Environmental Management
Southern Africa’s leading sustainable development publication
www.emmagazine.co.za January/February2016
“Conservation must consider the bigger picture, using the lessons of the past together with the knowledge and science of the present” - Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
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ED’S NOTE
www.emmagazine.co.za
3
Contents
BY SAMANTHA MORGAN
04 TAKE NOTE Belgotex achieve another significant milestone ......................4
Dear Reader
NGO Food & Trees for Africa partner with kulula.com................. 7
Hasn’t time flown so fast already! Somehow, we all need to find more moments where we can stretch time – where we can stand still and enjoy our day-to-day experiences. Fear and joy stretch time as do
have around us.
stimuli that move towards us. When
are testimony to our resilience and
As the song lyric goes, “Everyone
determination. I am sure we can
we experience something as ‘taking
complains about the weather, but
embrace what lies ahead and stop
a long time’ it is really the result of
nobody ever does anything about it.”
time flying quite so fast.
three inter-twined processes: the
In 2015 that changed, as 196 nations
actual duration of the event, how we
assembled in Paris and, after 20
afraid of storms, for I am learning
feel about the event, and whether
years of previous attempts, finally
how to sail my ship.”
we think the event is approaching us.
came to a climate change agreement
It is all about our mind-set!
that will impact just about everyone
Enjoy the read.
on the planet in 2016 and beyond.
Sami
January has been the season for prognostications… But how can we
positives we can take from 2015
uncertain? Will our economy ever
and build on in 2016. Although we
recover; will the unprecedented
enter 2016 feeling quite
drought continue or will we see
vulnerable, we are also
signs of relief; and will we ever beat
a nation who stands on
England in the cricket? Perhaps what
a firm foundation and
we need to do this year is to think
who can weather even
about how we can stretch out time
more severe storms.
and enjoy the simple things that we
The articles in this issue
11 SUSTAINABLE
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Sakata complete seed distribution facility .........................12
Louisa May Alcott said “I am not
We need to investigate what
make predictions when things are
Enviroserv make a giant ‘upcycled’ Christmas tree ..............8
14 OCEAN CLEAN UP Cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch................................. 14
16 HYDROGEOLOGY Educating role-players is key to sustaining our groundwater ....... 16 What if Kariba Dam fails? ........... 18
20 ECO-TOURISM CapeNature Biodiversity Awarded to Bushmans Kloof ....20 Hotel Verde – forerunner in ‘green’ hospitality ..................... 22
The new look Environmental Management - Keeping you up to date 24
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION New commitment to animal welfare based on the ‘Five Freedoms’ ....................................... 25 Isimangaliso’s harsh December drought ........................ 26
28 LANDSCAPE COP21 could be the last great hope for a binding climate change agreement........................ 28
31 CLASSIFIEDS THE TEAM EDITORIAL
SUBSCRIPTIONS
CONTACT
HEAD OFFICE: New Media House,
EDITOR: Samantha Morgan
Felicity Garbers
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PRODUCTION MANAGER: Angela Silver
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
COVER STORY
BELGOTEX FLOORS are the first South African flooring manufacturer to earn the coveted Global GREENTAG eco-label certification – called GreenRate™. The Global GREENTAG certification is an esteemed, globally recognised and respected mark that indicates a product’s relative performance across its sustainability criteria. This maximises our products’ eligibility to achieve 100% of the available credit points across all Green Building Council interiors rating tools.
WWW.BELGOTEXFLOORS.CO.ZA info@belgotex.co.za | +27 (0)33 897 7500
BELGOTEX
Belgotex earn coveted Green Tag certification
B
elgotex Floors are the
a product’s relative performance
certification is to enhance the
first South African
across six sustainability criteria.
credibility of eco-product offerings and
flooring manufacturer to earn the coveted
South Africa’s Green Building
change the perceptions of the product
Council (GBCSA) Interiors v1 Tool
category,” says Kevin Walsh, chief
GreenTag eco-label certification,
recognises GreenRate certification
operations officer at Belgotex Floors.
achieving another significant
to award points to projects that use
sustainability milestone.
green certified products.
“The challenge for the flooring industry is to shift traditional
The company was awarded an
Belgotex Floors were subjected
internationally recognised ‘Level
to GreenTag’s robust and rigorous
eco-innovative sustainable ones,”
A’ GreenTag certification – called
assessment process, achieving
explains Walsh.
GreenRate™ - , thereby maximising
maximum compliance against
their products’ eligibility to achieve
their sustainability criteria. These
the limits for operational efficiency,
100 precent of the available credit
include Health and Eco-toxicity, Life-
seeking out ecologically sustainable
points across all Green Building
cycle analysis (material extraction,
manufacturing methods and
multi-dimensional long term
Council rating tools.
durability, end of life), product
developing eco-friendly products.
operational plans aligned with our
The GreenTag certification is
emissions (for Green House Gases),
an esteemed, globally recognised
as well as Social Responsibility.
and respected mark that indicates
“Our aim with this GreenTag
operating paradigms to new holistically and underscore
Belgotex are constantly pushing
“This stringent assessment
sustainability across our value chain,” he continued. “Our passion drives us to develop
deeply held sustainability beliefs,
process [for GreenTag certification]
which in turn has lead to great
has equipped us to develop
strides in our Green Journey.”
Belgotex scoop Massmart Supplier Environmental Award
B
elgotex Floors won the
Walmart to recognise and reward its
including Distell, I&J and Sea Harvest,
development initiatives designed for
prestigious Massmart
suppliers’ environmental initiatives and
York Timbers, Ina Paarman and
resource optimisation and
Supplier Environmental
commitment to sustainable supply
Backsberg Wine Estate were selected
waste reduction.
Awards. This was
chain management.
following rigorous verification, plant
announced at the World Wildlife Fund’s
Belgotex Floors, whose ‘Green
The 1MW solar plant – the largest
inspections and interviews to assess
single roof-mounted installation
headquarters in Braamfontein, in
Journey’ began in 1991, beat off stiff
the sustainability of each entrant’s
in South Africa - provides roughly
October 2015.
competition from 325 other large blue
manufacturing practices. Entries were
5-percent of the company’s annual
chip FMCG companies such as Mondi,
judged against 35 environmental
energy requirement and offsets
year, were instituted by the retail
Sappi and Aspen Pharmaceuticals to
indicators developed in 2011 following
~2.5 percent of carbon emissions,
giant’s American holding company
scoop the coveted title. Ten finalists
Massmart’s self-assessment surveys
reducing them by 1 386 tons per
that enabled the company to begin
annum. The Rainwater Harvesting
profiling the environmental practices of
Initiative and Total Water Management
over 1 000 suppliers since 2009.
system, which comprises an on-site
The awards, now in their second
treatment plant to reuse water from
WHY BELGOTEX WON
their operations, achieved a 45 percent
Belgotex, who manufacture carpets
reduction in water consumption. All
and artificial lawn at their 100 000sqm
Belgotex products are made from
Pietermaritzburg factory, won the
solution-dyed yarns and fibres, a dry
award for their ongoing commitment
manufacturing process that utilises
to environmental best practice.
less water, chemicals and energy. A
The company continuously adopts
Green underlay is also available made
new ecologically and economically
from waste fibre and yarn while their
sustainable production practices and
Erema recycling machine enables
recently achieved the internationally
them to produce their own Eco fibre
respected GreenTag ‘Level A’
using recycled production waste
certification for several ranges that
instead of virgin polymers.
earn maximum credits for green building ratings.
“We are delighted to win this award and challenge the flooring industry to
Some of the environmental initiatives
shift traditional operating paradigms to
implemented by Belgotex include
new eco-innovative sustainable ones,”
the installation of 1.2ha (12 000sqm)
said Kevin Walsh, chief operations
of photovoltaic solar panels on their
officer at Belgotex Floors.
factory roof in 2013, a Total Water Management system and Rainwater
Belgotex Floors
Harvesting Initiative, as well as several
(033) 897-7500 Head Office
recycling programmes and product
www.belgotexfloors.co.za
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
5
6
TAKE NOTE
Gibb Environmental showcases project excellence in sustainability leading black-
the IAIA network, ‘The Value of
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
owned engineering
Remote Sensing in Project Planning
(EMM). The study focused on water,
consulting firm.
and Environmental Protection’ which
food security and transportation.
In order to
demonstrates a simple linear project
achieve this,
situated within the Maputo Region of
was to conduct an analysis of
associations
Southern Mozambique, selected as a
how resilient cities are to climate
such as the
case study on the intended purpose
change, to explore options that can
International
of the project, connecting two major
enhance their ability for resilience
Association
roads traversing through the area.
and liveability for future generations,”
for Impact
For their informative contribution
shared Rampath.
Assessment
to the field of GIS at the recent IAIA
(IAIA) are key
2015 conference, GIBB was awarded
RESULTS
to networking
runner up.
The results of the study showed that all three cities are faced with
and keeping
S
“The main objective of this project
environmental
AIM
possible annual average temperature
specialists
“The aim of the study was to develop
increases. “An increased temperature
informed on global
an environmental-sensitivities
in this regard implies increased water
best practices in
database that can be used in project
demands and this places increasing
the use of impact
planning, such as determining the
pressure on existing water reserves
assessment.
least environmentally sensitive
within each city. The relevance of
They also serve
route between the two major roads,”
this study is to stress the need for
as a practical
explained Nel.
greater capacity for resilience to the
tool for helping meet today’s
The ‘Climate Change vs Infrastructure Changes – The need
future impacts of climate change,” expressed Rampath.
ustainability impacts
needs without compromising the
for climate change resilience into
the bottom-line, and
opportunities of future generations.
municipal IDP planning: Case Study
adequately addressed in isolation of
Overall, climate change cannot be
all industries should
“One of the unique features of
Reflecting findings from the SACN
individual city departments. For cities
be acutely mindful of
IAIA is its potential to advance the
Study with the City of Johannesburg,
to face the challenges that climate
how they do business on a planet
science of impact assessment.
