero Paper Policy whereby they commit themselves to 'absolutely no paper usage internally'. They have also urged their suppliers to issue no paper to them in the form of invoices and receipts. All of the traditional paperwork is now transmitted via email and all their customers' invoices are kept online

While only some plastics can be effectively recycled, metals can be reused almost without limit. Those plastics that are suited for recycling can be made into useful and long-lived products like garden furniture. Printed circuit boards, which are the heart of every PC and which are to be found in almost every other electronic device these days, contain many precious and special metals that can be recovered by specialised smelters.

in PDF format for download at their convenience.

This makes Landmark Computers among the first

by Landmark Computers is dismantled and divided

companies locally to implement such a policy.

into the different material groups, which are mainly

They

have

also

collaborated

with

www.

steel, light steel, plastic, aluminium, copper and

greenworks.co.za in an effort to give back by

several other materials. Hazardous materials are

planting a tree for every 10 customers who place

cautiously removed and safely disposed of so that

confirmed orders with them. Translating words into

they cannot harm the life and health of others. The

effects means that even spending R50 contributes

recovered materials are sold to other companies that

directly to some form of forestry rehabilitation or

specialise in the recycling of each specific material

re-afforestation.

where this material goes through further processing.

E-Waste Policy

metals can be reused almost without limit. Those

Importantly for a company dealing exclusively

plastics that are suited for recycling can be made

with specialist computer components, Landmark

into useful and long-lived products like garden

has also aligned themselves with e-waste recycling

furniture. Printed circuit boards, which are the heart

experts to safely recycle all left-over hardware and

of every PC and which are to be found in almost

accessories from old or broken computers.

every other electronic device these days, contain

All electric or electronic waste (e-waste) collected

S G 56

While only some plastics can be effectively recycled,

many precious and special metals that can be

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57 S G

recovered by specialised smelters.

E-waste recyclers make sure that all data

now spreading rapidly. The following are ordinary hazardous substances:

on received electronic devices is physically or

•

Americium: smoke alarms (radioactive source).

technically destroyed, so you don't have to worry

•

Mercury:

tubes

(numerous

applications), tilt switches (pinball games,

hands – and will even issue destruction certificates,

mechanical doorbells, thermostats). With new

if required.

technologies arising, the elimination of mercury in many new-model computers is taking place.

What is e-waste made of?

•

Sulphur: lead-acid batteries.

By now almost everyone – and certainly most people

•

PCBs: prior to their banning, almost all 1930s

reading this – has heard of e-waste. But what is

to 1970s equipment, including capacitors,

it exactly? The list of substances found in your

transformers, wiring insulation, paints, inks,

otherwise not very exciting work or home computer

and flexible sealants contained PCBs. This

is surprisingly long and exotic. A read through the

means that while your new computer may not

list quickly makes it obvious why e-waste recycling

have this particular substance in it, that old

is both necessary and, when done correctly, not only

radio sitting in the garage very well may have

good for the environment, but actually profitable.

– and it's one reason that e-waste products are

Most obvious is that e-waste constitutes all electronic waste substances. Those substances

not to be burned.

•

found in the highest quantities or volumes toxic and carcinogenic), PVC (polyvinyl chlorides),

Cadmium:

light-sensitive

resistors,

corrosion-resistant alloys for marine and aviation

include epoxy resins, fibreglass, PCBs (highly

environments, nickel-cadmium batteries.

•

Lead: old solder, CRT monitor glass, lead-acid

thermosetting plastics, lead, tin, copper, silicon,

batteries, some formulations of PVC. A typical

beryllium, carbon, iron and aluminium.

15-inch cathode ray tube may contain 1.5

Elements found in smaller but still significant

pounds of lead, but other CRTs have been

amounts include cadmium, mercury and thallium.

All three can be extremely hazardous to human

estimated as having up to 8 pounds of lead.

•

and all forms of organic life and must be removed

Beryllium oxide: filler in some thermal interface materials such as thermal grease used on

from waste streams whenever possible. To put this

heat sinks for CPUs and power transistors,

into context, it is well know that the former Soviet

magnetrons,

Union, among others, used thallium as a nearly

windows, heat transfer fins in vacuum tubes,

untraceable but universally fatal poison against its foreign political opponents and critics.

S G 58

fluorescent

about sensitive information falling into the wrong

X-ray-transparent

ceramic

and gas lasers.

•

Polyvinyl chloride: Third most widely produced

The list of elements found in trace amounts

plastic, contains additional chemicals to change

in e-waste, which is surprisingly long and varied,

the chemical consistency of the product. Some

include americium (which is somewhat radioactive

of these additional chemicals called additives

and rather rare), antimony, arsenic (another

can leach out of vinyl products. Plasticisers that

well-known poison), barium, bismuth, boron, cobalt,

must be added to make PVC flexible have been

europium, gallium, germanium, gold, indium,

additives of particular concern.

lithium, manganese, nickel, niobium, palladium,

Just reading through the list of what is in your

platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, selenium, silver,

computer and other electronic gadgets is enough to

tantalum, terbium, thorium, titanium, vanadium,

make anyone realise that e-waste is a very real and

and yttrium. Some of these elements are amongst

growing problem. That a company like Landmark

the rarest on the planet and are very expensive

Computers, who also do custom gaming systems,

to mine or isolate, so recycling them makes both

has made its commitments to removing e-waste

economic and eco sense.

from landfills, recycling and reducing its paper

Almost all electronics contain lead and tin (as

consumption to as close to zero as possible is

solder) and copper (as wire and printed circuit

therefore a positive which should be applauded and

board tracks), though the use of lead-free solder is

emulated.

SG

LIFESTYLE Greening your home 62 Microgreens 66 Recipes 68 Reviews 70 Tintswalo 74 Global Wheeling 80 59 S G

Home

Green your how to

Many people believe that their car is the largest single source of air pollution

for which they are personally responsible. But, in fact, the average home causes the emission of more than twice as much carbon dioxide – one of the principal greenhouse gases – as the average car. This is because most of the energy consumed in our homes is produced by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. This pollution is actually a hidden cost for the energy we use. We take a look at how to green your home – or how to green it even more, if you have already started this process.

