UNCCD CRIC 21 - A reflection: Does a binding agreement on Drought have merit?

By Anne Plaatjies-Hanase

The twenty-first session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 21) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) took place at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from 13 to 17 November 2023 - EMG’s Anne Plaatjies- Hanase attended.

During UNCCD CRIC 21, statements made by the Parties and civil society organizations alike echoed the importance of addressing the impact of drought, with the United Nations warning that drought may be the next pandemic. Drought is an important global process and occurrence and worldwide, more than 55 million people are affected by drought. The UNFCCC IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) has outlined the intensity and frequency of drought, including predicted increases. It notes that the length of droughts is likely to double and will be exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures.

The member states of the African Union hosted a side event at the CRIC entitled Drought at a glance, Experiences of Africa and Beyond. The purpose of this side event, was to highlight the impact of drought in African countries and to promote the African Union’s member states’ call to the international community to sign a legally binding agreement on drought. The UNCCD Deputy Executive Secretary, Ms. Andrea Meza addressed the meeting noting that Africa is the continent most vulnerable to climate change and that two thirds of arable land is subject to degradation. Climate change will intensify drought impacts and lengthen drought periods, severely impacting on social gains. She further noted that there is an economic case to be made in the context of drought and that we need to bring more political attention and traction to this issue so as to shape sustainable solutions. She emphasised that Africa will not achieve the SDGs that are related to or impacted upon by drought and that the international community needs to respond to drought with a combination of elements. These elements may vary from the right investments to early warning systems. Granted that the impact of drought are differentiated, the findings presented nevertheless all reiterated that drought threatens livelihoods, fuels migration, and places a burden on agriculture. The question remains, if drought is not a sectoral issue, how should the international community respond?

The burden of drought impacts on agriculture is regarded as one of the most devastating to communities, with drought having been identified as the single greatest cause of losses in agricultural production. With this as the backdrop, the members present were asked if the UNCCD, as an instrument that brings together the international community around issues of sustainable land management, is doing enough to address drought.

Although there was consensus around the need to include local knowledge and local experiences in efforts to mitigate drought impacts, the participants agreed that not enough was being done. European members and state representatives noted that the onus lies with governments to set the agenda and mitigation plans around droughts at a national level. African governments were urged to develop other plans and incentives to address drought at a national level.

The members of the African Union argued that the introduction of a legally binding agreement on drought could catalyse sustainable solutions that could address drought. In response, some European representatives expressed the view that their governments were not in favour of developing a legally binding agreement on drought.

What this side event highlighted was not only the Global North/ Global South divide, but it called attention to agenda setting, and who gets to determine which agenda should receive more political attention and traction. The impacts of drought urgently require decisive action, for Africa and beyond.

If more political attention and traction is needed to respond to the impacts of drought, a legally binding agreement on drought could contribute renewed momentum. The UNCCD is celebrating 30 years of existence in 2024, and this is the opportune time to reconsider its work on drought, given that Africa and the Global South will not achieve the SDGs that relate to or are impacted on by drought.

Just Transition: Advancing Equality and International Solidarity

By Nick Hamer                                        11 December 2023

In 2023 EMG participated in a process with other Southern Hemisphere civil society organisations to advocate for developing world concerns being centered in Just Transition implementation.

The process was facilited by Solidar, with the support of the Olof Palme Centre and IFWEA.

The process noted numerous issues that need to be addressed within the European Green Deal (EGD) initiated by the EU.

The main weaknesses of the EGD were identified as:

• Lack of targeted finance to the stakeholders in a weaker position

• Lack of teeth for implementing a truly just transition

• Lack of integration between internal and external policies, especially trade, leading to excessive spillover effects

• Lack of consideration for the concept and principles of Fair Trade, as a driver of sustainable development changes

• Lack of underlying transformation of the current economic model and of the drivers of overconsumption

The demands for change centred on the following:

1.   Reforming the Global Financial Architecture

Access to high-quality, affordable, and long-term financing from both official and private sources is critical for giving partner countries the chance to implement climate mitigation and adaptation, boost their efforts to reverse biodiversity loss and increase progress in social outcomes.

2.  A concrete strategy and binding work plan to achieve a Just Transition

The current Just Transition measures applied in the EGD (mostly of a financial nature) need to be complemented with new measures such as transforming the economy in a fair and inclusive manner to ensure the maintenance and creation of good quality jobs and the safeguarding of universal social protection systems. -       .