Ekurhuleni and Mangaung,’ presented
change present, cities must become
with fewer natural resources. The
The association also aids in the
by Shantal Rampath, Sustainability
integrated and more resilient.
importance of internal capacity
development of international and
Specialist at GIBB, explained that
building, the need for climate and
local capability to anticipate, plan
there is increasing recognition
on Sustainability and GIS projects in
weather information management,
and manage the consequences, to
that cities are a crucial element
Southern Africa.
the role of integrated planning and
enhance the quality of life for all,”
in national efforts to address the
the inclusion of stakeholders outside
said Govender.
impacts of climate change. GIBB
government, should all be key themes
Recently, GIBB’s Deon Ruaan
was appointed by the South African
of environmental projects. This is
de Witt, Geographic Information
Cities Network (SACN) to undertake
the view of Dr Urishanie Govender,
System Unit Manager and Ryan Nel,
carbon resilience studies for the City
General Manager, Environmental
Environmental Specialist produced
of Johannesburg (CoJ), Mangaung
Services at GIBB, South Africa’s
and shared a beneficial paper with
Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) and
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
GIBB continues to be appointed
www.gibb.co.za
TAKE NOTE
Greening NGO Food and Trees for Africa reaffirms partnership with kulula.com
I
n celebration of the ongoing
children enrolled, in classes of up to 60
support Food & Trees for Africa
children at a time. Ramoetla made a
carbon emissions, but assist in Food &
at the centre of our operational
received from privately-owned
plea for corporate donors to assist with
Trees for Africa’s focus on food security
philosophy, hence our investment in
low-cost airline kulula.com,
the development of new classrooms.
and sovereignty. Through these efforts
new and more fuel-efficient aircraft.
the organisation promotes the rights
Occasions such as tree planting
the greening and food Public Benefit
Kulula.com has had a long standing
These initiatives not only offset
are kinder to the environment is
Organisation (PBO) planted 20
relationship with Food & Trees for
of people to healthy food produced
ceremonies also offer an opportunity
trees at Emmangweni Primary in
Africa, which has seen them achieve
though ecologically sound and
to make a tangible difference to the
Tembisa, Gauteng.
some great milestones together, such
sustainable methods.
environment and we appreciate that,”
The school’s head teacher, Mr Golden
as a donation of R1 million a few years
“Without kulula’s help, Food & Trees
says kulula.com and British Airways
Ramoetlo, said the trees would make
ago which contributed towards the
for Africa would spend thousands of
(operated by Comair Limited) Head of
a big difference to the comfort levels
planting of 521 trees in Boipatong,
Rand on flights. Instead, we are able to
Marketing, Shaun Pozyn.
of learners at the school, not only in
Gauteng, to off set the effects of
use the money that is donated to plant
providing shade but also in terms of
climate change. For the last three
trees and vegetable gardens in some
www.kulula.com
cleaner air: “We’ve had a shortage of
years, kulula.com has also assisted
of the poorest areas in South Africa,”
www.trees.co.za
oxygen here, with our big numbers of
the NGO with flights for its staff and
says Food & Trees for Africa Executive
children,” he joked. When Ramoetla
management to attend meetings with
Director, Chris Wild.
joined the school in 2006, there were
sponsors, facilitate permaculture
700 children enrolled. Increased
workshops, and distribute and plant
Africa stems from our appreciation
urbanisation and regional migration has
trees and vegetable seedlings in
of the positive work they do in our
resulted in the school now having 1 781
communities across the country.
communities. Ensuring that we
200trees to combat 000climate change A
s world leaders met
a strong start with 195 770 trees already
in Paris to forge an
planted to date. These trees, grown by
agreement to limit
Wildlands Tree-preneurs, were planted
global warming and its
in line with Unilever’s commitment to
catastrophic impacts on development
plant a tree for every pledge or tweet
and economic growth, countries
received against deforestation as part
such as South Africa were already
of the brightFuture climate action
experiencing droughts, heatwaves
plan. Since the campaign launch, over
and unseasonably cold weather.
170 000 pledges and tweets have
Recognising the crucial role played by
been received.
trees in absorbing greenhouse gases
Peter Cowan, Senior Vice President
“Our support for Food & Trees for
Dr Andrew Venter, CEO of Wildlands and Mr. Peter Cowan, Chairman of Unilever South Africa
Unilever has been a vocal supporter
deforestation is only one part of the
of strong and ambitious action on
solution – reforestation must occur
climate change by businesses as
too. This is the goal of this treeplanting campaign.”
that fuel global warming, Unilever
and Chairman of Unilever South
well as governments, reflecting the
South Africa has, in partnership with
Africa, said: “We launched this tree-
conviction that the cost of inaction on
Wildlands, planted 195 770 trees
planting campaign at the same time
climate change now exceeds the cost
start, Unilever and Wildlands hope that
across South Africa.
as the Global Goals for Sustainable
of action.
others will follow suit, playing their
As part its brightFuture climate action
Development were agreed. The
According to Dr Andrew Venter
Given the campaign’s promising
role in making a brighter future for all
plan to build a world where everyone
Unilever Sustainable Living Campaign
from Wildlands, this project has the
a reality. Taking action against climate
lives well and lives sustainably, Unilever
and this particular campaign on
power to change the world – and
change is essential, and achievable;
is planting one million indigenous
reforestation continue to support the
its climate. “Trees have often been
and if the number of pledges received
trees in selected areas of South Africa
Global Goals, particularly the need to
cited as the best technology to
to date is anything to go by, it is a
over the next three years. Launched in
take urgent action to combat climate
fight climate change. However, it is
problem that society believes can and
September 2015, the campaign is off to
change and its impacts.”
essential to remember that preventing
should be solved.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
7
8
TAKE NOTE
Upcycled
festive tree E
nviroServ encouraged
we can create something beautiful.
people to spread some
As consumers, we are often too quick
responsible festive cheer
to throw away, or to buy something
and make an ‘upcycled’
new. EnviroServ urged consumers
gift under a giant Upcycled Festive
to create something meaningful this
Tree made from used plastic
festive season.
bottles, in Rosebank Johannesburg
EnviroServ has ethically managed
in December. For those who were
waste for over 35 years. With
not feeling creative, there was
the introduction of cutting edge
the opportunity to purchase an
technology, the company has
upcycled decoration for your festive
capabilities to assist its customers
season tree. The money raised
with many ‘zero-waste-to-
was contributed towards a student
landfill’ solutions
bursary for a deserving Environmental Sciences Student. EnviroServ believes that they are
“There are huge benefits in terms of reduction in both energy and water use through responsible waste
more than just an African waste
behaviour. With our current water
management company. Rather, they
and energy challenges, following the
believe they are an integral part
3R’s – Reduce, Reduce, Recycle – is
of the South African society. The
something that every South African
company sponsored the upcycled
can do to help grow our economy in
festive tree to raise awareness on
a sustainable way. South Africa has
the benefits of recycling, reusing and
limited landfill space, so responsible
reducing waste, for a sustainable
behaviour is crucial if we are to
future for South Africa.
protect our fragile environment,”
The message was clear – with a little bit of inspiration and creativity,
said EnviroServ PR Manager, Makgabo Van Niekerk.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
TAKE NOTE
give South Africa a green festive
for entrance to an Environmental
recycling, by recycling just one plastic
For those who doubt the impact of
gift in two ways: both through
Sciences Degree can apply to
bottle enough energy is saved to
raising awareness of the importance
bursary@enviroserv.co.za. The
power a CFL light bulb for 30 hours.
of increasing our environmental
winning candidate will be selected
That means the 2 000 bottles reused
mindfulness as a nation, and to raise
by a senior panel of EnviroServ
in EnviroServ’s ‘Upcycled Xmas Tree’
funds for a bursary for a deserving
EXCO members and will be
(all of which was sent for recycling
student who would not otherwise
announced in 2016.
after the festive season) could light a
be able to afford tertiary education,”
CFL bulb for 60 000 hours.
continued van Niekerk.
“This initiative was designed to
Students who meet the criteria
www.enviroserv.co.za Makgabovn@enviroserv.co.za
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
9
10
TAKE NOTE
Farming for a more fruitful economy BY NOMFANELO MAGWENTSHU, KARTIK JAYARAM AND ACHA LEKE
Smallholder farmers could become part of the formal farming economy
S
outh Africa’s smallholders
sure, the bulk of this growth relies on
need to aggregate their efforts
could produce enough
improved yields from medium- and
and output. Farming cooperatives
strawberries, berries and
large-scale commercial farms and
are a typical way to achieve this.
Livestock Extension Programme,
tomatoes to capture three
from a shift to significantly more agro-
These would enable them to offer
which supports farmers with
million tons of additional demand by
processing. But smallholder farmers
fewer points of contact and reach
education drives through field days,
2030. This would be enough to capture
could play an important role too.
a scale that would make market
demonstrations, courses, on-farm
access economically viable. These
trials, and shared interest groups.
12 percent of predicted global demand
Right now, smallholders occupy
growth (excluding North America)
about 4-5 percent of arable land in
cooperatives also have the capacity
Access to funding – Smallholders
for these products by 2030. Another
South Africa. Their farms range from
to lead supplier initiatives to develop
need access to tailored financing
way to understand the impact of this
five to 20 hectares in size, and they
demand and offtake routes for their
that is linked to education and
phenomenal opportunity is that it
use nearly 80percent of their yield
smallholders to sell their produce to.
support. The private and public
would grow South Africa’s GDP by R27
for household food which, naturally,
Smallholders also need to build their
sector could come together to
billion, creating some 121 000 jobs in
limits their efforts in shifting to
knowledge of how to achieve high
provide this support. In Nigeria, for
the process. Macroeconomic gains
commercial production. The estimated
quality produce standards if they are
instance, over 20 banks collaborated
aside, such assistance would also
52 000 households have an equally
to increase their market reach. These
with the government in designing a
greatly benefit some of the poorest
challenging commercial barrier in
include issues of quality, consistency
$500 million risk-sharing facility to
and most desperate communities in
accessing the market. Economically,
and point-of-origin information.
support lending to small agricultural
South Africa, all this by utilising only
connecting such a large number of
Cooperatives can also coordinate
businesses. Funding can take another
three percent of South Africa’s existing
small-scale producers to market
these farmers to ensure that, for
form, that of subsidies. However,
farmland to produce crops at yields
will require some form of output
instance, the tomato growers in a
direct subsidies to smallholders
already achieved by this country’s
consolidation. To develop and sustain
region do not deliver all their produce
should explicitly be temporary, with
farmers in 2013.
a small business that feeds their
to market at the same time.
a long-term view toward self-funding
This may sound simple, but the fact
households, employs workers, and
through a structured programme like Massmart’s Supplier Development
moves away from self-sufficiency),
GOOD GROWTH NEEDS GOOD SUPPORT
increasing their yields, accessing
these smallholders need to raise their
These three levers work well on paper,
to grant funding for inputs, while
better inputs, and importantly, gaining
productivity through three initiatives:
but crop transition initiatives can
offering to subsidise those grants
Switch to higher-value crops –
take years to bear fruit. The transition
should crops fail.