S G 60

r home

I

f you're going to do just one thing for the planet, make it the switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Although they cost several

times more upfront than regular incandescent light bulbs, they also last about 10 times longer, which means that for every CFL you screw in, you'll be

saving eight incandescent light bulbs from landfill purgatory. Plus, you'll save some serious cash in the long run. This is because CFLs use 75% less energy, so swapping one incandescent bulb for a CFL reduces carbon dioxide by about 225kgs a year. This is significant – replacing 17 such bulbs has the equivalent effect of taking one car off the road for a year. Just remember to recycle spent bulbs responsibly – CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, which although not enough to be hazardous to you, could pose a problem in landfills when mercury from multiple bulbs leaches into the ground and accumulate there.

Seeing

stars

So the average home pumps out twice as much greenhouse-gas emissions as the average car. Who knew? Following on the light-bulbs story come all the other domestic appliances which today are to be found in ever-greener forms, which is to say, that they are more energy-efficient, and perhaps also water-efficient, than predecessor versions.

Purchasing

energy-saving

Energy

Star-rated

appliances, electronics, and lighting can help mitigate your home’s CO2 output, while slashing up to a third off of your electric bill. (A power-guzzler is nobody's friend.)

Simply

switch off

A key to a greener home is something everyone can do every day – switch off energy-consuming appliances and devices when they are not in use.

First on the list is the geyser itself. Either install a timer, with some companies supplying control units at surprisingly low cost, or manually switch the geyser off when continuous supplies of hot water are not required. A hour’s heating should suffice to get most geysers to an adequate heat.

Then switch off and everyone needing to shower does so before the in-coming cold water makes the remaining hot water merely tepid. The specifics of every home will dictate exactly what schedule of on or off is required to keep everyone in the home

61 S G

happy and clean, but this one step alone could save as 40% of your entire electricity bill, and leave a lot of carbon ‘unburnt’, as it were.

Paper Eschew

nor plastic

plastic

bags

by

bringing

your

own

reusable canvas totes the next time you're at the supermarket or store. Because petroleum-based plastic isn't biodegradable, it's certain to outlive you – by up to a millennium or so. Each year, thousands of marine animals, including the endangered leatherback turtle, choke to death on plastic trash they mistake for edible morsels. Our unholy love for plastic disposables has also bred a swirling vortex of plastic trash the size of Texas in the North Pacific Ocean – which is not at all surprising when you consider that Americans alone run through about 100bn plastic bags annually, using up an estimated 12m barrels of oil in the process.

No

soliciting

Deforestation is responsible for 25% of all carbon emissions into the atmosphere through the burning and cutting of 13.8m hectares of trees annually. Save some virgin and old-growth forests by opting out of paper catalogues and browsing online instead.

Shed that junk mail by removing yourself from direct-mail mailing lists and recycling everything, plastic and paper.

Get

better mileage

Most people are vaguely aware that some of

is to reuse something, and it’s less environmentally

their food comes from abroad. But many would

taxing to reuse a product than to have it recycled.

be horrified to discover the ‘carbon-kilometres’

Separating recyclables from your regular trash,

attached to their favourites summer veggie eaten in

which barely takes any effort, is a no-brainer, of

the depths of winter. Best way through this issue is

course; recycling aluminum, for instance, takes as

to buy local and in season whenever possible. Also

little as 5% of the energy we'd need to manufacture

organic is almost always far superior to mechanised

virgin aluminum.

hi-carbon agri-industry produce, without the risk of contaminants from pesticides and herbicides to

Get

fungicides and chemical fertilisers.

Opt for clean, renewable energy if it's offered in

The 3 Rs

S G 62

better to reduce your personal consumption than it

off the grid

your area, or if you can afford to install a solar water geyser and/or PV power supply (with a small

Start rolling those Rs: Reduce, reuse, and recycle-and

wind turbine as a back-up, if possible). Low-impact

in that order. We're mired deep in ecological

sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric

debt because we're consuming more resources

power reduce our dependence on coal-burning

than nature can replenish. By gorging on more than

power plants, a major source of greenhouse-gas

our fair share of the world's resources, we're also

emissions. And because harnessing the power of

diverting essentials such as food, clothing, and water

renewables such as sun and wind are free, your

from communities in greater need. So let's recap: It's

electric bill is going to plummet.

Plug into The Current Future

lizette@freedomwon.co.za / +27 (0)82 256 7430 / www.freedomwon.co.za

63 S G

Opt for clean, renewable energy if it's offered in your area, or if you can afford to install a solar water geyser and/or PV power supply (with a small wind turbine as a back-up, if possible). Low-impact sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power reduce our dependence on coal-burning power plants, a major source of greenhouse-gas emissions. And because harnessing the power of renewables such as sun and wind are free, your electric bill is going to plummet. of a drag but really it is no effort to simply switch things off at the socket when they are not in use.

Go

au naturale

Our chemical arsenal may be able to exterminate creepy crawlies and polish our countertops, but they're also slowly killing us. The man-made chemicals we favour, on average around 200 industrial

compounds,

pollutants

and

other

chemicals, per home, get everywhere – as shown in a recent study that found some of these chemicals

Slay

in the umbilical-cord blood of newborns. Included in

energy vampires

that study were seven dangerous pesticides, some

You may not know it, but households across the

of which were banned more than 30 years ago.

globe are infested with vampires. Energy vampires,

Pesticides have also been implicated in Parkinson’s

that is. Cleverly disguised as innocuous household

disease, infertility, brain damage, and cancer. So

appliances (your television is one of them), their

ditch the poisons and choose natural, non-toxic, and

power cables permanently plugged into your wall

equally effective methods of cleaning and controlling

socket and constantly draining power all hours

pests. As mentioned, eating organically-grown food

of the day and night, even after you've switched

will cut out pesticides from your diet, as well.

SG

them off. It is estimated that this form of electricity ‘usage’ draws some consumes around 1 000 kWh a year per household. In the list of culprits might well be your toaster, coffeemaker, hair-dryer, PC, printer, cable box, and cell phone charger. It may be a bit

S G 64

This is the first in a series we shall run over the next few issues as we continue offering helpful hints, tips and guidelines to greening your home.

Think smart lighting Busting the myths on LEDbulbs

65 S G

Garden

Microgreens Vegetables all year round

A  s

a

result

of

volatile

and

deteriorating eco, economic and political systems, this means the

availability of fresh produce will continue to decrease and food prices to increase.

