A multi-year partnership between global woodfibre and forestry group Sappi and WWF South Africa can serve as a blueprint for securing the bioeconomy through proactive catchment stewardship.

Working in the uMkhomazi catchment in KwaZulu-Natal, the initiative has already delivered measurable impact, including clearing 191 ha of invasive alien plants; improving management across more than 2 300 ha of rangeland; deploying citizen scientists to collect water quality data; and identifying 20 000 ha for biodiversity protection.

While national water discussions often centre around fixing water infrastructure, the partnership highlights that managing the landscapes and ecosystems that supply the water is a critical component for future water security.

“True water security requires effective water management - the active governance and restoration of the ecosystems that provide water to mills, farms, cities and citizens,” said Sappi South Africa CEO Graeme Wild.

South Africa’s pressing water security and biodiversity risks require collective action that extends beyond the capabilities of any one company, as well as trusted partnerships that bring both technical insight and environmental credibility.

In line with this, Sappi has partnered with WWF South Africa since 2021 to implement solutions that safeguard ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic activity.

“Securing South Africa’s strategic water source areas and achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework goal of protecting 30% of land and seascapes by 2030 will only happen through strong partnerships like the WWF-Sappi partnership,” said WWF South Africa business development and marketing executive head Pavitray Pillay.

“Only with the private sector can we drive lasting impact for people and nature,” Pillay added, further pointing to emerging research from the Gerana Initiative that highlights the growing recognition that the health of river basins, soils and ecosystems is becoming fundamental to long-term business resilience.

Its soon to be launched ‘Market Opportunity Scoping’ study explores how companies are starting to respond to mounting pressures in the landscapes that underpin global supply systems.

Supported by Sappi, the research also informs the development of Landscape Discovery Labs, including in the uMkhomazi river basin in KwaZulu-Natal, where the company works alongside farmers, foresters, communities and public institutions to strengthen landscape-level stewardship.

The uMkhomazi catchment has been a key focus of the partnership, with the uMkhomazi river a vital resource for small towns, rural communities, industrial operations and growing urban centres such as eThekwini.

“By investing in the proactive management of this resource, Sappi and WWF are working to ensure a sustainable balance between operational requirements and the needs of local communities.”

Through working with and empowering local communities within the uMkhomazi catchment, 191 ha of invasive wattle species have been cleared, while more than 2 322 ha of rangelands are now under improved management with a focus on erosion control to prevent sedimentation in downstream water systems. About 30 ha are being actively rehabilitated with the help of local communities.

In terms of soil health innovation, the partnership highlighted the successful bioturbation trial that was conducted in iNzinga.

By using livestock to naturally break up compacted soil, the project has improved nutrient cycling and water infiltration, restoring the landscape's ability to act as a natural reservoir.

Further, local ‘citizen scientists’ have been deployed to collect baseline water quality data across three sub-catchments, providing the empirical data necessary for effective water governance.

The partnership has also identified over 20 000 ha for potential protection through a new Biodiversity Stewardship Strategy, working alongside Conservation Outcomes and Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife.

The success of these water management initiatives also opens doors for young South Africans.

Statistics South Africa reported a significant increase in people employed in skilled agriculture between 2024 and 2025, highlighting exciting opportunities for employment and innovation across rural South Africa.

As technology and AI disrupt traditional sectors, agriculture and agroprocessing stand out as job-intensive industries with strong multiplier effects for rural communities.

Wild concluded that as a water-scarce country, we face some tough discussions around water use going forward.

“We need to work with reputable and experienced partners who will be able to inform both short-term requirements as well as long-term strategic goals for the benefit of all South Africans.”