NEWS RELEASE: 1st Limpopo Joint Basin Survey — A Milestone in Transboundary Water Cooperation

Summary

The Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the 1st Joint Basin Survey (JBS) for the Limpopo River Basin (LRB). This landmark development is a clear demonstration by LIMCOM Member States -- Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe – to foster closer cooperation in transboundary water management, particularly in water quality, river health and ecological flow requirements.

06 August 2024, Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE — The Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the 1^st Joint Basin Survey (JBS) for the Limpopo River Basin (LRB). This landmark development is a clear demonstration by LIMCOM Member States — Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe – to foster closer cooperation in transboundary water management, particularly in water quality, river health and ecological flow requirements.

 

The 1^st Limpopo JBS is scheduled to start on 7 August 2024 and will span two months. It will involve comprehensive data collection and analysis of the water quality to assess the current state of the river basin’s water resources, ecosystems, and socio-economic conditions to inform policymaking aimed at preserving and enhancing the basin’s ecological, hydrological, and socioeconomic well-being for present and future generations.

 

A multidisciplinary team of experts led by Rivers of Life (consultant) and representatives of the four LIMCOM Member States as well as the LIMCOM Secretariat will conduct the survey that is also expected to pave the way for the establishment of a transboundary river health monitoring team in the LRB. The key areas of focus for the survey include the following:

 

• Water Quality: Gathering critical data and insight on the water quantity to establish a baseline for future monitoring and management efforts. This will assist in identifying significant areas requiring attention and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

 

• Ecosystem Health: Evaluating the health of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems within the basin and detecting key biodiversity hotspots and areas needing conservation to protect endangered species and habitats.

 

• Socio-Economic Impact: Examining the socio-economic conditions of communities within the basin and highlighting their dependence on the river to inform the development of sustainable water management practices.

 

• Climate Change Resilience: Assessing the basin’s vulnerability to climate change impacts and developing adaptive strategies to enhance the resilience of both human and natural systems.

 

LIMCOM Executive Secretary, Mr Sergio Sitoe said the findings from the 1^st Limpopo JBS will also provide a foundation for the development of a comprehensive and updated Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) plan for the basin. “The IWRM plan for LIMCOM will be critical as it will guide future actions to ensure the sustainable use and protection of the basin’s water resources, promote regional cooperation, and enhance the well-being of communities,” Mr Sitoe said.

 

LIMCOM Regional Coordinator, Dr. Eddie Riddell noted that 1^st Limpopo JBS will have a positive impact on how transboundary water resources are managed in the basin. “LIMCOM extends its gratitude to its Member States, the lead consultant for the JBS, partners, and all stakeholders for their commitment to undertake this important initiative that will go a long way in making the Limpopo River Basin a Dynamic, Prosperous and Sustainable River Basin for All,” Dr. Riddell said.

 

The 1^st Limpopo JBS is being executed under the project “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin.” The project, which aims to uplift the living standards of the basin’s population and conserve the basin’s resources and ecosystem services is being implemented by LIMCOM in partnership with the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). More information about the project is available HERE.

 

Enquiries

Should you require any additional information kindly contact Dr. Eddie Riddell – Regional Coordinator at eriddell@limpopocommission.org and/or Mr. Kizito Sikuka – Communications Specialist at ksikuka@limpopocommission.org

 

Attachment:  1st Limpopo Joint Basin Survey — A Milestone in Transboundary Water Cooperation