We are not excluded from this global issue and it now is time for all to start growing some food at home.

I would like to introduce how to grow microgreens, a tasty 'fast food' in just a few easy steps, which will solve any fear or excuse of limited time, space or gardening skills any one might have.

Microgreens, is a term for a variety of leafy greens or shoots harvested at a very early stage of the first leaves (cotyledon) and the quickest food crop urban gardeners can grow. Micro mix can consist of many different kinds of vegetables and herbs – amaranth, basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, chia, fennel, kale, mustards, peas, radishes, sunflower to list a few, and can be grown all year round. Growing microgreens are also known to be gardening for the impatient as it takes only 1 – 3 weeks depending on the variety to harvest.

Food security is one of the most pressing global issues due to it being a complex problem with interconnections and interdependencies within a global system that is fundamentally linked to soil fertility, precipitation and water availability, stable climate and other ecosystem services. Add to this the further and significant influence that anthropogenic issues such as trade, urbanisation, logistics, changing demographics, economics and political and agrarian policies, and you effectively have an extremely complex minefield to navigate. Liesel James offers her gardening guidance.

S G 66

In addition to their strong flavors, microgreens are praised for their health benefits, which vary depending on the type of seed used and which contain digestible vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that provide nutritional health benefits and are packed with flavour, colour,

1. Buy seeds: Organic or untreated (no fungicides

texture, living enzymes and nutrients.

Leafy greens are a good source of beta-carotene as well as iron and calcium. Dark

7

Easy Steps for Growing Microgreens

green leafy

vegetables such as kale and chard are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin USDA researchers recently published a study

assessing the nutrition content of 25 commercially available microgreens, seedlings of vegetables and herbs that have gained popularity in upscale markets and restaurants. Microgreens won hands down (leaves down?), possessing significantly higher nutrient densities than mature leaves. For example, red cabbage microgreens have a 6-fold

and insecticides) This is very important and a great health risk if commercially treated seed is used. Seeds intended for growing sprouts or microgreens are always untreated. All organic seeds are untreated, but not all untreated seeds are organic. Always read labels.

Available at health stores and www.kitchengarden.co.za 2. Get a shallow seeding tray (not more than 6 cm deep) or shallow pot or recycle take-away trays and poke drainage holes and fill to the top with seedling mix.

Moisten lightly with water. Trays and soil are available at any nursery close to you.

3. Soak seeds in water for 6 – 8 hours. Drain.

4. Sprinkle seeds evenly over the soil so

higher vitamin C concentration than mature red

they are close but not touching, piled or layered. Sift a

cabbage and 69 times the vitamin K.

thin additional layer of soil over the top just to cover the

Because microgreens require only minimal

seeds. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the soil.

sunlight and space to grow, they can be grown in

5. Give your budding plants light and

your kitchen, windowsill or balcony, allowing you

water. Place trays in southern – or western-facing

to control the type of microgreens as well as their

windows in rooms that are between 15 – 22 degrees/

growing conditions. Home-grown microgreens are

Avoid drafty spots. Keep the soil moist with a daily

much more beneficial as they are not exposed to as

misting, ideally in the morning. Don't let the soil dry out.

many pollutants as commercially-grown varieties

6. GIVE THEM LOTS OF LIGHT. Once the seeds have

and do not contain pesticides or fertilisers.

germinated (poked up through the soil), which should

Sunflower, mung and peas shoots offer an easy

take three to five days, make sure your emerging

way to start. Not only will you reap the rewards of

microgreens get 12 to 14 hours of light per day – but not

growing nutritious food in a short period of time

in direct sunlight for all that time, especially in our South

but you will also comply with the water restrictions in your home.

Happy conscious growing.

SG

For more contact liesel@creatingchange.org.za

African summers. Six hours of direct sunlight is enough.

Keep the soil moist at the roots, but try not to saturate the leaves.

7. READY. When seedlings have reached 3-5cm in height and have about two sets of leaves, snip and eat.

67 S G

Food

rb eeze

a e r a s e p i c re

Almond Breeze is all about taste and texture while making sure that their almond milk is well balanced with just the right flavour and an undeniably smooth texture. Even though Almond Breeze initially appealed to people with lactose intolerance, they have since discovered that it’s also a great milk alternative for people with other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, celiac disease and obesity. Here's a few recipes for you to enjoy trying at home.

Almond Breeze Banana Bread Ingredients ½ cup Almond Breeze Original 1/ 3 cup margarine ¼ cup sugar 2 cups flour 1½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp vanilla extract Two shakes of cinnamon 2 mashed, ripe bananas Optional: ¼ cup of walnut pieces Directions Mix the margarine, sugar, flour, baking powder, and baking soda together until it creates a nice batter that sticks together.

Then add the almond milk, vanilla extract and mashed bananas. Add cinnamon and walnuts to taste, if desired. Pre-heat the oven at 180°C. In a normal sized bread pan that is lubricated with margarine, pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 50 minutes, checking back every five until baked to your satisfaction.

Blueberry Almond Milk Ingredients 1 cup of Almond Breeze Original almond milk ¼ cup fresh blueberries Directions Simply blend together and enjoy!

For more info and recipes please visit almondbreeze.co.za S G 68

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Shelf

The Natural Cook: Eating the Season from Root to Fruit Tom Hunt Quadrille Publishing • 978 1 8494 9418 2

The Natural Cook is an inspirational book for the way we eat now. It puts fresh, flavoursome, veg-focused food centre-stage, and features recipes that make use of every ounce of an ingredient. Each of the 26 seasonal 'hero' ingredients featured is represented first by three simple cooking techniques that teach you how to make a delicious simple dish.

These techniques are then followed by three world-inspired recipes, which make use of the prepared ingredients as well as drawing in other seasonal fruit and vegetables.

At the end of each recipe, the 'Cook's Notes' give clear tips and ideas for turning uneaten extras into other delicious meals, ensuring that absolutely nothing is wasted. Hunt is an acclaimed eco-chef, and author.

