Saving water by removing invasive trees

It’s estimated that about 1,5 billion litres of water is absorbed annually by alien invasive plant species in the Western Cape, which has many of the country’s largest water catchment areas.

That means that water that could have quenched the thirst of about 15 million people is soaked up by these invasive plants, and in the midst of a water crisis, that’s a massive loss.

The World Wildlife Foundation’s (WWF) South African division is currently engaged in an ongoing project to remove foreign plants encroaching on native South African plants’ turf, siphoning away much-needed drinking water in the process.

WWF representatives have recently come to the West Rand again, setting up kiosks in malls during the week and on weekends, hoping to spread their message and bring in pledges for their fundraiser.

On Saturday, 28 February, Michelle Ndlovu and Khunong Lefeela were handing out WWF key rings made from the wood of invasive trees already removed by the project. They explained how their project would save the country billions of litres of precious water, and how the funds raised would be used to remove the invasive species. They added that this is only one of the many projects the WWF is currently taking on in South Africa. Others include various wildlife, climate and energy and oceanic campaigns.

To donate or pledge to the WWF, look for their representatives in malls near you, or visit their website at https://www.wwf.org.za/donate/