Shifting to horticulture will raise
to horticulture does not happen
Supported cooperatives – When
A TIME TO GROW
the value of the farmers’ output,
in a single step. Practically, these
smallholders aggregate their
New research by the McKinsey Global
enabling them to be financially
farmers need sustained management
produce and efforts, they can
Institute (MGI) shows that by 2030
viable at the five to 20 hectare
and business support, as well as
better access financing, inputs, and
the South African agricultural sector
scale. MGI’s analysis of the Eastern
investment, over a period of years.
large-scale retailers, giving them
as a whole can grow its contribution
Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo
The production of staple crops needs
the scale they currently lack. The
to GDP by R163-billion, while
provinces identified that berries,
to continue in parallel to the transition
Is’Baya High Value Crop programme
creating almost half a million jobs
strawberries and tomatoes can be
to ensure they can still feed their
in the Eastern Cape, for instance,
in production and processing. To be
viable at this scale. If smallholdings
households. Small-holder farmers will
has increased its collective annual
were to aggregate into larger farms of
require support as follows:
revenue by R19 billion over the last
is, smallholders need critical support
improves their quality of life (and
in shifting production to horticulture,
access to markets.
Fund that gives farmers access
30 hectares or more, then avocado,
Services and support programmes
15 years, reaching more than
litchi and mango also become viable.
– Smallholders need increased
5 000 households.
Use improved inputs – An input like
access to agricultural extension
fertiliser can increase crop yields by
services (currently geared towards
For smallholders to be truly
50 percent, more appropriate seed
commercial farmers), as well as
successful, they will need strong
varieties by 15 percent and practical
finance services, human resources,
support from the other players in the
farming knowledge by a further
technological development, delivery
agricultural value chain.
40 percent. Unfortunately, most
systems and marketing services.
smallholders have no access to
Commercial farmers, can play
in the Johannesburg office of McKinsey
these important inputs.
a supporting role through skills
& Company, and Jayaram is a partner
Gain access to markets – To access
and know-how transfer to their
in the Nairobi office. They lead work in
retail supply chains, smallholders
smallholder neighbours. Kenya
the agriculture and resource sectors
offers an instructive example
in a number of countries across sub-
with its National Agriculture and
Saharan Africa.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Magwentshu and Leke are partners
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES
A solution to Johannesburg’s food waste
T
he Pikitup labour/
with other organic garden waste to
management stand-off that
make compost.
happened in early December was not short-lived. Both
Nationally this eco-friendly solution helps divert food waste from landfill
parties dug in their heels, resulting in
while increasing dry recyclable
Johannesburg’s waste not being picked
volumes. Working with commercial and
up for a couple of weeks.
domestic clients across South Africa
As Johannesburg residents’ waste
an estimated 715 670 kilogrammes of
bags sat out on the pavements, the
food waste has been diverted from
stench of rotting food waste began to
landfill since January 2012.
permeate people’s daily lives. Not to mention rats, flies and cockroaches
www.earthprobiotic.co.za
having an early holiday feast. This problem should not be a problem, if people only composted their food waste. Gavin Heron, CEO of Earth Probiotic says, “Through composting food waste into soil food, no-one will have to worry about their rotting food waste (or the rats that seem to love it so much). Composting also builds a habit of using food waste to build soil health and to reduce the load to landfill.” Food waste composting kits are nonsmelly, easy to use and are a perfect solution for Johannesburg residents, in order to manage the inconvenience caused by the Pikitup labour protests. Using Bokashi - probiotic infused bran - anyone can simply add food waste to a bin provided by Earth Probiotic. Bokashi is layered onto the food waste where the beneficial micro-organisms stop the food waste from rotting and make it ready for digging it into soil, feeding it to composting earthworms, or mixing it
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
11
12
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES
A model
seed distribution facility S akata, currently one of the largest seed groups in the
world with extensive global research programmes
in vegetable and flower seed, has
completed its new warehouse and
seed processing facility in the Cradle
professional vegetable, turf and
of Humankind World Heritage Site,
flower seed, vegetable breeding
Gauteng. These premises were
programs and specialised products
officially opened on 12 January by
for the home garden industry.
Alain Sicard, Sakata President, EMEA
In the late 1960’s MayFord became the
Region, His Excellency, Japanese
sole distributor of Sakata’s products
Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki and
in Southern Africa. In December
Lindsay Campleman, CEO, Sakata
1999, the Sakata Seed Corporation of
Seed Southern Africa.
Yokohama, Japan, acquired MayFord
During the past 10 years Sakata
Seeds. On 1 April 2008, MayFord
Southern Africa has grown into one of
Seeds changed their name to Sakata
the largest vegetable seed producers
Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd. The
in the region. Supported by the global
MayFord brand is used now for its
Sakata production team, Sakata
hobby and turf business.
Southern Africa has developed a reputation for taking a scientific and
THE CHALLENGE
responsible approach to production
The obvious challenge for Sakata
research. South Africa’s climatic
Seed Southern Africa was to
conditions make it ideal for Sakata
successfully build a much needed
to produce top quality carrot, onion,
facility for the sustainable processing,
bunching onion and beetroot seed for
storage and distribution of seeds
the global Sakata group.
without impacting on the fragile
Sakata’s founder, Takeo Sakata
and valuable environment of the
established Sakata Noen in 1913,
surrounds. New and improved
producing seed for a commercial
facilities were much needed for this
market in Japan. MayFord Seeds (Pty)
growing business.
Ltd grew out of C. May & Co. which
These newly built state-of-the-art
was founded in 1931. This makes
premises comprised two phases: The
MayFord Seeds one of the oldest
new warehouse was the first. At a
vegetable seed companies in South
cost of R35million, it boasts an area of
Africa. As a four-generation family
a 4 500m² foot print as well as a
business, the company developed
1 200m² mezzanine level. This
a diverse portfolio including seed
5 700m² total floor space was built in
production, hobby packet seed,
just over 10 months.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES
n system has no moving parts and requires no electricity. It utilises fixed biofilm technology to achieve odour free effluent, suitable for irrigation. It is a model that could be used on many other Various rocky embankments and Terraforce concrete retaining blocks have been visually softened by planting them with Phase two comprised
indigenous species.
the conversion of the old
Sakata has established itself
warehouse/factory into
as a reliable supplier of quality
the seed processing facility.
seeds, through a focus on product
This building, at a cost of
development and technical
approximately R9million, started in October 2015 and is expected to be complete by the end of March 2016.
support excellence in the field. natural gradient of the land. • Natural light has been used by
• Storm water is harvested off the roof
Through specialised product
and hard surfaces. It is collected in
management Sakata ensures that
installing narrow strips (180mm
tanks, an underground cistern and
they can continuously provide the
Assessments were carried out to look
wide) of translucent sheeting to
a water attenuation pond. The idea
consumer with the best product
at the archaeological impact, the
allow some natural light in without
was to create a natural looking pond
quality, consistency, diversity and
visual impact and issues regarding
undue heat gain.
in an existing depression which
nutritional value.
Environmental Impact
flooding. (It was only in March 2014,
• High quality insulation (80mm
was lined with excavated rock.
Sakata Seed Southern Africa
after many months of meetings
Lamdaboard) was used on the
Indigenous planting and indigenous
is certified according to the ISO
and several EIA proposals, that the
roof and walls to moderate
fish species enhance the natural
9001 Quality Management System,
DEA (Department of Environmental
temperatures. It cannot melt, drip
process of water purification. Five
assuring their customers of the best
Affairs) approved the go-ahead on
or spread fire and is wind and water
species of Tilapia (recommended
possible products and service.
the project.)
resistant. It is also aesthetically
by the Hartebeespoort fishery)
appealing and recyclable.
were introduced as fingerlings in
simply resulted in the successful
September 2015 and are flourishing.
installation of a large facility into a
In line with Sakata’s sensitivity to environmental issues, every
• The underfloor heating in the seed-
Excitingly, this project has not
effort was made to minimise the
packing area is a Hydro Flow Heating
impact of these new facilities on the
System made up of solar panels,
was installed under the new building
impact on the environment; rather it
environment. The positive outcomes
water storage tanks, a heat pump
to deal with natural ground water
has proven itself as a model for other
of this project have been immense.
and water pipes looped into the
run-off. A herringbone pipe system
environmentally sustainable ventures.
• All existing tree clusters and the
concrete floor which is cast on top
collects the water and feeds it into
rocky out crop immediately adjacent
of 50mm high density polystyrene
to the buildings have been retained.
insulation. Solar panels heat up
• The excavation to a depth of 5m into
• A Fibretech sub-soil drainage system
the storm water system.
sensitive site without harm or negative
Sakata Seed Southern Africa
• There are no municipal services on
the water which is pumped into the
the site, which resulted in the issue
the slope on the south side of the
pipes in the floor. This all ensures
of sewerage having to be looked at
building minimised the height of the
winter temperatures are as close to
very carefully. A Biobox system was
building above ground. It also ties in
21 degrees Celsius as possible, for
installed to replace the old septic
with the site profile which follows the
maximum comfort and efficiency.
tanks. This biological purification
www.sakata.co.za
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
13
14
OCEAN CLEANUP
Cleaning up the
Great Pacific Garbage Patch R
esearchers are launching
PRIMARY GOAL
tests aimed at setting up
The Mega Expedition’s primary goal
a huge floating barrier
is to accurately determine how much
off the Japanese coast,
plastic is floating in the Great Pacific
a project that could eventually help
Garbage Patch, by executing the
remove some of the 5.25 trillion pieces
largest ocean research expedition in
of rubbish polluting the world’s oceans.
history. This is also the first time large
If the study is a success, the southern
pieces of plastic, such as ghost nets
island of Tsushima could be the venue
and Japanese tsunami debris, have
for a pilot scheme that would pluck
been quantified.
tonnes of plastic waste from the sea
“I’ve studied plastic in all the world’s
– all without harming marine life. The
oceans, but never seen any area as
Ocean Cleanup Foundation wants to
polluted as the Great Pacific Garbage
install a moored platform and floating
Patch,” said Dr. Julia Reisser, Lead
boom which would span 2 000 metres,
Oceanographer at The Ocean Cleanup.