He founded the Forgotten Feast, a campaign working on projects throughout the UK, to revive British cooking heritage and help reduce food waste. He also owns Poco, an award-winning restaurant in Bristol and now in London. Hunt is an official chef of Feeding the 5 000, a global event, which aims to highlight food waste by feeding more than 5 000 people with

S G 70

delicious food that would otherwise have been wasted. He works closely with various food charities. Keeping true to his zero-waste ethos, he cooks from 'nose to tail' or as he calls it 'root to fruit', using every part of a fruit and vegetable, foraged foods and gleaning vegetables from the land. Visually, a stunning book.

More Life's a Beach Cottage Neil Roake Jacana Media • 978 1 4314 2256 2

More Life's a Beach Cottage is the third cookery book in the series featuring a collection of best holiday feasting recipes. It is as beautiful and quirky and set to follow in the successful footsteps of the author's previous publications. Roake explains: 'This third Life's a Beach Cottage offering includes some tasty "OMG, I can easily make that" recipes and some "WTF, that looks hard" ones – but there are no OTT airs and graces (life's a just too short). Don't stress about following every recipe to the letter. This cookbook is just your springboard for culinary creativity.

Many of the recipes were sourced on my travels abroad and all are big on flavour – there's nothing "shy" here. Expect muscular curries, potent cocktails, desserts that argue back and deliciously robust salads.' So take

off your shoes, bring out the wine, put on the music and let Roake take you through More Life's a Beach Cottage.

The Banting Baker: Low Carb High Fat Treats Catherine Speedie Jacana Media • 978 1 4314 2266 1

The Low-Carb High-Fat diet, known more colloquially as the Banting diet, is not just about upturning the food pyramid and thus the conventional wisdom around food and nutrition that has ruled for the last 40-odd years. It's about waking us up to what our bodies are naturally 'wired' for in terms of optimal sustenance and body weight. It's about realising that along the trajectory of commercial and industrial 'progress', we've lost sight of our humanness – our basic biology, if you will. That said, giving up carrot cake is not so easy. Sweet treats and baked goods are deeply associated with comfort, time out and good times, rewarding us after a day's hard work. The good news is that we don't have to deny ourselves these little pleasures. This book will hopefully show you that the low-carb highway is not about deprivation but about substitution. Once you've got your head around it, stocked up your pantry with the right ingredients and armed yourself with a spirit of adventure,

you'll discover that you can create the most sublimely satisfying goodies. The Banting Baker introduces the reader to low-carb logic, as well as how to soak nuts and seeds and make meal and butter from nuts. It includes recipes for breakfast, snacks, breads, wraps, pizza as well as sweet treats. Speedie is the owner of Gingko, an organic and 'clean food'-oriented restaurant, bakery and catering business, and the creator of Primal Chow, a brand dedicated to the world of Paleo and Banting goodies. A passionate traveller, she brings flavours from all over the world into her cooking, believing strongly that food must be delicious and nutritious if it is to be fulfilling on all levels.

The Earth Diet: Your Complete Guide to Living Using Earth's Natural Resources Liana Werner-Gray Hay House • 978 1 4019 4497 1

Beauty queen Miss Earth Australia Liana Werner-Gray got a wake-up call at the age of 21 when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening health issue. Realising that health issues were holding her back, including in her entertainment career, she decided to change her lifestyle.

Through juicing and using the whole-

food recipes shared in this book, she healed herself in only three months.

This success inspired her to create the Earth Diet and make information on the incredible power of plant-based and natural food available to others.

She has since used her recipes to help thousands of people with diabetes, acne, addictions, obesity and more. When you get the essential vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients your body needs, you can't help but feel better. In this book, you'll find more than 100 nutrient-dense recipes that provide proper nutrition. The Earth Diet is inclusive, with recipes for every person, ranging from raw vegans to meat-eaters. It also features specific guidelines for weight-loss, boosting the immune system, increasing your energy, juice cleansing and more. If you're looking for great-tasting recipes to help you live your healthiest life ever, then this book is for you.

(or two), but what's the real cost of that meal? The rates of chronic disease – specifically diseases like diabetes, caused by our lifestyles – have grown exponentially in recent years, edging medical expenses ever higher while threatening to give America (and the rest of us) the first modern generation to actually live shorter lives than their parents. Unfortunately, finding good nutrition is no walk in the park, with more and more Americans (and the rest of us) living in cities, far from a farmer's field. To overcome distance and undercut price, we rely on industry to put dinner on the table – yet this system has valued efficiency and short-term profits over our health and the health of our environment. So how do we keep America and the rest of the world thriving? Congressman Tim Ryan may have a soft spot for chicken wings and ice cream, but he also knows the joy of farm-fresh produce and the feel of soil between his fingers. Here he presents easy, actionable steps that anyone can take, from starting a herb garden on your windowsill to helping implement food education in your child's school to petitioning your elected officials.

Ryan also introduces some of the current food revolutionaries who are shining examples of people who saw a problem with how we think about food today, rolled up their sleeves, and raised a crop of positive change.

The common sense ideas in these pages come big (replacing dilapidated neighbourhoods with farms) and small (sitting down for a fresh, healthy meal with your family), and each will help you improve the quality of life for you and future generations.

The Real Food Revolution: Healthy Eating, Green Groceries and the Return of the American Family Farm Tim Ryan Hay House • 978 1 4019 4640 1

Today a buck gets you a quick burger

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Editors Choice Wildlife Southern Africa National Parks & Reserves Map Studio • 978 1 7702 6801 2

With over 300 parks and reserves covered, this is not only a beautiful coffee-table style book, it is also a somewhat larger than usual field guide to the best and most popular wildlife

illustrate and highlight are also

homes. Spotlight is on Bully,

excellent, as are the variety of

who experiences the gamut of

tips and info boxes sprinkled

good and bad, but takes part

throughout. This is one for the

in several TV programmes and

dedicate naturalists and reserve-

commercials, and is successful in

goers, though the range on offer

helping to treat young children

in this excellent work is such that

with psychiatric problems.

even if you and the family are

Although perhaps told a little on

only occasional bushveld visitors,

an emotional level, Giant Steps

there is bound to be something

will fascinate anyone with an

new and exciting to be found

interest in elephants.

in these pages around which to plan your next bush getaway.

sanctuaries in the country. In addition, it also covers parks and reserves in neighbouring states, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho. The variety and range of these reserves and parks is extraordinary. This book provides all relevant info, from size of parks, fauna and flora, nearest town and airport, to contact details, camp facilities, accommodation, as well as seasonal information, not least being malaria high-risk areas.

