Prof Roux told the audience that “unfortunately, freshwater ecosystems have already deteriorated to critical levels and are regarded as more endangered than land-based and marine ecosystems, worldwide and in South Africa”. He added that while the world’s protected areas are the cornerstones for conserving biodiversity and keeping our planet healthy, their historical land and marine-based bias has not served freshwater ecosystems well. “For example, rivers are not easily contained in protected areas, either flowing through such areas or forming their boundaries,” he said.
To address the freshwater conservation deficit in South Africa, scientists, government agencies and stakeholders have been working together to identify strategic areas for conserving freshwater ecosystems. “These areas, known as Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs), comprise 22% of South Africa’s river length, 38% of wetland area and 44% of estuaries and if properly managed, have the potential to contribute meaningfully to water security, human well-being as well as environmental conservation,” Prof Roux said.
This lecture formed part of the Sustainable Futures Leadership Series that NMMU presents in George to promote healthy debate on matters of broad public interest and to strengthen the good relationship that exists between the university and the City of George
Photo- Close to a hundred guests attended a lunchtime public lecture presented by Prof Dirk Roux on the critical matter of freshwater resources and the protection thereof at the NMMU George Campus on 7 April. Afterwards some of the attendees pursued the discussions over a cup of tea, and joined NMMU and Prof Roux for a group photograph at the entrance to the lecture theatre.
Photo- NMMU George Campus students also attended the lecture in large numbers. Featured here are, (From left to right): Prof Dirk Roux, postgraduate students - Rosie Gerolemou, Lisa Heider, Samantha McCulloch, Tatenda Mapeto, Jama Mashele and Thea Buckle, along with Isaac Shai and Power Mabandla, deputy chairperson and chairperson of the NMMU George Student Council respectively, and Prof Cedric McCleland, NMMU Acting Executive Dean: Faculty of Science.
Photo- NMMU George Campus Principal, Prof Quinton Johnson (left), Prof Dirk Roux and Prof Prof Cedric McCleland, NMMU Acting Executive Dean: Faculty of Science in discussion after the public lecture.