– off the island next year if the tests
“With every trawl we completed,
prove promising.
thousands of miles from land, we
The Ocean Cleanup Foundation
just found lots and lots of plastic.”
develops technologies to extract,
Although the samples collected during
prevent, and intercept plastic pollution.
the expedition still have to be analysed,
The Ocean Cleanup’s goal is to fuel the
preliminary findings indicate a higher-
world’s fight against oceanic plastic
than-expected volume of large plastic
pollution by initiating the largest
objects floating in the ocean.
cleanup in history The Ocean Cleanup successfully
This underscores the urgency of The Ocean Cleanup’s mission
concluded the Mega Expedition
to clean it up, according to CEO
with the arrival of a first group of
and founder Boyan Slat: “The
vessels including the fleet’s 52 metre
vast majority of the plastic in the
mothership in the port of San Francisco
garbage patch is currently locked
today. Using a series of measurement
up in large pieces of debris, but UV
techniques, including trawls and aerial
light is breaking it down into much
surveys, the fleet of close to 30 vessels
more dangerous microplastics,
philanthropists, including Salesforce
sampled the concentration of plastic
vastly increasing the amount of
Chairman, CEO and founder Marc
during its month-long voyage through
microplastics over the next few
Benioff: “Protecting the oceans should
the 100km long system between
decades if we don’t clean it up. It
be a priority for all of Earth’s citizens.
Hawaii and California – the location of
really is a ticking time bomb.”
The Ocean Cleanup is taking an
the so-called ‘Great Pacific Garbage
During a press conference, Boyan
innovative approach to preserving one
Patch’, a major gyre of marine debris
announced that The Ocean Cleanup
of our most critical resources and raising
This is in preparation for the large-
was able to conduct the Mega
visibility of this global challenge.”
scale cleanup of the area, set to begin
Expedition thanks to major financial
in 2020.
contributions from entrepreneur-
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
www.theoceancleanup.com
OCEAN CLEANUP
Packaging SA joins effort to reduce marine debris
Association joins 64 organisations in signing Global Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter in a worldwide drive to keep plastics out of the ocean.
P
ackaging SA has become
packaging industry, the first being PACIA
with the long-term goal of establishing
Council, welcomed and commended
the latest signatory to
(National Packaging Covenant Industry
an African network that tie into the
Packaging SA for joining global
the plastics industry’s
Association – Australia).
global management of marine debris.
efforts to address marine debris. He
Global Declaration for
“The objective is to encourage
“The GAT have made six public
said that marine debris is a complex,
Solutions to Marine Litter, highlighting
country packaging associations, brand
commitments that are aimed at
global problem, and Packaging SA`s
its commitment to finding solutions to
owners, retailers, environmental NGO`s
contributing to sustainable solutions
participation is a strong signal that the
combat plastics in our oceans.
and like-minded organisations to sign
to address marine litter which are
packaging industry and its stakeholders
the Declaration and together, with
education, research, public policy,
are also committed to doing their part in
is a major contributor to marine litter and
the global plastics industry, to tackle
sharing best practices, plastics
providing solutions.
consequently feel that it is important
plastics in the marine environment,”
recycling and recover and plastic pellet
that we play our part in supporting every
Steyn says.
containment,” Steyn explains.
“We recognise that plastic packaging
initiative to sort out this worrying global
In line with the five year plan of the
Charles Muller
Plastics|SA signed the Declaration
(012) 001 1914
problem,” says Charles Muller, Executive
Global Action Team on Marine Debris
in 2011 and to date, more than 65
Packaging SA
Director of Packaging SA.
(GAT), the Sustainability Council of
associations in 35 countries have signed
Charles@packagingsa.co.za
Plastics|SA has set itself objectives that
the plastics industry’s global declaration,
www.marinelittersolutions.com
Plastics|SA and Chairman of Outreach
include specific marine debris actions.
through which 185 projects have been
www.plasticsinfo.co.za
and Stakeholder Engagement on
Early in 2015, they hosted the second
planned, initiated, or completed since its
www.recycling.co.za
the Global Action Team on Marine
African Marine Debris Summit in Cape
launch in March 2011.
Debris (GAT) welcomed Packaging
Town which led to the formation of a
SA as the second signatory from the
South African Network on Marine Debris,
Douw Steyn, Director Sustainability at
Plastics|SA PROPAK2016 (Environmental Management)215x150P.pdf
1
2015/12/14
Steve Russell, Vice President of 10:11 AM
Plastics for the American Chemistry
C
M
Y
CM
MY
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CMY
K
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
15
16
HYDROGEOLOGY
Educating role-players is key to sustaining South Africa’s groundwater
A
s South Africa draws thirstily on its groundwater resources, it must urgently educate role-players that
these are not infinite, and that careful controls must follow the drilling of boreholes to make sure they last. According to Gert Nel, principal hydrogeologist in SRK Consulting’s East London office, the current drought in many parts of the country has refocused attention on the frequent lack of monitoring of groundwater use. “Underground aquifers are fed by rainwater, so drought will impact on their abstraction capacity,” said Nel. “We are also seeing more demand on groundwater as towns expand, higher levels of services are required, and municipalities must ensure water delivery is meeting the demand.” After South Africa developed a large number of well-fields in recent decades, he said we now face the danger of depleting them through careless use – unless water service providers such as local and district municipalities are
as raising awareness at district
provided with better information about
municipalities, and giving local
are ideally placed to adapt their
municipalities, who oversee the work
the policies and practices that need to
municipalities practical training and
training in this way, as they have
of water services providers (WSPs),
be applied and implemented.
ongoing mentoring.”
on-the-ground experience and
typically local municipalities, in ensuring
understanding of the problems that
actual delivery of water services and maintenance of facilities.
“Each of the agencies in this field
Nel emphasised the need to roll out
Consulting engineers and scientists
(WSAs), typically the district
has their role to play, and consulting
a scientific learning programme that
water managers face every day,
engineers and scientists like SRK are
relates directly to each town or region
he said.
already making valuable technical
where it is presented – so that it can be
According to Nel, catchment
contributions,” he said. “But we can
applied immediately in addressing local
management agencies (CMAs)
are different, he said. The district
do more at a number of levels, such
groundwater challenges.
are being established to pursue
municipalities’ water planning
integrated water management within
personnel, for example, need to
‘groundwater training’ resources and
water management areas (WMA)
understand that groundwater
documents available but we need
and coordinate functions of other
must be monitored and managed;
to move beyond the general to the
institutions involved in water related
numerical models can be developed
specific, ensuring that role-players
matters. However, it will take time
and predictions made about future
engage practically with their issues
for the CMAs to fully engage all
borehole performance at current
during these sessions and take back
groundwater users.
abstraction levels.
“There are plenty of generic
solutions they can implement with the help of mentors,” said Nel.
More urgent, however, is the position of the water services authorities
Training should be tailored for each of these levels, as their needs
At local municipality level, the required focus is on how to physically
Only by working together, and openly sharing knowledge can their groundwater resources be protected, both from a quantity and quality perspective JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
HYDROGEOLOGY monitor usage – using equipment such
“Those involved need to develop
as flow meters and water-level meters
an understanding of water tables,
– and how to manage groundwater
groundwater recharge and related
contamination. The training can
scientific issues, so that the ‘invisible’
therefore include an assessment of
world of groundwater can be revealed
municipal and private groundwater
and managed to everyone’s long-term
abstraction, identifying the various
benefit,” he said.
users so that the local authority can
“Groundwater users must
engage them in controlling usage. The
understand that only by working
location of possible contamination
together, and openly sharing
sources like refuse dumps, waste
knowledge can their groundwater
water discharge, cemeteries and
resources be protected, both from a
abattoirs can also be mapped.
quantity and quality perspective. It is a
“Water services authorities
necessary condition of raising citizens’
and providers receive funding from various sources, such as the
standard of living.” Even where experts have been
Municipal Infrastructure Grant, to
used to test boreholes, users
install the necessary water systems,
sometimes mistakenly believe that
but they are seldom equipped or
the ‘recommended yield’ provided by
funded to scientifically manage their
the hydrogeologist can be applied for
groundwater sources,” he said. “The
the lifespan of the borehole.
training content needs to be applied
“This is of course not true,” said Nel.
to their specific conditions, so that
“The recommended yield given by the
delegates can be assisted to develop
hydrogeologist is the yield that can be
a groundwater monitoring programme
used to put the system in operation,
– and supported with mentoring to
but the yield will have to be adjusted
ensure ongoing implementation.”
downwards when drought periods
“The danger of continuing as we
arrive. Similarly, the yield can be
are,” said Nel, “is that groundwater
increased in times of above-average
is being abstracted on a large scale
rainfall. Groundwater abstraction
and boreholes are inevitably drying
must be managed as it is a resource
up – leading to the unsustainable and
dependent on rainfall and recharge.”
M
ine Water Management is of serious concern in South Africa. Acid Mine Drainage, (AMD) in particular, is a problem which needs to be dealt with. Towards the end of last year, the Department of Water and Sanitation announced that it would
be establishing a water management unit, to start to deal with the AMD issues South Africa faces.
expensive practice of simply drilling new holes.”
