NEWS
Interventions Address Diverse , Widespread Needs
With such an expansive territory , the nonprofit is selective in activating or supporting projects as a partner . K2C ’ s projects must be manageable yet produce significant results . Priorities include protection of land around waterways , environmental education , clearance of invasive plants , and sustainable land management .
Figure 6 . Maps such as this are useful for strategic planning and outreach to stakeholders . Goals include reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife , especially in communities adjacent to protected areas . Kruger to Canyons nonprofit ’ s work includes data capturing , proper reporting , awareness and research , and communication with relevant agencies .
The Blyde River catchment , just west of Kruger National Park , has been designated a strategic water source for the country ; this set in motion a notable restoration project where K2C was a partner with AWARD in combating invasive plant species that have degraded the ecosystem .
Through other initiatives , the K2C team has undertaken spatial analysis to mark the location and spread of alien plants that choke wetlands . By targeting and removing these plants , and documenting illegal dumping and sand mining , the K2C team expects to see long-term improvement in water quality .
To help address high unemployment in the region , K2C has a program that employs residents as environmental monitors . The workers post daily updates , sending GPS coordinates and photographs from mobile devices when they find hazardous or improved conditions and enrich the GIS database with upto-date information . These efforts also help preserve water corridors that serve as breeding grounds and migration routes for threatened wildlife .
Figure 7 . This map shows communities located within or near Strategic Water Source Areas . Keeping pollution from human settlements out of the biosphere ’ s waterways is among the goals of conservationists .
cies of reptiles , 49 species of amphibians , and 34 species of fish in the park ’ s seven rivers . However , extreme drought in the biosphere ’ s subtropical Lowveld region caused a shortage of food for the park ’ s wildlife in 2015 and 2016 . Rangers had to put down 350 hippos and buffaloes to reduce the competition for resources .
Technology Aids Communication and Outreach
The K2C team takes a modern , inclusive approach to outreach that makes stakeholders with disparate interests a force for action and equity . GIS technology supports K2C ’ s monitoring in the field ; collecting and analyzing data ; and , ultimately , providing environmental education for community groups , conservation partners , and stakeholders in the industry . The resultant smart maps help stakeholders and partners see where to focus their efforts and set priorities .
“ A map always tells an amazing story ,” said Nick Theron , K2C senior program manager . “ If you ’ re sitting together with a group of people and you need to explain what ’ s going on or get everyone onto the same page — or better understand our work and strategically how we plan — then we need maps ."
K2C is helping villagers and farmers improve water access while safeguarding biodiversity ; the recent cycle of flood and drought has hit 1.5 million people in the region , creating food insecurity . K2C conservationists have been working with small-scale farmers on sustainable land-use practices , responsible water management , and equitable access to water . Larger-scale commercial farmers have started to become involved , and K2C hopes to pilot projects with them soon .
Here , too , digital maps are valuable for identifying project locations and broadening awareness of conditions . Research data compiled with GIS technology can help stakeholders align with project priorities :
• Working with smallholder farmers , K2C ’ s team revitalized irrigation systems and improved farming techniques in the Sabie River catchment adjacent to Kruger National Park to foster water security .
• Assisting cattle owners on the Dinkwanyane Water Smart Project enhanced sustainable land-
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