The Upper uThukela Water Fund (UTWF) project, led by Wildtrust in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Nature for Water (N4W), besides others, is expected to deliver significant investment returns: a benefit-cost ratio of 2.3:1 and a net present value of R216-million over 30 years.

The Upper uThukela catchment is one of the country’s most vital and strategic water sources in KwaZulu-Natal, supplying large parts of KwaZulu-Natal and is a primary source of water for Gauteng province through inter-basin transfer into the Vaal river system.

The Upper uThukela catchment faces severe degradation from invasive species and unsustainable land management, threatening both water quantity and quality and with mounting pressure from population growth, climate change and environmental degradation, the urgency to protect and restore this strategic water source has never been greater.

“The Upper uThukela is not just a water source, it is the lifeblood of people, economies and ecosystems across two provinces. Water security here is water security for millions. By investing in nature and empowering communities, we are investing in a more equal, resilient future,” said Wildtrust Conservation Programmes deputy director Kirsten Oliver.

The collaborative, science-driven effort, which aims to protect the resource through innovation, science and inclusive community partnership, is investing in nature-based solutions such as removing invasive alien plants, rehabilitating eroded landscapes and improving rangeland management.

Through securing multi-stakeholder engagement and implementing scalable nature-based solutions, the work of the UTWF presents a viable and cost-effective solution to enhancing water security and ecological resilience in the Upper uThukela catchment.

The initiative also acts as a catalyst for local development, creating jobs, improving food and water security and protecting biodiversity.

In support of the global 30x30 conservation target, local communities have set aside 32 000 ha of near-pristine mountain and grassland, adjacent to the iconic Drakensberg World Heritage Site to become a formally protected environment within the next three years through the National Biodiversity Stewardship programme.

“Through the findings of the business case, we estimate that investing R164-million over 30 years in a prioritised nature-based solution portfolio in the Upper uThukela Catchment could unlock around R380-million in benefits,” said Oliver.

Key gains include securing nine-million cubic metres of water a year, reducing water treatment costs, avoiding infrastructure replacement costs, increasing cattle sale revenues, and generating R62-million for local communities from carbon credits.

“Beyond financial and economic returns, investment in the UTWF fosters job creation, habitat restoration, biodiversity protection and improved livelihoods, making it a compelling investment for sustainable water security and resilience.”

Wildtrust highlighted the project amid National Water Week, which runs from March 16 to 20.

Coordinated by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the National Water Week is a yearly call to action for responsible water use and the conservation of South Africa’s precious freshwater resources.

This year’s campaign aligns with World Water Day on March 22, set by UN-Water under the theme ‘Water and Gender’ and the slogan ‘Where Water Flows, Equality Grows’.

The theme underscores how equitable access to, and stewardship of, water resources can drive greater equality and opportunity for all.