Being a production of Map Studio, one would expect the maps to be good, which they are, but the images used to

S G 72

Giant Steps Richard Pierce

The South African Bike Book & Events Guide Tim Brink Map Studio • 978 1 7702 6765 7

Struik Nature • 978 1 7758 4330 6

Cycling continues to be one of

The author sets out the tone of

the most popular and rapidly

this book about elephants in

growing sports in South Africa.

South Africa with his comment

This book takes you through not

that 'elephants have a

only everything about bikes, but

sizeable brain that renders

also about racing gear, running

them intelligent, sensitive and

repairs, essential equipment and

vulnerable'. The narrative traces

fine tuning your two-wheeled

the lives of several young

steed, through necessary road

elephants from the trauma of

skills, training tips, requisite skills

surviving the culling of their herd,

for different types of bike racing,

through many experiences on

and even personal elements such

commercial ranches where

as training schedules, nutritional

treatment was both good

preparation for racing, as well as

and bad, to their long-term

all the top events, and how best

to prepare for them. Really, it has

that most people have about

machines together; and who

everything that opens and closes

these still somewhat mysterious

could forget the Kreepy Krauly

on bike racing, so if that is your

and awe-inspiring objects from

which, in some incarnational

bent this is the one for you.

space. All the different types

variant or the other, is chugging

of meteorites are pictured

its way across pool bottoms

and explained in terms of their

around the world as you read

constituents and appearance,

this. But it's a long time since

while famous strikes and finds are

Christiaan Barnard performed

also explored. Excellent as either

the world's first successful human

Random Struik • 978 1 7758 4098 5

a primer on the subject or for the

heart transplantation in 1967.

Meteorites are the usually

active meteorite hunter, this is a

Many would see innovation and

fragmentary remnants of meteors

great addition to the bookshelf.

South Africa as not really having

from outer space which have

Our review copy even came with

much to do with each other. This

survived the fiery journey through

a thin slice of actual meteorite,

book puts that misconception

the earth's atmosphere and

which is an added bonus and

right, showing that there is in fact

come to land on he planet's

is now in our crystals and rare

a wave of innovative thinking

surface and which, obviously,

objects collection.

running across the length and

Meteorites: A Southern African Perspective Ronnie McKenzie

have been found. Tons of this

breadth of the country, with

fraction is ever found. But not

Innovation: Shaping South Africa Through Science Sarah Wild

all meteorites are small and

Gordon Institute of Business Science

are perhaps a little hopeless

inconspicuous – the Hobe

978 7701 0438 9

about where the future might

meteorite in Namibia weighs

Innovation is not unknown when

take South Africans and their

some 60 metric tons and is the

it comes to South Africa. Pratley's

country, perhaps this is a good

largest known to date in the

Putty made it to the Moon;

read to help bring some balance

world. Clearly meant as either

duct tape is a universal 'fix-it-all'

back into your thinking. There's

a field guide or a handbook for

without which many people in

certainly more worth positive

the enthusiast, this great little

many industries would be using

consideration which is going on

book also works on the level of

something much less satisfactory

than you will find in your average

satisfying the many questions

to hold their lives and their

newspapers.

material falls onto the earth daily but most of it lands as tiny fragments and a still tinier

some ideas already making it into the international arenas and others set to follow. If life feels a bit rough at present and you

73 S G

Travel

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rise th

en from he ashes One of the most devastating aspects of the fire that last year destroyed Tintswalo Atlantic was that the owners were confronted with not only a charred and burnt building, but a charred and burnt mountainside. It looked so destroyed that the owners thought it was going to take years to recover. But with the rains came regeneration of the mountain fynbos – and meanwhile, work was completed on rebuilding this now famed Cape hospitality venue boasting some of the world's finest views. We went to visit and this is our report.

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Co-owner, Gaye Corbett, planting a tree (of which there were several hundred) on site • Serious discussions, with t

R

ecently Simply Green was invited to attend a re-opening celebration of Tintswalo Atlantic,

But perhaps it should be in co-owner Gaye's words

reduced by last year's devastating mountain fires

that Simply Green readers should learn about the other

to literally a pile of ashes. Undeterred by the misfortune

aspect of the fire that destroyed what they had built – the

which had befallen this much-loved destination, the

recovery of the vegetation on the mountain that looms

owners and staff of the lodge that had stood in this

high above this gorgeous place, tucked as it is almost

magnificent location overlooking Hout Bay rose to the

invisibly beneath those driving along the mountainside

occasion and rebuilding began almost immediately.

road above.

What has been created is every bit as beautiful, classy and world-class as its predecessor.

This is Gaye's story of what happened: 'All the experts constantly assured us that the

Owners Ernest and Gaye Corbett are extremely proud

(fynbos) regrowth would come, and after the first winter

of their 'Phoenix risen' and how, in consultation with Cape

rains in Cape Town, the mountain indeed started to take

Nature officials, experts and their staff, they have not

on a green haze, with some very beautiful red lilies dotted

only rebuilt and even improved upon the old Tintswalo

here and there.

Atlantic, but exceeded even their own expectations of

'After a few weeks of rain the transformation was

how well they could recover from what initially seemed to

spectacular, and added to this the Tintswalo team has

be a devastating and terminal loss.

been hard at work planting a few hundred trees that were

Their story has many parts. The buildings have all

donated to us. Ryno (the lodge manager) got very busy,

been reconstructed (and as before, since it lies in a nature

and with a little help from some of our friends, managed

reserve, all the venue's buildings are made entirely from

to get one hundred trees planted in one week end. I must

wood) but the style and taste which marked Tintswalo

validate them for their hard work in doing their part in

Atlantic when Simply Green first visited a few years back

restoring our magnificent mountain.

are there in their full glory.

S G 78

reconstructed and truly 'green' lodge.

'We have planted some large Milkwoods on the water's

The rooms are lavish, views spectacular, and

edge in front of the main area buildings. These trees had

thoughtfulness literally oozes from aspect of the

to go in before the building was laid out as they had to be

the construction gang • A personal touch from Gaye Corbett gluing shells to the bathroom walls • The main lodge area, going up

lifted and planted by crane. They are, of course, nowhere near the size of our 300-year-old trees that we lost in the fire, but they will still offer the wonderful feeling of nature, and some shade from the harsh afternoon sun.