Dealing with Acid Mine Drainage
www.srk.co.za
Late last year, a meeting was held in Pretoria between the Department of Environmental Affairs, representatives from the Department of Mineral Resources, departmental officials, and water experts from NonGovernmental Organisations. The aim of this unit is to collaborate with other departments of government in how to best tackle the problems arising. The management of AMD is under review. AMD is a growing environmental challenge within the mining industry. While it is accepted that Mine Water Management, including AMD, has for many years made significant progress in terms of planning and working within structured frameworks, there is still a long way to go before the environment is considered safe and no longer vulnerable to toxic destruction and pollution. New policies and structures need to be implemented to further establish safe mine water management. In the meeting, a statement was issued: “The reason why we should be concerned about mine water, is simply that the acid contaminant and associated dissolved metals are toxic to most forms of organisms and pose a risk to human health and aquatic, or water-dependent ecosystems.” Highlighted was the concern that although there are existing frameworks in place, there is not a clear distinction between the handling and regulation of new, active and historic mines, including abandoned mines. The other key point was that regulations appear the same for all mines, no matter how minimal or extreme the potential harm to the environment. It was suggested that those mines which impose a greater threat and compromising impact on the environment have stricter regulations surrounding the mine water management. It was recommended that specific protocols should be enforced on mines which generate toxic acid. Clearly, new regulations need to be imposed with regard to the new policy framework, including best possible practice, use of up-to-date technology, and the encouragement of sustainable of operations. Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane holds the power to put these desired measures in to practice in order to create safer, healthier and more sustainable mine water management, and ultimately less pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
17
18
HYDROGEOLOGY
What if Kariba Dam
fails? Mounting concerns about failure of Kariba Dam as El Nino bites. Region faces shutdown of hydro-electric plants and collapse of mining industry
C
oncerns regarding a
of water for power generation, coupled
low which takes some pressure off
dependency of the region to Kariba
catastrophic failure of the
with further project delays in critically
the failing construction of the dam for
Dam is massive, but while our original
Kariba Dam have been thrust
needed rehabilitation work, the risks that
now, the bigger picture of the state of
report focused on the failure of the
into the spotlight again as
could accelerate a failure of the dam
Kariba dam is critical. climate change,
dam, the impact of the drought shows
may be increasing .
high rainfall patterns impacting future
similar consequences for countries in
dam levels and water inflows from
the region,” adds Kay.
Zambia’s energy minister announced recently the possible shutdown of its
The Kariba Dam is in a dangerous
hydroelectric plants with water levels in
state. Built on a seemingly solid bed
other regions, and potential seismic
Kariba Dam dropping to below
of basalt in 1959, the torrents from
activity, could all contribute to the
Some of the further risks noted since the
14 percent. Adding to concerns about
the spillway have eroded the bedrock
likelihood of failure of the Kariba Dam.
release of the original report include:
Kariba Dam, the Geological Survey
leaving a gaping crater, undercutting
In December 2014, the critical period
Project delay
Department Director Chipilaika Mukofu
the dam’s foundations. Engineers
was defined as ‘the next three years’,
Feedback from the Zambezi River
said experts were still assessing the
have been warning for some years
while the rehabilitation project is only
Authority (ZRA) in September 2015
possible effect of a 4.6 magnitude
now that without urgent repairs, the
due for completion in 2025,” explains
confirmed that the procurement
earthquake on the Kariba Dam in
whole dam will collapse, knocking out
Kay Darbourn, researcher and writer of
of the Supervision Consultant was
Siavonga on 12 Jan 2016. In an interview,
Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa Dam
the report.
being finalised and that this would
Mukofu said the quake’s epicentre was
and 40 percent of southern Africa’s
within sensitive reach of Lake Kariba and
hydroelectric capacity. Along with the
pummelling water that has
for the contractor that will carry
there was concern that the dam wall’s
devastation of wildlife in the valley, the
compromised its bedrock, current
out the Plunge Pool Rehabilitation
stability could be affected.
lives of 3.5 million people are at risk.
water levels continue to drop, and
works. Thus far there have been no
electricity supply within Zambia and
details of any tender or the work commencing on the floodgates
In a report released in September
According to Aon, the impact will
On the flipside of Kariba’s
be followed by a tendering process
2015 by Aon South Africa and the
span across the entire risk consequence
Zimbabwe is already reduced by
Institute of Risk Management (IRMSA),
spectrum, from significant loss of
more than half. Mining companies
An ESIA report, which was one of
the risks and challenges for the region
life, damage to property and the
have borne the brunt of having to
the requirements before work could
were detailed relating to the current
environment, to economic fall-out. This
import electricity supply at huge cost,
commence on the Kariba Dam wall,
state of the Kariba Dam and the
risk and its potential consequences
triggering the closure of some mines
was published 10 November 2015
proposed rehabilitation project. The
should be viewed as part of the existing
and over 10 000 job losses. Businesses
and notes that the Kariba Dam
‘Impact of the failure of the Kariba Dam’
power supply and demand challenges
and homes experience power cuts for
Emergency Preparedness Plan,
report was finalised in June 2015 and
in the region and will require a strong
up to 14 hours a day.
completed in 2013, is still to be
is sponsored by Aon South Africa and
commitment from governments, private
“But when water levels do improve
researched and written by Kay Darbourn.
companies and financiers to prevent the
and Kariba starts filling up again, there
of any disaster management
Now with the impact of severe drought
failure from happening.
is no telling what the pressure could
operation if the dam fails before
do to the retaining structures. The
or during the project
brought about by El Nino and overuse
“While water levels are dangerously
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
updated. This is an essential part
HYDROGEOLOGY Climate change, drought or flooding
own property or have investments in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
NewsDay Zimbabwe reported on
Botswana, Mozambique or Malawi,
13 November 2015 that there was just
the chances are that if the Kariba Dam
1 percent usable water left in Kariba.
fails you will be affected. This will just
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe rely
be the start of years of economic,
heavily on power generation from
social, environmental, humanitarian
Kariba, and both are experiencing
and technological fallout that will
severe power constraints impacting
devastate the region’s economies,”
industry and the population
explains Kay.
It was agreed that the ZRA will
Some countries rely mainly on
prepare a Climate Change Action
hydropower from the Zambezi and
Plan during Project Implementation
their economies will be severely
that focuses on water management.
impacted, both for industries that rely
Monitoring and evaluation systems
on electricity to operate and in terms
are an essential element of this
of revenue generated from the sale of
strategy and would help the Zambezi
electricity. South Africa, already in a
River Basin communities and dam
precarious energy supply shortage, will
brokerage and sponsor of the ‘If
and shortage of critical infrastructure
operators to understand clearly
lose 1 500mw of imported power as
Kariba Dam Fails’ report, while we
is amongst the top 10 South African
whether current water management
the Cahora Bassa Dam fails.
may know what the types of risks and
risks identified by business leaders and
challenges are that we will face in
risk managers.
practices are climate smart
Funding and debt repayment
Access to water for people in the
“By providing the information in this
Kariba and Cahora Bassa catchment
the event that Kariba Dam fails, the
areas for drinking, food and agriculture
actual magnitude of many of these
report, we hope to empower you to
While funding was secured in
will be restricted. Transportation
risks is unknown. Each new piece of
make the right decisions with regards
December 2014, delays, economic
and access to the areas affected
crucial risk information presented in
to the risks you and your company may
constraints and currency challenges
will be curtailed. New projects and
this report places business leaders and
face. Whilst we can debate whether
will undoubtedly lead to an increase in
investment in the region will be severely
risk managers in a better position to
the Kariba Dam will fail, why it might
the cost of the entire project
compromised, as the ongoing lack of
mitigate and plan for such risks in an
occur and when, there is no doubt that
electricity and water will make these
informed way. We already know from
the impact across the region would be
uneconomical, potentially for up to
Aon’s Global Risk Management Survey
devastating,” concludes Kay.
eight years while the dams are rebuilt.
released earlier in 2015, and from
“Whether you are a shareholder, stakeholder, board member, business executive, risk manager or even a
According to Aon South Africa,
private individual, if you live, work,
leading risk advisors and insurance
IRMSA’s first edition of their South
www.aon.co.za
Africa Risk Report 2015, that the failure
www.irmsa.org.za
Alarming E.coli and ammonia levels in Olifant’s River BY MASIZOLE MNQASELA
A
n independent analysis
between what he advised the
of the water, which runs
public and what was found in the
from the Oudtshoorn
independent analysis.
waste water treatment
I conducted an oversight visit to
plant into the Olifant’s River, has
the Olifant’s River in April 2015, along
indicated that E.coli levels are 24
with the DA Constituency Head and
times the acceptable general limit.
National Council of Provinces Member,
This following the Administrator of the
Jaco Londt. It was then that we
analysis of water samples that were
given that he is responsible for the
Municipality’s denial that the water
could first tell that the waste water
drawn and tested on 30 October 2015
rehabilitation of the municipality.
is compromised. It is however an
treatment plant was functioning at
yielded results that indicated that
alarming health risk to locals.
30 percent capacity as well as being
there are high levels of ammonia in the
Masizole Mnqasela MPP
understaffed, rendering it incapable of
water. This means that the nitrification
084 628 4167
treating the water effectively.
that is taking place is not sufficient.
- DA Western Cape Spokesperson
Chetty must explain why the situation
on Local Government
In my capacity as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Local Government in the Western Cape
The Municipality has since denied
Provincial Parliament, I will call the
that there is any trouble with the water
has deteriorated to this extent, why
- Chairperson on the Standing
Administrator of the Oudtshoorn
that is treated at the plant. They have
there is misinformation around this
Committee on Local Government
Municipality, Kam Chetty, before the
also assured the public that the water
issue and what he is intending to
in the Western Cape Provincial
committee to explain the discrepancy
is safe. However, an independent
do about it, in his official capacity
Parliament
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
19
20
ECO TOURISM
Bushmans Kloof honoured for excellence in conservation
B Back row: Sijbrandt van der Spuy (Head Guide) & Regardt Boshoff (Reserve Manager) Front row: Malinda Brand, Daniel du Plessis, Byron Hartung & Londoloza Ndzima (all four are Field Guides)
ushmans Kloof
agreements between CapeNature and
biodiversity is in a constant state of
Wilderness Reserve &
landowners. CapeNature undertakes
flux as it responds to natural forces
Wellness Retreat in the
to support this management by
and human activity.