3. A policy coherence for sustainable development with a deep reform of the EU Trade policy and a major political focus on reducing the spillover effects

The EGD does not contribute to Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) as the impact of the European green transition on partner countries is only partly addressed and the EU trade policy has been left unreformed after the advent of the EGD. Like other wealthy countries and regions, the EU generates large externalities (or spillover effects) due notably to unsustainable consumption and supply chains.

4. Mainstreaming Fair Trade practices to advance sustainable production, consumption and business governance

The Commission must adopt a new Communication on Fair Trade to show the growing relevance of FT in terms of EU public policies and to further expand it through binding legislative measures:

5. Turning the Green Deal into a driver of change of the EU economic model

Economic growth is at the core of the EGD, with the EU going as far as presenting it as “a new growth strategy”. This comes despite the mounting evidence showing that it is not economic growth per se that creates jobs, ensures wellbeing, or reduces poverty but rather the overall mix of government policies which together determine whether the economy supports progress for all people while preserving the environment and addressing climate change.

EMG have also supported the newly formed Global Just Transition Working Group, that aims to build international solidarity and collaboration around the Just Transition.

FAREWELL TO OUR LONG SERVING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE VETERANS: Rachel Wynberg & Stephen Law

BY Mandy Moussouris – EMG director 12 December 2023

RACHEL WYNBERG a founding member of EMG, and a signatory on our trust deed, was one of the mothers of EMG and has raised and walked alongside the organisation for over 32 years. She is an academic, activist and policy analyst with a special interest in biodiversity use and benefit sharing, community rights, social justice, agroecology, and environmental governance and as such has contributed significantly over the years towards the organisations strategy and vision. We will miss her and her supportive, nurturing influence very much. We would like to express our love and appreciation for all that she has done and wish the absolute most happiness in her future work.

STEPHEN LAW - I had the honour of working with Stephen as Director of EMG and I have always said that Stephen is the best boss I ever had. He was EMG’s director from 1999 to 2018, almost 20 years and during this time he led the organisation in a wise and measured way, his door was always open, and he trusted us to do our work. He gave us all the scope to be creative in our work and held the centre calmly, but so solidly. After he retired as Director, Stephen continued as a board member and in that role, he was once again, supportive and a mentor to me as the new Director. Like Rachel EMG would not be what it is without him.

Whilst we are saying farewell, it’s not goodbye and whilst they will be further away and less involved in the organisation their whistles and laughs, words and guidance remain. The culture of tolerance, mutual respect, love of people and the planet that they gave us are part of the very fabric of what makes EMG as special as it is.

“Breaking Silos” Reflections on the 7th WISA Young Water Professional Conference

by Afika Ndlela 7 December 2023

Introduction:
The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Young Water Professionals (YWP-ZA) Programme in South Africa is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections among individuals engaged in or intrigued by the water sector. YWP-ZA constitutes a community of individuals deeply enthusiastic about every facet of water and its inherent connections to people, economies, development, nature, dignity, and life itself. It’s 7th annual conference was dedicated to providing opportunities for YWPs to learn, build skills and expand their network through oral presentations, poster sessions, workshops and networking opportunities while demonstrating the range of knowledge, skills and expertise of YWPs in South Africa.

In 2020, Water Footprint Initiative (WFI) partnered with the 11th Hour Racing Team, the American sailing team participating in the Ocean Race 2022-2023, to assess their water footprint and test the Water Footprint Compensation concept. The team not only served as an inspirational partner but also supported a compensation pilot project in Cape Town's Makhaza community and Khayelitsha Wetlands through their Legacy Grant program

The sessions covered a broad variety of conversations with a diverse group of keynote speakers presenting topics around Plant Digital Operations and Modelling, Resource Recovery from the treatment of Acid Mine Drainage, Enhancing Community Participation in Water Governance for Effective Water Resources Management, Policy and Regulation for Water and Wastewater Management, Innovative Decentralised Sustainable Sanitation Solutions and so much more.

Afika Ndlela was there for a poster presentation under the sub-theme: Community  Participation & Development. Poster title: Community Capacity Development for  Water Compensation Framework.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS: Arts for Social Change - Mural Painting with Breeze Yoko

BY Apiwe Mdunyelwa 7 December 2023

In a collaborative effort, six environmental club learners, three from the School of Arts - Fairdale 2 High School and three from Bardale High, embarked on a transformative art journey spanning five weeks of workshops and culminating in a week of implementation. Their artistic exploration went beyond the skills of painting as their work carried the mission of environmental and climate justice. They were joined during the implementation week by members of the task team from each of the five participating schools, creating a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose.

