How we manage our water infrastructure, and respond to the risk of increasing water stress from climate change and population growth, will be a key factor in successful economic development. Addressing these risks, the Western Cape government has employed design thinking and a multi-disciplinary approach to shape the Berg River Improvement Plan. This was the focus of Accelerate Cape Town's Sustainability Forum held in mid-June.
To this end, Dr Joy Leaner for the Western Cape government, spoke about the overarching Berg River Improvement Plan. The Berg River catchment is home, not only to one of the Western Cape's most picturesque landscapes, but plays an extremely important role in our economy.
However, it is under tremendous pressure from man-made activities. The Berg River Improvement Plan is a package of innovative activities touching environmental protection, conservation, water use efficiency and rehabilitation. This ambitious plan was initiated by the Western Cape government in 2012 and, impressively, identifies both short (under five years) and long (five to 30 years) term interventions.
One of the most innovative 'sub' projects under the Berg River umbrella is The Genius of Place. This project is researching locally attuned organisms and systems to understand how biomimicry principles might be used to effectively address the challenges of water pollution from stormwater drainage, sewerage and solid waste generated by an informal settlement along the Berg River.
