Resilience in the Limpopo Basin Program (RESILIM): Olifants Catchment

CHALLENGE

The Olifants and its contributing waterways are critical for supporting life in the Limpopo River Basin. Yet unchecked pollution, inappropriate land and resource use, weak and poorly enforced policies and regulations, and poor protection of habitats and biodiversity are degrading the Olifants at an alarming rate. Improved water security, wise resource management, and healthy ecosystems are necessary to continue to support livelihoods and resilient economic development. 

APPROACH

RESILIM Olifants was a five-year, $10.7 million program implemented by the Association for Water and Rural Development to support a more resilient Olifants Catchment in South Africa and Mozambique. Intitiated in 2012, the program reduces vulnerability of people and ecosystems through improved transboundary governance and management of natural resources. The program is grounded in a grassroots approach to understanding the systemic causes of vulnerability, including climate vulnerability, and a promoting new ways of thinking and acting to promote integrated water and biodiversity management.

OBJECTIVES

1. To reduce climate vulnerability by promoting science-based adaptation strategies.
2. To enhance water security and integrated water resources management. 
3. To conserve biodiversity and improve management of high priority ecosystems. 
4. To develop stakeholder capacities to manage water and ecosystem resources.
5. To ensure continuous, reflective and collaborative learning.
6. To facilitate exchanges across the Basin and with other Basins.