Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 25 April 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Department of Water and Sanitation has activated more controlled water releases in the Vaal River System. Two additional sluice gates were also opened with the Vaal Dam now at 111-percent capacity. Meanwhile, the department’s spokesperson Wisane Mavasa has warned that Bloemhof Dam, at almost 107-percent, will increase outflows. Mavasa says overflowing dams, including Grootdraai, Gariep, and Vanderkloof, have caused flooding risks and residents near floodlines are urged to evacuate and avoid low-lying areas.

# South Africa and Lesotho have signed a memorandum of understanding to construct two weirs on the Mohokare-Caledon river, ensuring efficient water management. The agreement, signed by Water and Sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho’s minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, will help Lesotho with year-round irrigation. The weirs will also aid in reducing sedimentation in the Caledon River. The MoU was signed during the bi-national commission meeting in Maseru, strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

# And finally: A new United Nations report has warned that indigenous peoples who protect at least 80-percent of the world’s biodiversity continue to be sidelined in global climate action. Despite their deep environmental knowledge, they receive less than one-percent of climate funding and are often excluded from decision-making. Data shows that green projects, such as mining and carbon offsets, frequently harm Indigenous lands. The report urges greater inclusion, indigenous-led funding, and respect for traditional knowledge in ingenious communities.

Stay tuned for more news………….