'The excitement mounted for the opening in November, and we look forward to having all our supporters back enjoying the wonderful experience that is Tintswalo Atlantic.'

The commitment and true hearts of the Tintswalo Atlantic team is evident, even in Gaye's telling of the recovery process – and it radiates from the staff and the buildings, as well as the location itself where sea, sky and land meet.

This is a place which words do not necessarily adequately describe. What one experiences is direct and personal – a feel, a sense of care and caring. There is a spirit here, something of a synergy between the natural energy of the place and the human energy that has recreated a most beautiful and relaxing place for people who can appreciate all that nature and human ingenuity can combine to make.

You just have to visit, is all we can say. O

For more visit www.tintswalo.com/atlantic/

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Travel

Wheeling

Globe

the

South African solo adventurer, inspirational speaker and filmmaker Kayden Kleinhans is on his second revolution around the world on human energy. Having cycled 52 000 carbon-free kilometres across six continents around the globe since 2005. He has navigated civil war in West Africa's Ivory Coast, bribed rebel soldiers for access across war torn zones, navigated the Sahara desert,

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and criss-crossed the Andes solo and unsupported, all on two wheels. Kayden's Charity/NPO the Global Wheeling Foundation has been nominated for various environmental awards and certificates of merit in South Africa as a result of Kayden's carbon-free message as he highlights our over reliance on fossil fuels by leading by example. We take a look.

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K

ayden

has

been

converting

the

sponsored carbon-free kilometres he's been accumulating on his expeditions

into trees which he has been planting in the Western Cape, South Africa. With thousands of trees planted in South Africa as a result, The global Wheeling NPO is doing its part to combat

climate change.

Kayden's last expedition saw him undertake a 20 350km 50-week expedition of cycling from Afrikaburns across 15 countries through the Americas to Burningman. The expedition was filmed and turned into an eight-episode television series produced by local production company Cooked In Africa Films, the same folks that produce Ultimate Braai Master and is currently airing on Outside TV in the US and Channel O in Europe.

Kayden's next expedition and season two of the Global Wheeling TV series will be across Asia which will take him to one and a half times around the world by bicycle and commences in June 2016. In the meanwhile Kayden will be training and touring South Africa on his public speaking circuit. SG To book Kayden for an event or for a sponsorship opportunity please head to www.globalwheeling. org website where you can also find the Global Wheeling Americas DVD boxset for sale.

'Whether you're a climate change carbon crusader or a global warming sceptic, at the end of the day, the world's a cooler place with more trees.'

– Kayden Kleinhans

83 S G

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A LEGACY OF HOPE

Tribute to Dr Ian Player

FIRE & ICE

Hiking Iceland’s volcanoes

GIRLS GONE BIRDING

Lessons and laughter in the Kruger

SA FREEDIVING CHAMP HANLI PRINSLOO LEADS THE WAY IN OCEAN CONSERVATION OUR INTREPID CONTRIBUTORS: Braam Malherbe, Casey B. Dolan, Jeremy Loops & AJ Calitz

The official Cape Union Mart magazine

S G 84

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• LIVIN’ IT UP IN L.A. – Hiking and cycling in the City of Angels • IN THE LINE OF FIRE – The heroes of the Volunteer Wildlife Services • SHARK SPOTTERS – Keeping both swimmers and sharks safe • LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY – Our beacons of life and death • EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED – Unearth the gems of the Northern Cape

CONSERVATION Why the albatross matters 86 News 92 Garden Route walking 94

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Conservation

the reason behind the rime

why the albatross

matters

E 

arly sailors considered the albatrosses that followed their wooden ships to be harbingers of good fortune and in the

'Water, water every where'

famous Coleridge poem an albatross appears out

Coleridge's mammoth poem, considered to be

of fog to lead the ancient mariner's ship out of the

one of the most influential in English literature,

'wondrous cold' of the Antarctic waters into which

popularised lines like 'Water, water, every where/

it had been blown by a storm, only for the mariner

Nor any drop to drink' in modern culture. It also

to shoot the albatross with his crossbow. This

entrenched the albatross as an enduring symbol

unwarranted and ill-advised act angers the crew of

in the myths and legends of maritime lore. More

the mariner's ship who force the mariner to wear the

than two centuries later, the albatross as a powerful

dead albatross around his neck as a penance. After

metaphor, is still deeply relevant, because with 15

encountering wrathful spirits on a ghostly ship, the

of the world's 22 albatross species being at risk of

mariner's shipmates perish one by one, leaving only

extinction, albatrosses are under extreme pressure,

the mariner alive to wander the earth, telling his

making them the seabirds of highest conservation

story and teaching his lesson to all who will listen;

concern.

the mariner's atonement for the albatross's death

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transforming him into 'a wiser and a sadder man'.

One remarkable albatross conservation success

Using an albatross as a central motif for his epic poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which was published in the first edition of Lyrical Ballads in 1798, the English poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, explored the theme of unintentional and dire consequences brought about by a wilful act of desecration to the natural world. Carole Knight reports on a modern-parallel,

story is resulting in dramatic reductions in albatross

massive seabird population declines.

and other seabird deaths, as well as bringing

In a landmark seven-year study undertaken by

pride and independence to a team of people with

BirdLife South Africa, the Department of Agriculture,

disabilities who are working to ensure there are

Forestry and Fisheries of South Africa, and other

albatrosses 'for our children's children to come'.

collaborators, albatross deaths have been reduced

Threatened

by 99% and other seabird deaths by 90% in the South African hake trawl fishery; these huge reductions

Seabirds are among the most threatened group

having been made possible by a single mitigating

of birds in the world. Of particular concern are

measure – a bird scaring line made in a collaborative

accidental seabird deaths during fishing which

project between BirdLife South Africa and the

constitutes the single greatest threat facing many

non-profit organisation, Ocean View Association for

seabird populations – with a global fishing fleet of

Persons with Disabilities (OVAPD).

approximately 4.3 million vessels, around 300 000 seabirds, 100 000 of which are albatrosses, are

Albotrosses

caught each year by tuna longline fleets and trawl

Albatrosses are the largest flying birds on earth

fisheries as bycatch, which has been the cause of

with the longest wingspan of any bird species.