Cederberg has received
providing advice, management
A celebrated conservation success
the 2015 CapeNature Biodiversity
plans and assistance in planning
story as a South African Natural
Stewardship Award for excellence
invasive alien species clearing
Heritage site, Bushmans Kloof is
in the field of conservation. The
and fire management schedules.
home to over 150 kinds of birds, 755
award highlighted Bushmans Kloof’s
CapeNature is a public institution
plant species and over 35 species of
commitment to saving the endemic
with the statutory responsibility
mammals, including the endangered
Clanwilliam Cedar tree, which is
for biodiversity conservation in the
Cape Mountain Zebra and many
categorised as endangered on the
Western Cape. Governed by the
other rare species. Enriching and
Red Data List. Bushmans Kloof has
Western Cape Nature Conservation
exhilarating outdoor experiences
been driving a project for the last 13
Board Act 15 of 1998, its mandate
include nature drives, botanical walks,
years, in conjunction with CapeNature
is to promote and ensure nature
mountain biking, archery and fly
and the local community, to present
conservation and to render services
fishing. Guided walks to some of the
the annual Clanwilliam Cedar tree
and provide facilities for research
130 ancient Bushman rock art sites
planting event in the rural village of
and training.
in the reserve – some over 10 000
Heuningvlei. More than 1 000 young cedar trees have been planted to date. The CapeNature Biodiversity
South Africa’s biodiversity is of the
years old – provide deeper insight
highest in the world with a wide range
into the Bushmen in the Cederberg
of soils and climates, constituting
wilderness area.
Stewardship Programme was initiated
a variety of habitats which support
in 2003 and facilitates conservation
a high number of plant and animal
info@bushmanskloof.co.za
on privately-owned land by setting up
species. The Western Cape’s
www.bushmanskloof.co.za
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
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22
ECO TOURISM
Hotel Ver P
art of the BON Hotels group and South
Africa’s first hospitality establishment to offer a
carbon neutral hotel experience – the only one on the African continent – Hotel Verde is the epitome of ‘green’ consciousness and responsible tourism at work. From the outset, the development was earmarked to be Africa’s greenest hotel, and through the use of energyefficient technologies, innovative materials and the continuous nurturing of a sustainability culture, it is. Situated 400 metres from Cape Town International Airport and a short drive from the city, the four-star establishment offers 145 rooms, conference facilities, a restaurant, bar, 24-hour deli, indoor gym, outdoor jogging trail and an eco-pool. Hotel Verde not only offers every luxury but also the added element of extensive ‘green’ features such as Carbon Neutral Stays for
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
water without compromising a
hotel’s Energy Manager, the building
Beneath the hotel, in the basement,
including guest rooms and conference
to participate in the Verdino
employs a smart mix of clean and
a sophisticated ground source heat
and meeting rooms, are all fitted with
programme, which allows them to
sustainable technologies that not
pump system enables waste heat,
occupancy sensors that activate
earn Verdinos – the hotel’s internal
only optimise the energy efficiency
generated by the hotel’s air cooling
lights and air conditioners when
currency – for every energy efficient
of operations and processes but also
systems, to be captured and used
rooms are occupied. When rooms are
action they take whilst staying at
reduce the hotel’s dependency on the
for internal space heating and
vacant for a period of time, lighting
the hotel; guests can redeem and
national electricity supply.
water heating.
and air conditioners are switched off
spend their accumulated currency
to save energy.
as they wish at the hotel. In addition,
corporates and guests alike. According to Andre Harms, the
Installed on the roof of the hotel
“This system replaces the chiller,
guest’s shower experience. Rooms,
their own lifestyles,” she explains. Guests are also encouraged
are 154 photovoltaic (PV) panels, and
geyser and boiler in a typical hotel.
on the north facing façade a further
It allows us, via a heat exchanger
consciousness is encouraged across
stages an earth hour between 19h00
66. These 220 PV panels use the
in the ground below the hotel, to
the ranks; even amongst guests.
and 20h00 – guests dine by solar
sun’s unlimited and clean energy to
utilise waste heat from chilling
Energy saving messages and tips
light whilst food is prepared using
generate a maximum of 52.8 kilowatts
processes for other purposes such as
on how to save electricity are
alternative energy sources.
of electricity to help power the hotel.
internal heating and water heating. It
strategically posted throughout the
Three wind turbines complement the
dramatically reduces heating, cooling
hotel. This, according to the hotel’s
aquaponic garden where, depending
PV array with a further 3kW each when
and ventilation expenses, as well as
Marketing Manager, Sarah Farrell, is to
on the season, small edible plants
the Cape wind blows at
water heating costs,” says Harms.
remind people of their responsibility
are grown for use in the kitchen,
to live sustainable and resource
including celery, spinach, chives,
12 metres per second. Inside the
Other energy and resource efficient
At Hotel Verde, energy
every Wednesday night, the hotel
Outside, Hotel Verde has a vertical
building, a lift equipped with a
technologies at play throughout
responsible lifestyles. “We hope
watercress, basil, butter sage,
regenerative drive and driven by
the hotel include flow restrictors on
to get people to think about saving
lettuce, mint, pansies and parsley.
gravity, ferries the hotel’s guests
taps and energy and water saving
electricity, inspire them to take home
The aquaponic system is fed by a
from floor to floor whilst generating
showerheads. These limit hot water
what we have shared with them and
timed pump system to ensure plants
electricity to be fed back into the hotel.
usage, saving both electricity and
adopt electricity smart behaviours in
get enough water without wasting
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
ECO TOURISM
rde
– African forerunner in ‘green’ hospitality one of only six hotels in the world - and the only hotel in Africa - to receive this accolade at the time. The second and most recent platinum certification was awarded in the Existing Building Operations & Maintenance category, giving Hotel Verde double platinum status and proving beyond any doubt that it is Africa’s greenest hotel. Being awarded Green Hotelier of 2015, Africa and the Middle East, in the International Tourism Partnership’s Green Hotelier Awards 2015. And, being voted Top 1 percent by Travelers’ Choice on TripAdvisor in 2015. Andrew Etzinger, Eskom’s Senior General Manager for Integrated Demand Management, says: “Hotel Verde has a very innovative approach to saving energy that incorporates both energy saving technologies and electricity smart behaviours. The importance of encouraging mindful electricity use in all spheres of business cannot be overstated; of world leadership in environmentally
the hotel has shown that even paying
friendly building operations and
guests can be motivated to use
management. The aim of a green
electricity conservatively without
building is to use resources more
hampering their experience.”
efficiently and address climate
Before commencing with any
change, whilst creating healthier and
energy efficiency retrofits though,
more productive environments for
Etzinger notes that hotels – and
people to live and work in.
any other business – should first
Celebrating its 2nd birthday in August 2015, Hotel Verde’s other recent accolades and achievements include:
conduct an energy use assessment of their operations. Having a variety of tariffs on
Being awarded a second
hand to work with, drawing on
LEED® Platinum Green Building
outside technical assistance and
Certification by the United
understanding the latest energy
States Green Building Council
efficient electro-technologies,
(USGBC), making Hotel Verde
Eskom’s Energy Advisors are
the first hotel globally to achieve
equipped to make specialist energy
The rating is valid for a period of three
double platinum certification for
efficiency recommendations in regard
years to ensure the hotel is continually
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and
to tariffs and appropriate energy
South Africa (GBCSA) awarded Hotel
operated according to stringent
Environmental Design).
sources – whether electrical, fossil
Verde a 6-Star rating in June 2015,
efficiency and sustainability targets.
The first platinum certification was
fuelled or renewable – based on
the highest accolade and a first for
Only a handful of South African
unnecessary energy. The Green Building Council of
awarded in the New Construction
an in-depth energy assessment of
a hotel in South Africa, after having
buildings have achieved a 6-Star
in the Green Building Design &
your organisation.
scored 82 points in the Green Star SA
rating, the highest certification
Construction category in May 2014,
Existing Building Performance tool.
achievable, and an acknowledgment
which established Hotel Verde as
www.eskom.co.za/idm
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
23
24
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Brand-new Bushcat aircraft
Nicola Gerrard (Wildlands) and Mark Ridl of Rhino Army, hand over a cheque to Wildlands’ CEO Dr Andrew Venter, of R168 000 in aid of rhino conservation efforts being carried out across the country – specifically for aerial support. (Photographer: Kirsten OliveR)
Earth Night & conservation efforts Seen here welcoming the new Bushcat to Zululand skies are (Left to Right): Carl Grossmann (Chairman of the African Conservation Trust – legal owners of the aircraft), Sheelagh Antrobus (Project Rhino KZN Coordinator), Francois du Toit (CEO of the African Conservation Trust) and Etienne Gerber (Pilot).
T
W
ildlands, a (leading environmental NPO)
wonderful country of ours.” A highlight of the evening
hosted their annual
was being handed a cheque for
Earth Night event
R168 000 by Rhino Army, another
late last year. Over R400 000 was
local NPO, to support Wildlands’
raised for conservation efforts all
Rhino Conservation Projects. This
over South Africa.
was followed by an auction of rhino
“It was a great pleasure to
sculptures, five star accommodation
he Zululand Anti-
rhino owners, and also maintain
welcome hundreds of people who
packages, bronze sculptures made
Poaching Wing’s brand-
the Hluhluwe airfield as an anti-
are passionate about conservation,
by well-known artist Sarah Richards,
new Bushcat aircraft
poaching operations base for the
to our Earth Night event year after
and turtle sculptures made by the
landed yesterday at the
northern KZN region.
year,” said Wildlands’ CEO,
inspirational Makotikoti Zikhali.
Hluhluwe base and will immediately
The Bushcat’s operational area
Dr Andrew Venter. “Wildlands’
The funds raised from Earth Night
start aerial surveillance patrols
will extend from Hluhluwe to the
work is made possible through the
are used for conservation efforts
for 17 private game reserves in the
Swaziland border. It is decked in
incredible generosity of many donors,
around endangered species, such as
Zululand region.
olive green and its ‘tail-dragger’
specifically the title donor of this
the Bearded Vulture, Wild Dog and
configuration will allow pilot
event – Old Mutual, and partners who
Rhino. Funds are also allocated to
constantly, the arrival of the
Etienne Gerber to land and take
share our passion for ‘A Sustainable
the upliftment of 120 communities
Bushcat (reg: ZU-FUU) has been
off from bush runways. It has
Future for All’. We are confident all
and almost 8 000 Green-preneurs
welcomed enthusiastically by
been fitted with mission-specific
the guests had a wonderful time
across the country.