The art workshops were more than just a series of creative sessions; they became a transformative journey for the young participants. As they embarked on this artistic journey, they realized that these workshops also held therapeutic value, offering them a unique opportunity for self-expression, growth, and community engagement.

Week by week, the participants delved into the world of art, guided by the experienced artist Breeze Yoko, who facilitated and supported the program. The workshops introduced them to various aspects of art, particularly drawing and painting, which many of them already held a deep passion for. This experience was not merely about acquiring new skills; it was about adding a fresh layer to their artistic resource and nurturing their existing talents.

While the early stages of the workshop presented its challenges, the participants began to see it as a work in progress. They pushed their boundaries, explored new techniques, and expanded their creative horizons. The artist's guidance and their own determination fuelled this creative evolution.

The climax of their journey was implementation day when they undertook the task of creating a mural at one of their schools - Fairdale 1 High School. The participants brought their newfound skills and artistic sensibilities to the fore. It was a remarkable sight to see them work in unity, supported by their peers from the club, in an inspiring display of solidarity.

The day of the mural's creation was marked by profound excitement and appreciation. The participants, now more confident and skilled artists, put their heart and soul into the project. They knew that their work had the power to bring change, to convey a message that was deeply important to them and their communities.

The mural was not just a visually striking but a symbol of their growth, unity, and commitment to environmental and climate justice. It served as a beacon of hope, sparking conversations and awareness within their communities.

These workshops were more than a mere learning experience. They were a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, equipping young artists with the tools to create not only art but also change. The impact of this journey would extend beyond the art studio, affecting their lives and the lives of those who interacted with the mural and the associated QR codes. It was a journey worth taking, and the fruits of their labour were not just on the canvas but also in the hearts and minds of all involved.

ECOPOLITICS SCHOOL: The Political Economy of Food and Water

BY AFIKA NDLELA, LILO MXAKA, SOPHUMLA NTOYABO 7 December 2023

EMG Team Afika, Apiwe, Lilo, Mandy and Sophumla facilitated the programme of the EcoPolitics School which was held from November 14-16, 2023 at the Nicol Hotel in Johannesburg.

Coming from all 9 provinces in South Africa, the participants were made up of a diverse group of comrades from different backgrounds, from communities, networks and organisations across South Africa: water activists, food and farming activists and youth environmental club members.

Objectives of the School:

● To provide a platform for comrades to share their experiences and perspectives,

● To develop a collective understanding of the political and economic realities of South Africa within a framework of the global context

● To explore strategies for social change.

Day 1:

Upon arrival at the Nicol Hotel, the EMG team welcomed a diverse group of comrades from various backgrounds. This set the tone for a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives throughout the political school. Apiwe and Sophumla facilitated an icebreaker session to establish ground rules for the workshop, encouraging self-governance and mutual respect among participants.

Participants then engaged in a reflective exercise, writing down their fears and wishesfor the future. This activity provided valuable insights into the common challenges and aspirations of the group.

Mandy led an economic discourse, breaking down the economic cycle and linking it to everyday household management practices. This interactive session highlighted the interconnectedness of individual actions and broader economic systems.

Participants analysed the relationships between communities, government, and corporate markets, identifying the locus of power within these dynamics.

Day 2:

Afika and Lilo initiated the start of the day’s programme by posing a thought-provoking question about community needs and challenges.

Participants watched a film on intergenerational black farmers that sparked discussions about the similarities between South African and American communities.

Following lunch, an in-depth exploration of the global economic system and its impact on food and water distribution was conducted using a three-sphere diagram.

This activity highlighted the interdependencies between various sectors and the influence of global forces on food production and local communities’ consumption.

Day 3:

The final day commenced with a recap of Day 2's discussions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the global economic system's impact on water, food and the environment.

Participants engaged in a lively debate about the distribution of power within the global economic system, sharing their knowledge and perspectives.

The workshop concluded with a reflection on current actions and potential strategies for social change, empowering participants to contribute to positive transformation.

Feedback: Participants engaged in high-quality dialogue throughout the political school.

The information shared and insights gained will undoubtedly contribute to the success of future political schools.

The EMG team commends the participants for their active participation and willingness to learn and engage in critical discussions.

🎧🎤We send appreciation to comrade Lwazi Kolanisi for helping us capture the school with photographs and video interviews. 📷

Understanding and Revitalizing the Kuils River Catchment - Bardale High School Environmental Club - Community participation is needed!

