Conservation as an important theoretical approach in managing resources in South Africa.Global environmental issues have a highly negative impact on the environment, thus raising a great deal of concern, globally. Implementing theoretical approaches will have good impact and effects on the environment, reducing and/or decreasing these global climate changes. We have four theoretical approaches, this essay will outline and focus on the Conservation theory. It will evaluate why Conservation is the important and the appropriate theory for managing water in South Africa. This essay will also evaluate how Conservation plays an essential role in both the development of economic and social sectors of the country, South Africa. Conservation is the practice of using resources, in this case, water, efficiently, adequately and skilfully in order to avoid unnecessary overuse, wastage and extinction of that resource. Merriam-Webster (2020, p. 11) claims that Conservation is a careful preservation and protection of something, especially planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction or neglect of this precious resource.
When Conservation doesn’t take place, future generations will face a lot of challenges and animals and plants of historical value and importance will be extinct or left in bad conditions. Meaning they will not know anything about or see these animals and plants. There might not be enough births of children due to lack of water, miscarriage incidents will reoccur due to water borne diseases. Future generations will also not experience the beautiful natural attractions and geological features that make the country outstand such as the Victoria Falls and all the rivers, because they will dry out. Populations in South Africa grow rapidly each year. According to Trading Economic Global Macro models and analysts, the population in South Africa increase by 1,2% each year, meaning household activity increases. Which is frightening. Automatically, industrial growth increases which means that the demand of water also increases, whereas there isn’t enough supply of it. In South Africa, water supply is limited, it remains constant and it is often referred to as the “dry country”. The usability of the water is reduced by pollution and we can not store the rest due to limited rivers and that we have not built boreholes.
Conservation of water is significant because fresh, clean and safe for use water is restricted in amount and a limited resource, as well as a very costly one. Inefficient use of water increases financial costs as well. Therefore, water conservation is very critical for both the environment we live in and our wallets, it would help save every households utility bill. Conservation will help us meet current and future demands. Water is an essential component of ecosystems because all living beings need it to support their lives. As stated in paragraph two, 97% of water on Earth is salt-water (ocean-water) and only 3% of it is fresh and safe to use, only 0,5% of the water is available, clean and safe for drinking. As human beings, we are dependent on water for survival and to sustain life. Without water, health issues will rise (water-borne diseases will increase). The environment will be facing loss of habitats and human lives and thishazardous.
Some areas in South Africa face drought throughout the year because water supply n South Africa is finite. For example, Cape Town in the year 2019 faced seasonal drought, due to lack of adequate water supply. Johannesburg is next. The significance if conserving water is that it reduces the effects of drought, which include higher incidents of stroke, that are highly dangerous and water shortages which are occurring due to global warming and climate change. Implying that water conservation protects against and prevents future droughts. It also results into saving energy. To save water, as a country, we should all take initiative and not leave it to the professionals. As President Theodore Roosevelt (1908) states “Conservation as a National Duty”. We may begin by implanting ways and/or strategies of saving water at home. We may begin by enforcing the use front-loading washing machines as they are generally known for using less water in comparison to top-load washing machines. Implement the use of dishwashers, installation of low-flow showerheads, taking shorter showers instead of baths and toilets, watering of plants early in the morning or late evening adequately, keeping water bottles in the fridge and insulating of all water pipes to avoid “running” water and get hot water immediately. Make use of raw water flushing and automatic faucets. We can also reuse wastewater where possible.
Conserving water preserves our environment, allowing a healthy living for all, it strengthens communities and builds beautiful and safe communities. This is will help us prepare for future droughts, to save our indigenous plants and animals from mass extinctions, which affects ecosystems. When water is not conserved, more issues such as reduction in food supply will arise because Agriculture will be badly affected meaning that the country will have to import more goods and have less goods to export which will negatively affect the country’s economy. Health problems such as malnutrition will rise. When the economy is crippled, general unrest, political conflict and life-threatening diseases will rise, as the loss of water will drive individuals into certain levels of stress. Conservation is important as it would support tourism, which contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Tourism generates money into the country’s economy and increases the multiplier effect – creating more job opportunities and development of infrastructure. When there isn’t water, recreational areas will be affected which means tourists will not be interested in touring the country because nothing is catchy which means the economy of the country will be crippled, furthermore, this means the country’s GDP decreases overtime. Thus, international tourism and/or inbound tourism will decrease. Conservation increases environmental and social resilience to climate change and global warming.
Overall, water, is vital and needed for our everyday lives and conserving it creates many broad positive consequences and advantages which benefits current generations and also future generations. Conserving water will also help with preserving the environment by reducing necessary diversions and decreasing pollution, which is also of great concern. Water Conservation needs to be prioritized to solve the issue of water scarcity.
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- Conservation potential of agricultural water conservation subsidies. Water Resources Research. Lal, R. (2015).
- A system approach to conservation agriculture. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (3rd ed., pp. 82-89) Pelusey, M., & Pelusey, J. (2006).
- Water conservation. South Yarra. Macmillan Education. What is water Conservation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.consellation.com/energy-101/water-conservation-tips0.htmlWebster, M. (2020).
- Conservation. Available from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consevation