Project Rhino KZN members,
equipment including an EFIS
and left the event determined to ‘be
who cover the costs of fi xed-wing
(electronic flight information
the change they want to see’ in this
aerial surveillance for private
system) and live satellite tracking.
With poaching threats escalating
?
Did you know
The jackal T
here’s another wolf in
Peter Koepfli of the Smithsonian
the world, according to
Conservation Biology Institute in
results published last
Washington, DC. Koepfli led the
year in Current Biology. The
study along with Robert Wayne of the
discovery of the species, called the
CANISLUPUS101.BLOGSPOT.COM
African golden wolf (Canis anthus),
that turned into a wolf
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
www.wildlands.co.za
University of California, Los Angeles. Despite their genetic differences,
effectively increases the number of
golden wolves look like jackals, and
living canid species from 35 to 36.
even their teeth and skulls are similar.
Golden wolves were previously
Koepfli and Wayne believe this is why
lumped with golden jackals
the two species were confused for
(C. aureus), which are widespread
so long. While the golden wolf bears
through the northern half of Africa and
more genetic similarities to the gray
into parts of Eurasia. However, genetic
wolf, it is distinct enough to merit its
analyses found that populations in
own species.
Africa are quite distinct from Eurasian
According to Koepfli, “even
golden jackals, and have much more
among well-known and widespread
in common with gray wolves (C. lupus)
species such as golden jackals,
and coyotes (C. latrans).
there is the potential to discover
“This represents the first discovery
hidden biodiversity.”
of a ‘new’ canid species in Africa in over 150 years,” says Klaus-
www.mongabay.com
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TTC announces adoption of new
TreadRight Animal Welfare Policy New commitment to animal welfare is based on the ‘Five Freedoms,’ a compact of rights for animals under human control
T
rafalgar, Insight Vacations,
the TreadRight Animal Welfare Policy
Contiki Holidays and
will be phased out and replaced with
ABOUT TREADRIGHT
Uniworld Boutique River
activities that meet these standards.
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a ‘not-for-profit’ that commits to keeping the environment and communities they visit vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has helped support more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
Cruises, in collaboration
Theresa Szejwallo, Managing
with the TreadRight Foundation, a
Director for TTC in South Africa said:
joint initiative between The Travel
“In the spirit of our commitment,
Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands,
on October 4, World Animal Day,
proudly announced that they would
Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki
adopt a new TreadRight Animal
Holidays and Uniworld Boutique
Welfare Policy. As part of TTC’s
River Cruises joined World Animal
continued journey to ensure the
Protection in signing the Elephant-
environment and communities they
friendly Tourist Pledge. By signing
visit remain vibrant for generations to
the pledge, we commit not to sell,
come, the TreadRight Animal Welfare
offer or promote venues or activities
Policy will help them to ensure that
involving elephant rides and shows.
all TTC experiences meet globally
We commit to offer only those with
recognised animal welfare criteria.
a high standard of elephant welfare
proud to collaborate with World
Based on the Five Freedoms, a
and conservation, with responsible
Animal Protection in the interests
compact of rights for animals under
viewing of elephants in wild or semi-
of ensuring the industry embraces
human control, the Animal Welfare
wild habitats.”
animal-friendly tourism and
Policy asserts that animals under
“As The Travel Corporation and
www.treadright.org
strengthens wildlife protection.” The announcement of the
human control should have freedom
our family of brands continue on
from hunger and thirst; freedom from
our sustainability journey, guided
TreadRight Animal Welfare Policy
discomfort; freedom from pain, injury,
by the TreadRight Foundation,
and the signing of the Elephant-
and disease; freedom to express
we recognise the importance of
friendly Tourist Pledge reaffirm and
normal behaviour; and freedom from
continually adopting new best
strengthen TTC’s commitment to
fear and distress.
practices and policies in the interest
wildlife already established by the
of helping to drive the positive
continuing support of the TreadRight
assist the operations team as they
transformation of the travel industry,”
Wildlife Initiative, which works in
vet and assess all animal related
says Brett Tollman, CEO, The Travel
partnership with WildAid and the
activities that TTC offer. Those rare
Corporation and co-founder of the
Wilderness Foundation – Africa to
activities that may not be in line with
TreadRight Foundation. “We are
ensure the well-being of animals.
This newly adopted policy will
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
25
26
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
iSimangaliso’s December drought: the harsh reality
“D
rought is as harsh a reality in iSimangaliso - which includes
uMkhuze - as it is in the rest of the country,” says Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. “We accept,” he notes, “that in larger parks like Kruger and iSimangaliso, drought plays an important – even vital – role in regulating species, weeding out weaker animals and reducing fuel loads for fire. We also fully recognise that the sight of carcasses and animals in poor condition can be distressing and unpleasant for those who witness the crueler side of nature.” While iSimangaliso is experiencing the lowest recorded rainfall in 65 years, the Park has endured worse droughts
The uMkhuze section is home to more than
– most recent being from 2002 to 2009. iSimangaliso and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Park managers have certainly
23large 000
learnt from previous droughts, and have been able to implement a number of interventions. As a result of dedicated forward planning, the
herbivores
uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso is currently in a better place than during previous droughts. “We have established a network
In the case of priority rare and
of new and improved auxiliary water
endangered species such as rhino,
systems. In uMkhuze, this includes
iSimangaliso, together with Ezemvelo,
refurbishment of existing boreholes
will step in to assist by rescuing those
and sinking of new ones for animals
stuck in mud or relocating animals to
as well as staff and visitors at the
better grazing areas – which is what
accommodation facilities. A constant
we did successfully in the 2002 to
supply of water is pumped to
2009 drought, when we translocated
waterholes - such as kuMasinga and
23 rhino over the course of a few days from uMkhuze to the Eastern Shores.
kuMahlala Hides - where game and bird viewing remain excellent. Water
regulated ecosystems rather than
animals often concentrate at and die
is also trucked into key areas where
for the survival of individual animals.
near water holes.
needed, for example eMshophi. Further
This means that other than the
boreholes will be opened if necessary.
interventions outlined above (and
landscape and for the most part
bigger picture, using the lessons of
The water supply is being judiciously
should it become necessary, the
would be left in situ for the Park’s
the past together with the knowledge
managed for the possible long haul,
translocation of rare and endangered
numerous scavengers or predators
and science of the present. It is
should the drought continue into the
species, such as rhino) animals will
such as hyena, lions, wild dogs,
also important to remember that
next rainy season,” says Zaloumis.
have to survive on their own. The
crocodiles and vultures (extremely
ecosystems are managed as a whole
uMkhuze section (which accounts
endangered with uMkhuze being one
– what is bad for individual animals
systems to play out in as wild and
for over 43 000ha of the 332 000ha,
of the only significant populations
may in fact be beneficial or even
natural an arena as is possible within
220km-long iSimangaliso Wetland
left). An exception would be if
necessary for the system – a recent
fenced boundaries, field rangers
Park) has more than 23 000 large
there is a health issue – again this
example being the Cape fires that
and Park ecologists are closely
herbivores. Returns for October and
is monitored on a case-by-case
saw the fynbos vegetation thriving
monitoring the impacts on biodiversity
November show that 105 and
basis. While the grazers are bearing
within a few months.”
and the entire ecosystem, both
88 uMkhuze animals died
the brunt of the brutal conditions,
fauna and flora. Even in these dry
respectively (0.8 percent of the total
browsers like giraffe, elephant
iSimangaliso’s Rare and Endangered
conditions, management aims - as
population). To visitors, this could
and kudu are able to reach higher
Species please email debbie@
far as possible - for healthy, naturally
look far higher, as sick or weakened
branches are therefore more resilient.
isimangaliso.com.
While continuing to allow the
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Carcasses are part of the natural
“Yes, nature is harsh, but also incredibly resilient,” says Zaloumis. “Conservation must consider the
For those who wish to donate to
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Armoured but still in need of protection R.I.P. Chatunga - the little “fighter”
animals, it is only one tool on the
for a small car. The baby pangolin did
conviction and electrocution of Richard
Swiss army-knife of conservation.
not survive.
Hauptmann for capital murder. It was
Back in Zimbabwe the rescue of Pangolins from illegal wildlife
to report that this dealer is now
trade continues. One particular
languishing in a Zimbabwean prison
rescue however, seems to have
for nine years.
brought home the absolute tragedy
T
The Tikki Hywood Trust is delighted
considered the ‘Crime of the Century’. This kidnapper was put to death.” Suddenly nine years doesn’t look so bad – it looks like an opportunity
Says Lisa Hywood, CEO and founder
to reform.
of this despicable industry, the
of Tikki Hywood Trust: “We can be
complete lack of respect for life and
accused of anthropomorphising;
profit charitable organisation offering
the constant hunt for that illusive
we can be accused of being over
a fresh and positive contribution to
green dollar. In late afternoon the
sensitive ‘bunny huggers’ . We even
Zimbabwean conservation. The Tikki
Tikki Hywood Trust received an
acknowledge that some may feel that
Hywood Trust fills a niche that is often
emaciated, freezing and absolutely
these sentences are far too severe for
overlooked in wildlife conservation,
The Tikki Hywood Trust is a non-
here has been a lot of news
bewildered little male Pangolin,
the offence committed. However, how
being the preservation of species that
about the recent CITES
weighing in at only 2.2kg. This baby
different would people feel if this were
lack the charisma and appeal of the
Standing Committee
was too young to leave the care of
a three year old child, snatched from
larger, more publicised rare animals.
meeting (SC66) recently
his mother, possibly just starting the
his mother and treated brutally, then
held in Geneva, Switzerland.
process of weaning. Instead he was
only to be used as a barter item?
