GEORGE NEWS - The Touw River is a prime example that demonstrates the importance of rivers in preserving biodiversity and water security, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
"All river systems in the Garden Route are important in terms of water security, the sustainability of terrestrial and aquatic life, and the preservation of biodiversity in the region. The Touw River, with its headwaters high up in the Outeniqua mountains, is a vital freshwater resource to Wilderness and surrounding areas," says Meiring.
The Touw River estuary and river mouth is very a popular attraction to holidaymakers and recreational activities, and it forms a significant part of the Greater Wilderness Lakes system.
The Kingfisher Hiking Trail following the Touw River up the waterfall is one of the most scenic and frequently used regional destinations with literally thousands of visitors per annum.
SANParks, the Garden Route and George Municipalities along with a number of Wilderness conservancies such as the Touw River Conservancy, play a vital role in protecting the ecological integrity of the Touw River.
They truly represent the full bouquet of natural beauty offered by the Garden Route, to those visiting and residing in Wilderness.
"As the population in Wilderness and surrounding areas grows, it dramatically increases pressure on the Touw River as an essential part of natural infrastructure to those dependent on its well-being," says Meiring.
"As with most river systems in the Garden Route, development, agriculture, land degradation and invasive alien plants in the upper catchment of the Touw River all impact negatively on its environmental integrity and well-being."
He says risks associated with climate change, including changes in rainfall patterns, drought and floods wreaks havoc on river systems, tributaries and wetlands. This in turn affects all life dependent on them.
"The Garden Route is increasingly under threat of losing much of its splendour and biodiversity.
"It is for this reason that private landowners in the Garden Route increasingly have to play a role in protecting and conserving the environment - to ensure that they retain a high quality of life and environment."
GREF will be placing focus on water security in the Garden Route in the build-up to its annual Climate Change and Environmental Seminar to be hosted in June 2024 in partnership with Nelson Mandela University and the Garden Route and Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserves.
GREF is a public platform for conservation and environmental management entities in the Southern Cape.
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