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A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD Our Rivers, Streams, Lakes, Wetlands And Dams - The Water Of Life.
A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD Our Rivers, Streams, Lakes, Wetlands And Dams - The Water Of Life.
Date: 2023-03-22
From the inland catchments to the sea, mankind has been dependent on our Natural, and often beautiful water resources for survival.. In every instance there is a spring or natural flows from below the surface, with the origins still under scientific research.
The mighty Tugela River with its source in Lesotho descends from Mont Aux Source in the northern Drakensberg with spectacular entry via the Tugela Falls, being the second longest waterfall drop in the World. In the Upper Drakensberg catchments the streams off a fresh water resource benefit all local communities and Resorts. For the fishermen good sport with Trout in many streams, and Bream and Carp in well-managed Dams are an attraction for locals and tourists alike. Fishing Permits should be obtained where required to ensure compliance. The Montane forest canopy is dominated with Real Yellowwood and Cheesewood Trees, both protected, with other trees and smaller species such as Halleria and pink Pompon Trees forming a vital mosaic of protection with grasslands, buffering the rushing stream flow over rocky boulders and pebbles.
Along our Coast many rivers present a relatively short catchment from the Inland hills to the Sea, but in every Water Course recognition of the ancient soil formation is more critical than ever before. Through the millennia silty deposition on either side of the Water Course covers the important lines of Hydromorphic delineation. Assistance from a qualified Pedologist is required at a professional level to identify the ancient chroma, which still lies approximately 600 mm below the surface, at a given distance on either side of the stream bed. Record the findings with cadastral accuracy on a Survey Plan. The edges of the original stream bed discovered may now be flowing or present an ephemeral state, with no water evident. Link this with further professional "Wetland" assessment of the indigenous species present, such as Typha capensis (Bulrushes), Cyprus denudate (Winged sedge), various other sedges and flowering Pink Marsh Dissotis and Arum Lilies. The oxygen in fresh water enables plant survival in this "Permanent Wetland" zone.
Further away from the edge of the water resource we encounter a "Temporary Wetland" habitat, which may vary depending on annual rainfall and locality. Once again a cadastral record should be surveyed together with the 1 to 100 year Flood line clearly identified. Only with Foundation Information in place may an informed decision process be undertaken in order to avoid future land resource degradation and erosion, often with loss of Habitat, buildings and Life as recently suffered in Malawi and Mozambique after Cyclone Freddy.
Nature affords protection to the Flood Plain with deep-rooted trees including Robust Thorn, Sycamore Fig, Quinine Tree, the Natal Mahogany and Wild Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata). Where mankind at any level of society has laid-waste to the riverine slopes and banks, and over-looked the prudent need for a designated SET-BACK LINE of at least 30M combined with conservation of our Natural Heritage, we all pay the price. The Natal Flood damage and erosion in April and May 2022 are testimony. Where there has been delay in restoration combined with a lack of an Holistic Approach for Rehabilitation on-going degradation with cost related implications are evident.
Intact pockets of Swamp Forest exhibit the Power-puff Tree with long flowering panicles, the Umdoni with berries for birds, and stalwart Ficus trichopoda (Swamp Fig), now protected, displaying large leaves with multi-coloured veins, white above and red below. Our Coastal Lagoons with intertidal estuaries, saline water and low oxygen host the Mangrove communities with roots anchored in the sediment, regardless of the levels of man-made pollution, including the E.coli contamination which now rides the waves.
A System of Water Protection Procedures with fines for OFFENDERS of POLLUTION, and WASTE DISPOSAL into any Water Resource is an urgent necessity, to be Implemented as a priority before the next drought cycle. Our fresh water resources are essential for Quality of Life and the Survival of All Things Living.
Acknowledgement of Reference to Pooley's Trees of Eastern South Africa A Complete Guide by Richard Boon Barrier or Spears, by R.O. Pearse.

