The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in collaboration with its most valued partners, convened the fourth Catchment-based Indaba (CBI) on Ecological Infrastructure for Water Security in the Berg-Breede Catchment from 29 October to 1 November 2024, at the Arabella Country Estate in Kleinmond, Western Cape.
The event was held with the theme “Bewaar die bron, verseker die toekoms om veerkragtigheid teen klimaatsverandering moontlik te maak; Preserve the source, secure the future, build resilience to a changing climate; Gcina imithombo, khusela ikamva, ukwakha ukomelela kwimozulu eguqukayo” to empower and engage the youth through the Youth Learning Exchange (YLE), to raise awareness about environmental issues, build capacity, as well as to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. “The actions that came out of this Indaba are crucial and will be implemented, as we need to fully commit to the preservation of water sources, securing the future and building resilience to a changing climate” said Dan’sile Cindi, Principal Specialist: Ecological Infrastructure and the convenor of these Catchment-based Indabas.
The Indaba began with a series of field visits, allowing delegates to engage directly with ongoing restoration projects in the region. These visits highlighted the important work being done to protect water catchments and restore ecological infrastructure and offered a firsthand look at the critical efforts underway to protect key water resources and restore ecological systems.
Throughout the event, the Indaba served as a vital platform for reflection and exchange, where stakeholders could improve coordination, share perspectives, and discuss lessons learned. It also provided an opportunity for policymakers and project implementation agencies to make informed decisions based on the science-policy interface. The primary focus of the fourth CBI was to explore actions that could strengthen both water and food security while protecting ecosystems and ecological infrastructure, in alignment with South Africa’s developmental goals and SANBI’s mandate.
The Indaba was dedicated to deepening communities of practice and reinforcing the collective commitment to strengthening South Africa’s water security and ecological infrastructure. Discussions highlighted the role of community contributions, cross-sectoral approaches, and the growing importance of youth and emerging professionals in the conservation sector. Insights from Reuben Thifhulufhelwi (WWF-SA) and Mlu Ntuli (Liberty NPO) underscored the need for integrated approaches to achieving water security and ecological resilience.
Nontethelelo Makhaya, a river health and wetland monitoring intern at LIBERTY NPO, reflects on her experience as an aspiring young professional. “This event has been invaluable, it has deepened my understanding of environmental value. I look forward to future collaborations.”
SANBI and its partners express their gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event and look forward to the continued implementation of the actions and commitments that emerged from the Indaba. As the participants head home, the vision of securing the future of South Africa’s water resources and ecological infrastructure continues to resonate, guiding collective efforts towards resilience in the face of climate change.