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Most albatrosses are only found in the Southern Hemisphere, and these magnificent long-distance ocean travellers live primarily at sea where they forage and rest on the ocean waves, travelling thousands of kilometres to find food, and only returning to large natal colonies at islands like the Marion and Prince Edward Islands, Falklands Islands, Gough Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Tasmanian Islands, Crozet Islands and Kerguelen Islands, to breed.

Exceptionally long-lived, albatrosses may live for 50 years or longer and a pair bond may last for life.

Initially, birds engage in breeding dances with many partners before one partner is finally chosen and a pair formed. The great albatrosses take over a year to raise a chick from laying to fledging, with egg laying and chick rearing constituting an enormous investment by both parents.

Albatross incubation is the longest incubation period of any bird, lasting from 70 to 80 days, and great albatross chicks can take up to 280 days to fledge. Because both partners take it in turns

Exceptionally long-lived, albatrosses may live for 50 years or longer and a pair bond may last for life. Initially, birds engage in breeding dances with many partners before one partner is finally chosen and a pair formed.

to brood and guard the chick, one of the parents foraging at sea while the other guards the chick on land, the death of an albatross at sea may have an exponential effect as both the brooding parent and chick may die when the albatross they are waiting for to bring them food, fails to return. Also, with delayed sexual maturity and few offspring produced, population decreases can occur even with relatively modest increases in adult mortality rates.

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Task Force

BirdLife, and working in a remarkable programme

To address the global threat of albatross extinctions,

like the Albatross Task Force, is a great privilege.'

in 2005 the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

In 2006 South Africa became the first country

and BirdLife International, formed the Albatross

to establish an ATF team. Through constructive

Task Force (ATF) as the world's first international

engagement between ATF team members and

team of dedicated instructors to work directly

fishermen, as well as the promotion of bycatch

with fishermen to demonstrate the correct use of

mitigation measures such as setting lines at night so

mitigation measures to reduce albatross and other

that seabirds can't see baited hooks, reducing deck

seabird bycatch.

lighting, and weighting lines so that they sink, South

Dr Ross M Wanless, Seabird Conservation

African longlining fisheries have reduced incidental

Programme Manager and Africa Co-ordinator –

seabird mortality by 85%. The most dramatic results

BirdLife International Marine Programme, says:

in the reduction of seabird deaths observed by the

'Working with a team to help prevent the extinction

ATF team, however, have been in the hake trawl

of iconic seabirds such as albatrosses is one of

fishery, where albatross deaths have been reduced

the most gratifying achievements of my life. I've

by 99% and other seabird deaths by 90%.

devoted most of my professional career to seabird

ATF Leader (South Africa), Bronwyn Maree, has

research and conservation, and I'm particularly

led her team with distinction and in recognition of

passionate about albatrosses. So being part of

her leadership capability and the pivotal role she

43 460 people. With an annual catch of 130 000 to 150 000 metric tons, the deepwater hake trawl fishery which targets Cape hakes, Merluccius paradoxus

(deep-water

hake)

and

Merluccius

capensis (shallow-water hake), is the country's most economically valuable fishery. In 2004 it also became the first fishery in Africa to obtain Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification. This ensures that fished stocks in the hake fishery remain stable and healthy, that ecosystem-wide impacts are minimised and not significant, and that there is continued monitoring and compliance to prescribed fishing regulations.

MSC certification has been instrumental in the

reduction of albatross and other seabird deaths.

Southern Africa Programme Manager of the Marine Stewardship Council, Martin Purves, says: 'This fishery should be commended on their approach and support which enabled such huge successes to be achieved in a relatively short period of time.'

Hake spend the day on the seabed and are caught in nets towed behind fishing vessels. Processing of the catch takes place while fishing continues with wet fish vessels storing the processed fish on ice during trips lasting from three to eight days; while freezer vessels process fillets on board into frozen, boxed products, fishing trips lasting on average from two to six weeks. Wet fish vessels, which constitute from 60-70% of the South African hake fishery, have a higher rate of discards as unwanted headed and/or gutted fish off cuts are thrown overboard, a practice has played in albatross conservation, Maree was the

which attracts seabirds, especially albatrosses and

recipient of an international competitive award for

petrels, in their thousands. The seven-year BirdLife

young conservationists, the Future for Nature Award

South Africa study was conducted during daylight

2014, for which she was chosen from a total of 126

trawls on wet fish vessels.

applications from 58 countries.

Special

Vulnerable Scavenging

seabirds

are

most

vulnerable

to

Maree says: 'It has been incredibly special to be

becoming entangled with cables and being dragged

out on the boats with the fishermen as they realise

underwater and drowned during the 15-20 minute

how special an albatross is – in fact some skippers

setting phase of the fishing process when the large

have even taken up photographing albatrosses

nets of the trawlers, which are held in the water

while out at sea through our work. This project

by thick cables, are deployed in the early morning

is also an excellent example of how collaboration

when there is intense seabird activity as the seabirds

between government, environmental NGOs and

are then at their hungriest. During setting the vessel

fishing corporations can result in hugely significant

moves fast and the exposed cables move downwards

conservation successes.'

as the net sinks, exacerbating the downward force

South Africa's commercial fisheries constitute

of the water against the cables, and forcefully

0.5% of the country's GDP and employ approximately

dragging entangled birds downwards. Seabirds may

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Although the deployment of bird scaring lines (BSLs) has been mandatory in the South African hake fishery since mid-2006, compliance was not widespread. also strike the trawl cables while in flight, sustaining serious injury such as a broken wing.

Although the deployment of bird scaring lines (BSLs) has been mandatory in the South African

hake fishery since mid-2006, compliance was not widespread. Through positive engagement with fishermen and demonstration that BSLs are relatively inexpensive (under US$100 per line), easy to use and extremely effective at reducing seabird deaths from cable interactions, the ATF team has helped to change this.

A trawler's BSL consists of a 30m main line of strong rope with 5-10 paired streamer lines of a lighter, visible material, attached at two metre intervals. The main line is secured to and deployed off the stern of the moving vessel, typically with a road cone, providing drag that tensions the line and keeps it aloft behind the vessel, usually parallel with the trawl cables. The paired streamer lines which hang downwards from the main line distract and confuse seabirds enough to keep them away from the trawlers' cables.