Understanding and Revitalizing the Kuils River Catchment - by Environmental Clubs in Mfuleni, Cape Town, South Africa - Efforts in River Clean-Up by the Community and School Learners

by BARDALE HIGH SCHOOL - ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

The Kuils River Catchment accommodates a large number of people living in the Western Cape. It originates from the Durbanville Hills, goes through Bellville and Kuils River, past Delft and Behlar to the townships, Mfuleni and Khayelitsha prior to joining the sea in False Bay close to Macassar.

It is used for various purposes like recreational activities such as swimming, churches use it for baptism etc. However, the river is often polluted in townships compared to other areas due to lack of service delivery, littering and poor waste management and sanitation. This causes several issues that have a negative effect on the wetland such as the over-growth of algae and the release of unpleasant odor.

Community members and schools involved with the Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG) have made efforts to clean the Kuils River catchment and one of the wetlands within Mfuleni, but it is hardly enough because too much waste has accumulated. For this reason, more community involvement is needed as it is crucial in ensuring that the Kuils River Catchment is cared for by the community members and is therefore kept clean for everyone’s well-being.

Understanding and Revitalising the Kuils River Catchment: Wetlands - Manzomthombo High School Environmental

UNDERSTANDING AND REVITALIZING THE KUILS RIVER CATCHMENT - BY ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS IN MFULENI, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA -

Pollution Types and Health/Environmental Implications

BY Manzomthombo High School ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

“Wetlands - A curse in disguise? is THAT what they are becoming?”

Outside Manzomthombo High School

Wetlands are special places where water sticks around for a while. Some are always wet, while others get soaked seasonally. They're home to different kinds of plants and animals. In South Africa, there are lots of wetlands, and one of them is right next to our school, Manzomthombo Secondary School.

People in Mfuleni have been wondering why these wetlands have been empty for so long when we need more places to live. So, folks from our informal settlements had an idea: use the wetland as a dumping ground.

However, this decision has caused problems. Now, there's trash everywhere - papers, diapers, rotten food, and more. It makes the area around our school look bad. On hot days, there's a stinky smell that stays all day, making it tough to breathe. Rats and cockroaches have become our unwelcome guests. They run around our classrooms, which isn't fun. And we worry about our food because the kitchen is close to the dumpsite. Even though the government sends people to clean it up every two weeks, it doesn't take long for the trash to come back.

Blaming others won't help. What will help is educating our community. We need to learn about healthy ways to utilize these empty areas and how our actions affect our school and the environment. Education will help us take better care of these special wetlands, which, in turn, will take care of us.

Understanding and Revitalizing the Kuils River Catchment - Pollution Solution: Re-use, Reduce and Recycle Fairdale High School no.1

Understanding and Revitalizing the Kuils River Catchment

Community Awareness and Sustainable Practices for the Future

BY FAIRDALE HIGH SCHOOL no.1

We as the students of, Fairdale High School No.1 have been given the platform and opportunity to join the family of EMG. EMG is a non-governmental organisation, that strives to encourage and empower young people by providing them with the equipment and resources that they need.

This year as Fairdaleans of Fairdale No.1 we have learnt a vast amount of information about our planet, societies, and communities, all thanks to EMG. EMG gave us the platform and opportunity to spread our knowledge and reflect on the year's key learnings about the contamination in the Kuils River catchment.

This year was a very fun and educational year, whereby we as Fairdale High school No. 1 learnt that there are many different ways in which we contribute to the contamination.

Some things we do knowing very well what the outcome will be, such as using an item and then throwing it away. Items such as single-use plastic bags, plastic bottles, take-out utensils and urinating at the catchment.

There are of course consequences for our actions like pollution, poisoned soil, severe weather conditions, extinction to habitats and some species cannot adapt to the conditions and they die.

This is very sad, how innocent lives are affected by our reckless behaviours.

However, there is a solution to the crisis. The main solution would be greening the space, planting trees, plants, flowers, draining all dirty and polluted water and adding reliable water sources.

Greening the space in this way would promote biodiversity. It could even boost the economic sector, by attracting tourists and creating job opportunities and the best part is it would not harm the environment and this way we would not loose animals nor plants.

To link it up we as humans promote contamination. Luckily there is a solution, we can limit the amount of waste we make by using the three R's: Re-use, Reduce and Recycle. This way we live longer and better, as well as other species (animals and plants).

Understanding and Revitalizing the Kuils River Catchment - Recycling & Waste Management - Mfuleni Technical Academy

Understanding and Revitalizing the Kuils River Catchment

RECYLING INITIATIVES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

by Mfuleni Technical Academy  

Introduction

For one to be great when it comes to implementing recycling initiatives and manage waste better, a great kind of knowledge is required. When we speak of ‘great knowledge’ we speak of a mixture of modern and indigenous knowledge, a combination of old and modern ways on how to recycle and manage waste better. Unintended waste has abruptly proven to be a huge factor in reducing sustainability and endangering the health of all living organisms who are unaware of deleterious toxins waste contains. Based on how Mfuleni residents are continuously improving their recycling initiatives we believe they have been gifted with this knowledge.

