International Waters Conference Draws to a Close
3 Augusts 2007
"As individual countries we cannot begin to address the environmental
challenges facing us, we need to collaborate, co-operate and invest at a
regional and global level," said Andre Share, marine resource manager from
South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism during the
closing ceremony of the Global Environment Facility's Fourth Biennial
International Waters Conference."
South Africa was the first country on the continent to host the
International Waters Conference. This follows the successful hosting of the
Third Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in August last year. GEF is
currently funding 27 International Water projects on the African continent.
Reflecting on the content of the programme, Share commented on the session
on Celebration of African Achievements which highlighted results of successful
cooperation among countries in the Senegal River Basin in West Africa, in
groundwater management in the Iullemeden Aquifer, in coastal and marine
management in East Africa and with Indian Ocean states, as well as in two GEF
funded projects of particular importance to South Africa, the GloBallast
programme addressing the introduction of invasive alien species through the
ballast water of ships moving through the region, including a demonstration
site in the Western Cape.
"Of course I cannot fail to mention the groundbreaking successful Benguela
Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) project, which is of great significance
to South Africa as it embodies the spirit of collaboration, knowledge and
experience sharing between South Africa, Namibia and Angola," said Share.
The BCLME has proven to be so successful that the process to develop a similar
project, the Agulhas - Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem, on the east coast
of Africa is now underway. The lessons learnt and best practice emanating from
the BCLME will prove to be invaluable in initiating this pivotal project.
South Africa has already begun to implement the ecosystem approach to
fisheries management, fully recognising the social and economic considerations.
Share highlighted that globally we are already experiencing massive
environmental challenges in particular climate variability and change as
increased pressure on our water resource systems, which means more frequent and
more intense floods and droughts - changes in ocean temperatures, affecting
agriculture and fisheries, water supply and sanitation, livelihoods and food
security.
Traditionally we have always associated the ocean as being plentiful, with
infinite resources but today we fully realise that the situation has changed
dramatically and only we have the power to turn the situation around as we
ensure that our oceans are protected and sustained for future generations.
Today our oceans are oceans of hope as we strive to meet the needs of all and
not the greed of some, Share concluded.
For media queries contact:
Carol Moses
Cell: 082 829 397
E-mail: cmoses@deat.gov.za
Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076
E-mail: rsingh@deat.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
3 August 2007
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.environment.gov.za)