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Collaboration The BSLs are made through a collaborative project between BirdLife South Africa and the Ocean View Association for Persons with Disabilities (OVAPD), by a team of eight men and women with various intellectual and physical disabilities from OVAPD. Their construction takes less than an hour. They are made on demand and then sold to the fishing industry to bring in an income for the OVAPD centre.

Deborah Gonsalves, manager of the OVAPD centre says: 'The bird scaring line project is very important to us because it helps to sustain the centre and the fact that we are helping to save seabirds is quite a feather in our cap. It proves that people with intellectual and physical challenges can still have something to offer, doing good to save the environment.'

With

conservation

success

stories

being

increasingly hard to find, every project that provides win-win benefits to all concerned should be inestimably valued.

SG

Conservation news

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015 Winners Now in its 51st year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition provides a showcase for the world’s very best nature photography. The competition is owned by the world-renowned and trusted British institution, the Natural History Museum.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year presents an attractive proposition for corporate partners that share the Museum’s principles and values. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year series consists of a major exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London and a worldwide tour. The winning images appear on this website and leading publications worldwide. As a result, the photographs are seen by millions.

For more visit www.nhm.ac.uk

FRESH PRODUCE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL MySchool together with partners Woolworths Financial Services and Urban Harvest have established a school food garden at Chapel Street Primary School in Woodstock, Cape Town.

At Chapel Street about 350 learners are in need of meals on a daily basis, but the feeding scheme only provides for around 100 to 150, so the garden will supplement the meals, but will also be a learning/educational tool for all the grades. Recently, the edible garden was launched with a harvest table created by ex-MasterChef finalist Sue-Ann Allen and some of the learners from the school's garden club. All the dishes were prepared with produce from the garden.

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Conservation news

Critical water resources gobbled up by alien invasives As South Africa continues to battle the drought which is further impacting on already scarce water supplies, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is implementing measures to conserve wetlands – a primary source of fresh water – and to prevent the loss of water resources to alien invasive plants.

The Chrissiesmeer Protected Environment (which forms part of the protected area network of South Africa) comprises over 300 lakes and pans, as well as other wetland types. Due to its richness in wetlands and water birds it is a proposed Ramsar site (wetland of international

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iSimangaliso signs contract to restore Lake St Lucia The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority signed a R10 million contract with Cyclone Engineering Projects (Pty) Ltd to remove some 100 000 m3 of dredge spoil obstructing the natural course of the uMfolozi River.

A further R20m has been allocated to continue the work, and additional funding will be sourced to complete the restoration.

importance). Many of our threatened bird species depend

Dredge spoil was artificially deposited in the natural

on wetlands for their survival. These include the grey

course of the uMfolozi River to separate it from the

crowned crane which uses the Chrissiesmeer wetlands

St Lucia Estuary in the belief that it would protect the

for breeding in the summer months. The health of these

estuary from silt inflows. This significantly reduced

wetlands is negatively impacted by invasive alien plants

freshwater to Lake St Lucia from the uMfolozi River,

such as black wattle and bluegum trees, which take up

the largest of the five rivers entering the system. It also

huge amounts of water which would otherwise have

interfered with nature’s ability to regulate the opening

flowed into the wetlands, thus impacting negatively on

and the closing of the estuary mouth.

the amount of water available within the wetlands for use

Today the impacts of this approach are still evident. With

by plants, animals and humans.

current rainfall levels the lowest in 65 years, the Lake

Communities living within the Chrissiesmeer Protected

system has compartmentalised. Presently, only some

Environment celebrated the start of a new invasive alien

30% of the Lake’s surface area has water and species

clearing project on World Wetlands Day (2 February).

recovery is slow.

Funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs,

'Freshwater from the uMfolozi River is critical – even

the project focuses on local job creation through the

more so in times of drought,' says Andrew Zaloumis, CEO

clearing of invasive alien plants, and is undertaken in

of iSimangaliso. 'The restoration of the uMfolozi’s natural

partnership with Eastern Wetland Rehab. This ensures

course is important for the hydrological functioning of

the improved health of the wetlands and surrounding

Lake St Lucia. Without this, Lake St Lucia will not recover.

grasslands and thus has a positive impact on water

'The signing of the contract with Cyclone Engineering is a

availability for communities and cranes within the

moment that will stand alongside the day in 1996 when

Protected Environment. The value of this is especially

former president Mandela and his cabinet saved Lake St

pertinent during this current dry period.

Lucia from dune mining,' Zaloumis points out.

Rhinos without borders Great Plains Conservation has committed alongside industry partner andBeyond to undertake a relocation of rhinos on a magnitude never done before – to relocate no less than 100 rhino from South Africa to safe havens in Botswana. This relocation operation will take place with an assertive and elaborate anti-poaching force and strong commitment to save this species.

This initiative is about taking rhinos from existing, high-density populations which are attracting more and more poaching, and releasing them into the wild within a country that has low densities of rhino and the best anti-poaching record on the continent. It also secures rhino breeding diversity and provides a nucleus of stock in a different location, so that these animals are not all concentrated in one location. It’s not a rescue, but it could be considered an Ark for rhino genes.

This is, however, a story of hope for rhinos, where conservationists, individuals, as well as industry and tourism professionals roll up their sleeves and do something positive for two species that cannot speak for themselves and cannot protect themselves from our greed, corruption and abject stupidity.

‘Rhinos Without Borders’ is a joint venture between Great Plains Conservation and andBeyond combining joint fundraising and project management efforts.

Bird declines show that climate change is more than just hot air Scientists have long known that birds are feeling the heat due to climate change. But a new study of a dozen affected species in the Western Cape suggests their decline is more complex than previously thought – and in some cases more serious.

There could be several reasons why birds are being negatively affected by man-made climate change, according to the study by scientists from the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute at the University of Cape Town and the Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

The study, which was published in the Oxford University Press journal Conservation Physiology, suggests that contrary to expectations the birds' heat tolerance – or lack thereof – is not necessarily the main factor chasing species out of their preferred habitat. Other factors like changing fire and rainfall patterns, and new bird behaviour patterns could also be responsible for the decline, according to the study which includes some well-known species such as the malachite sunbird and the familiar chat.

The main findings are that physiology, though often considered

the

ultimate

factor

limiting

species

distributions, may not be the factor responsible for warming-related declines in most Fynbos birds.

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