Persecuted species such as Pangolins
starving, hypothermic and riddled
have been getting much needed
with mites, an indicator of his stressed
son of famous American aviator
recognition. Whilst this kind of policy
and compromised state. What made
Charles Lindbergh from his crib. The
making and administration of member
matters worse, certainly for those at
baby’s body was found months later
Countries is vitally important for
Tikki Hywood, was being informed
in the woods across state lines. A
the protection of these diminishing
that the trader had hoped to swap him
long investigation resulted in the
www.tikkihywoodtrust.org
In 1932 an intruder seized the infant
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
27
Last great hope 28
LANDSCAPE
A
BY JUSTIN CATANOSO
fter two decades of largely failed negotiations, a buoyant optimism surrounded
global leaders from 194 nations who stood ready to hammer out and approve an unprecedented accord to reduce carbon emissions in Paris in December 2015. The summit marked the 21st consecutive attempt by the United Nations to cope with the escalating ravages of largely manmade climate change. 100 world leaders, including President Obama, gathered in Paris in
and more intense heat-waves;
a show of solidarity for the terrorism-
longer-enduring droughts; stronger,
stricken city, and to acknowledge that
more frequent storms; greater
there is broad agreement on the need
Arctic melting; rising sea levels;
for every country to reduce its share
dying coral reefs and many other
of greenhouse gas emissions. Those
negative impacts. The 2014 summit in Lima, Peru,
emissions have already resulted in record-breaking high temperatures globally for 15 straight years — with
Maintaining tropical forests is critically important to sequestering carbon and curbing climate change.
UNDERSCORING THE NEGOTIATORS’ SENSE OF OPTIMISM
NATIONAL CARBON CUTS DON’T ADD UP
the failed Copenhagen conference in
So far so good. Until you do
what-we-tell-you approach blew up
For the first time, the world’s three
the maths.
in highly visible acrimony, with poor
largest carbon emitters — China, the U.S. and the European Union
Climate scientists are in broad agreement that to avoid
2009, when the UN’s top-down, do-
countries refusing to be bullied. Earlier in 2015, more than 170
which represent 50 percent of global
catastrophic, civilisation-threatening
countries — including all the major
emissions — are on board with
climate change, global temperature
carbon emitters — used the new
pledges to peak and reduce their
increases, measured since the mid-
bottom-up approach to set their
burning of coal, oil and natural gas
1800s, must remain below 2 degrees
own targets for carbon-emission
over the next 10-15 years.
Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by
reductions. Each nation’s promised
2100. We’re already nearly halfway
cuts are known as its Intended
important story that billionaire and
there - temperatures have risen
Nationally Determined Contribution
Microsoft founder Bill Gates intends to
nearly 1 degree Celsius since the
(INDCs). The accumulated promised
announce the creation of a multibillion
dawn of the industrial age.
cuts in carbon emissions are less
Also, Climate Wire broke an
dollar clean energy fund, hailed as the largest in history. It will reportedly
Carbon emissions largely continue unabated, with China and the US the biggest producers currently.
approach to coping with carbon emissions. It came as the result of
2015 very likely be the warmest since record keeping began.
outlined the first-ever bottom-up
The massive burning of fossil fuels for energy generation has been a
than comforting. “When you look at the [INDC]
fund new clean-energy technology
double-edged sword: unprecedented
pledges and add them up, we’re
R&D to “accelerate the pace of
First World wealth, and increasing
about halfway to where we need to
progress, develop and deploy new
prosperity in the Developing World,
be to stay under 2 degrees Celsius.
solutions,” to combat global warming,
along with rapidly increasing climate
Halfway. Unless the leading emitters
as Gates has said previously.
instability with more numerous
become a lot more aggressive, the
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
PHOTO BY CEPHOTO, UWE ARANAS / CC-BY-SA-3.0
LANDSCAPE
Logging, as seen here in Sabah Malaysia, is a major cause of tropical deforestation, along with agriculture, mineral extraction and dam construction. COP21 is seen by many as the last great hope for a binding climate change agreement
press conference in Washington, D.C.,
the controversial forest policy called
on the importance of the land sector
REDD+. That policy asks industrial
to carbon cuts — forest management
countries to compensate tropical
approaches that can result in either
countries to keep forests standing,
more carbon emissions, or preferably,
thus offsetting and capping the
the reduction of greenhouse gases in
greenhouse gases industrial countries
the atmosphere.
continue to burn.
“The activities of the land sector
agreement to have a very big
world is heading for 3.5 degrees
percent of global greenhouse gas
section on REDD+ or even mention
Celsius warmer. And that would be
emissions,” Funk said, “and forests
it explicitly,” said Meyer, a REDD+
beyond catastrophic,” said John Knox,
provide sequestration potential
specialist with the Environmental
a special representative to the UN
equal to 10-14 percent of current
Defense Fund in Washington, D.C.
on climate change and human rights.
gross emissions.” Sequestration
“That’s because in previous COPs,
The only way to close the emissions
refers to carbon storage outside
particularly Warsaw in COP19, it’s
gap, Knox said, “is cutting the use of
the atmosphere or oceans, where
already been decided on.”
fossil fuels. There is no other way to
increasing carbon loads are leading to
fix the problem.”
climate destabilisation.
FACTORING IN FORESTS
is simple: the rainforests and cloud
web site. He asserts that the policy
Unless, of course, you can see the
forests that ring the equatorial belly
will allow major industrial countries
forests for the trees.
of the earth are natural sinks for
and carbon emitters, like Norway and
carbon emissions — enormous, thirsty
Germany, for example, to continue
with the Union of Concerned Scientists,
sponges that lock up carbon in their
polluting at will, while buying
spoke at a November 20th pre-COP21
leaves, limbs, trunks and roots as long
themselves a clean conscience by
as they are standing. Cut them down,
tossing some money at poor, tropical
burn them? All that stored carbon
countries in an attempt to protect
escapes as if from a smokestack
carbon-sequestering forests.
Jason Funk, senior climate scientist
adding to climate chaos. “Forests
British author of the REDD Monitor
Lang questions the lack of scientific
and ecosystems are the only way we
rigor built into the REDD apparatus:
have of removing carbon from the
Are tropical forests really being
atmosphere at [a large] scale,” said
preserved to offset First World
Steve Panfil, a technical adviser with
pollution, he asks? How much carbon
Conservation International. “Any
is really being sequestered? How can
agreement in Paris has to take that
it be accurately measured? How do
into account. If we stop deforestation
you know both countries aren’t a part
where it is now, we could reduce
of a big international trading scam
emissions by 30 percent.”
where one party keeps burning fossil
Of the five scientists at the The carbon storage capacity of tropical forests is huge — so long as they don’t burn, or are cut down. Large wildfires have raged in Indonesia and the Amazon during this year’s massive El Nino.
REDD+ is controversial in part because of critics like Chris Lang,
The mantra of scientists like Funk
PHOTO BY LUBASI LICENSED UNDER THE CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-SHARE ALIKE 2.0 GENERIC LICENSE
Each nation participating in COP21 has made its own, self-determined commitment to the amount of carbon emissions it can trim from its economy
“We are not expecting the Paris
collectively account for about 24
fuels and the other gets richer by
November press conference, none is more familiar than Chris Meyer, with
pretending to save forests? “The idea that you can make
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
29
LANDSCAPE PHOTOS BY RHETT BUTLER
Illegal logging sawmill in Borneo. REDD+ critics say that it will be very difficult to monitor and stop illegal logging of tropical forests
forests worth more standing, [rather] than cutting them down for the riches of fossil fuels and precious metals that
Unfortunately, the total carbon commitments by all nations falls roughly 50 percent short of the cuts needed to prevent catastrophic climate change
RICH CAREY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
30
lie underneath is naïve,” Lang said in a Mongabay interview. “You can always get more money cutting down trees and planting palm oil [in a country like Indonesia, than you can], drilling for oil [in Ecuador] or digging for gold [in Peru].”
GIVING REDD+ A CHANCE Meyer disagrees with Lang, arguing that REDD+ is a useful market mechanism that will allow countries to make more economically efficient carbon reductions. He sees it as just “another tool in their policy toolbox to work with.” Meyer points to the early successes of a pilot REDD+ programme in Acre, Brazil, in the western Amazon near the border with Peru. Acre is larger than some Central American countries, with more rainforest, and has suffered significant deforestation due to
Tropical rain forest in Borneo being destroyed to make way for oil palm plantation.
Timber for transportation
ranching, logging and extraction. But now thousands of forested acres
the forests they call home. “These
Meanwhile, climate scientist Jason
If you are on the ark, we all have
are being managed and preserved,
are eco-system services — more
Funk argues that observers should
the potential to move forward
Meyer said.
carbon sequestration, more jobs in
not overplay ‘the emissions gap’
together.” Of course, this begs the
the forests, more food security —
after the voluntary INDC national
question of whether the ark of
willing to give REDD+ a shot,
that are being paid for by keeping
pledges are totaled. “Paris is not
global carbon commitments will
Germany has paid millions to the
forests standing,” Meyer said. “It’s
the end,” he said “It’s a pivot point
be sufficient, and come in time, to
jurisdictional government in Acre
pioneering in many ways.”
with all nations on board for future
weather the fierce climate change
negotiations and the inevitable
storms ahead.
Without claiming offsets, but
to reduce its land concessions
Regardless of the claimed success
international pressure to do better.
Justin Catanoso is Director
for logging and ranching. Officials
in Acre, Meyer acknowledges the stiff
have used some of the money to
challenges in scaling up REDD+ and
support sustainable rubber tapping,
applying regulations and penalties
kind of agreement,” Funk said
thus keeping more trees standing
to make sure it’s effective worldwide.
of the potential COP21 Paris
while providing jobs. Most of the
“REDD+ complements, but does
accord. “You don’t have perfect
http://news.mongabay.
German money goes to indigenous
not substitute for, essential efforts
accommodations. But it’s more
com/2015/11/paris-climate-
communities in Acre who determine
to transition from fossil fuels to
important to be on the ark than to be
meeting-begins-in-optimism-
how they will use it to preserve
cleaner forms of energy,” Meyer said.
left behind.
redd-part-of-solution/
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
“This is like a Noah’s ark
of Journalism at Wake Forest University in North Carolina
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