In one of earth ' s driest countries , smart maps help protect water supplies
David Gadsden
NEWS
Current Address : Esri Blog Reprinted from : https :// bit . ly / 3zozcRX
Conservationists in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region are using geographic information system technology for education and collaboration among diverse stakeholders .
Figure 1 . Protecting water supplies from pollution is important for the survival of wildlife in the Kruger .
Key Takeaways
• Researchers use GIS technology as a visually dynamic tool for understanding the diverse ecosystems within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region .
• Analysts rely on smart maps to document , enhance , and monitor critical water sources that sustain rural villages , wildlife , tourism , and commercial agriculture .
• Location intelligence supports an integrative approach to conservation focused on equity and sustainable social and economic development .
Ninety-one percent of South Africa ’ s land is at risk of becoming desert . The sense of urgency is palpable among conservationists working to improve water management practices in the diverse and majestic Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region . The biosphere comprises 10 percent of the republic ’ s land yet provides more than half of its water .
Rivers , streams , wetlands , and other catchments in this 6.1-million-acre ecosystem are under pressure . Worsening droughts , pollution from human activity , and encroachment of invasive plants have diminished water quality and volume . A nonprofit company , Kruger to Canyons ( K2C ), is rallying residents and businesses to work together to protect the nation ’ s waterways .
Using geographic information system ( GIS ) technology — including digital maps that mark the location of resources — K2C has created a library of scien-
Figure 2 . Many species , including elephants , are already threatened by the loss of habitat and other factors .
Grassroots Vol 22 No 2 July 2022 42