One may ask themselves, what are recycling initiatives? Recycling initiatives are policies or programs that promote the reuse and recycling of materials. These recycling initiatives help lead to a cleaner environment, especially in a huge community that also consists of informal settlements.

Context

There are many different types of recycling methods performed and practiced by Mfuleni residents including Curbside Recycling. Curbside recycling involves programs that provide bins for residents to collect their recyclable materials at homes and schools.  These collected materials are then connected by waste management companies such as Luhlaza, Interwaste, and Terramanzi. Residents of Mfuleni have been provided with bins to put their waste in. This has allowed them to be enthusiastic about keeping their environment clean and safe for all that lives in it.

Waste management trucks attend Mfuleni weekly to collect these materials. Students at Mfuleni Technical Academy, a school based in the core of Mfuleni once lacked bins. This then led to pollution in their school. Students then laid a complaint about this; their complaint did not fall on deaf ears. Weeks after the complaint was laid, students were provided with bins for their school allowing them to practice curbside recycling. These students stand very firm against pollution, and they believe in taking a step towards a cleaner environment rather than watching others do it for them.

One of the most common recycling methods practiced by residents and students is Waste Reduction\Campaigns. These campaigns or programs promote the reduction of waste and encourage people to use fewer disposable items and packaging. With the great help from the Environmental Monitoring Group, schools around Mfuleni regularly perform divine and proactive cleanups. Every time the schools are tasked with these cleanups, EMG provides proper equipment, so every time students and residents do cleanups they are well protected.

These cleanups show the greatness of the relationships between students and residents. The action of doing cleanups also helps in raising great awareness to people that lack knowledge when it comes to the importance of a clean environment. While others give modern knowledge others give indigenous knowledge combining these two to a beautiful thing. The EMG does not only provide equipment, but it also provides better knowledge and this is highly appreciated.

Waste Management Methods

Waste management is the complete process of handling, processing, transporting, storage, recycling and disposal of human, industrial and environmental waste. Waste management is a global phenomenon, but its ramifications are prominent in developing countries. Solid waste management which is a very massive task is getting more complex due to urbanization, overpopulation, commercialization, social and economic growth. Institutional fragility and financial constraints even public attitude is far more worse.

There are several waste management methods including Landfills, throwing away waste in landfills is the most common. In this process, the odors, and dangers of waste and handling garbage are eliminated. The garbage is then buried in the landfill sites. Landfills contribute towards global warming hence many countries are reconsidering the use of landfills. During the Incineration process, the municipal solid waste is buried to convert the waste into residue, heat, ash, steam and gases. Statistics show that this reduces the volume of solid waste by 30 percent of the real volume.

Recycling is the process in which discarded items are recycled for reuse. The waste materials may be recycled to extract resources or convert into energies in the form of electricity, heat or fuel. These are just a few examples of waste management practices. Mfuleni residents have landfills for their management of their waste especially in the informal settlement parts of the community.

If waste management practices are improved this can lead to reduced pollution, contributing to a safer environment. Improved waste management can reduce the amount of pollution released to the environment which helps to protect air, land, and water. By improving waste management practices new jobs can be created, boosting the economy. Improving waste management practices reduces pollution by recycling. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills and incinerators which in turn reduces water, air, and soil pollution. Composting organic waste like food scraps, yard waste and paper reduces the amount of methane emissions from landfills. This is practiced and performed by residents in Mfuleni. Composting is a bio degradation process in which the organic waste is converted into nutrient rich food for plants.

Waste reduction is the process of reducing the amount of waste generated and can be achieved by implementing policies that encourage banning of single-used packaging, reuse and recycling as well as educating the public on the importance of reducing waste. Increasing the number of waste collection points and making them more accessible to the public can help increase the amount of waste collected and recycled. Waste Treatment: using technologies such as anaerobic digestion, thermal treatment and plasma gasification to treat waste can reduce the number of pollutants released to the environment.

Conclusion

Better recycling initiatives and better waste management practices lead to a cleaner environment, a safer planet, and a happier Earth. Let us not allow ourselves to have less knowledge about our environment, for knowledge is key. Let us better our environment, for us, and for the environment itself. Let us reduce, reuse and recycle for a better environment for us and the next generation.