orasecom brochure english final 19 oct 2008wis.orasecom.org/content/study/fgef/general... · ges’...
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The ‘Sponges Study’ was carried out for ORASECOM by PEMconsult a/s in association with DHI and TCC (Pty) Ltd Lesotho. The study was funded by the French Global Environmental Facility (FFEM)
Introduction The Orange‐Senqu River system supports ecosystems and important socio‐economic activities across all four nations ranging from subsistence and commercial farming to large‐scale commercial and industrial activities.
The water sources of the Senqu River are located in the rugged mountains of the Highlands of Lesotho where the terrain, rainwater and run‐off form a myriad of wetlands. Lesotho’s alpine wetlands are rare ecological features in Southern Africa, distinct both floristically and structurally from other wetland systems in the region. The palustine wetlands in the highlands, often referred to as ‘Sponges’, are found at high altitude, at valley heads. Map of Lesotho showing Wetlands and Khubelu Catchment
The wetlands perform an important hydrological function, regulating flows by storing and then releasing rain‐water slowly through springs and streams. Water quality is controlled through sediment and toxin retention, nutrient removal and transformation, production and export of organic matter.
As such, the Sponges both directly and indirectly support livelihoods and income for the country. The waters are currently harnessed by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project to support Lesotho’s largest source of foreign income.
Despite the socio‐economic importance of the wetlands, the systems continue to be degraded, mainly because of uncontrolled livestock grazing and trampling, badly planned or carelessly implemented infrastructure development, siltation and erosion, encroachment by cultivation and overexploitation of resources.
ORASECOM and the “Sponges” Study In 2000, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa established the Orange‐Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) to strive towards greater cooperation, strengthened regional solidarity and enhanced socio‐economic development advocating the sustainable management of the Orange‐Senqu River and its sources.
Ha Seema Wetland (Feb 2008)
As part of the French Global Environmental Fund (FGEF) support to the ORASECOM Programme, Consultants were appointed in 2008 to carry out a study of the wetlands with the aim of assuring the long‐term availability and quality of water from the Upper Orange‐Senqu catchment area by establishing a holistic protection and conservation action plan for the sustenance of the ’Sponges’.
The Khubelu Catchment area in the north‐western part of Mokhotlong District was found suitable as a pilot area for the ‘Sponges Study’. The Khubela River is a major tributary to the Orange‐Senqu and is located immediately up‐stream of the proposed Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II Dam.
The Khubelu Wetlands Representative wetlands in the middle and upper part of the Khubelu catchment were studied in detail. The vegetation on the wetlands is predominantly short mixed sedge and grass meadows interspersed by taller vegetation.
ORASECOMOrange‐Senqu River Commission
Botswana|Lesotho|Namibia|South Africa
2. Degraded wetlands in the Khubelu catchment rehabilitated. The proposed outputs are: − Grasses (Vetiver and local grasses) for biological
rehabilitation of gullies tested − CCs capacitated in implementation and maintenance of
biological rehabilitation of wetlands − Designs of physical gully control structures tested − Rehabilitated wetlands monitored and maintained Implementation by CCs in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Department in Mokhotlong
3. Erosion from road drainage prevented. The proposed outputs are: − Designs of environmentally safe cross‐drainage
structures tested − Guidelines and design standards for road drain discharge
structures − Road Department technical staff capacitated in
environmentally sound drainage Implementation by Roads Department
4. Results of monitoring of wetlands in the Khubelu Catchment, research and collection of lessons learned available for replication in other catchments. The proposed outputs are: − Stakeholder roles and strategies in wetlands, water and
natural resource management clarified and agreed − MRC monitoring system (including wetlands GIS)
established and operating − Hydrological station and weather station established in
the upper Khubelu catchment and operational − Research results on wetlands hydrology in the highlands
influencing future wetlands protection programmes − Research results on programme impact on livelihood,
mining, livestock and range management practices influencing programmes in other catchments
− Feasibility Study for establishing the upper Khubelu catchment as a protected area.
Implementation by Department of Water Affairs in cooperation with National University of Lesotho and other Wetlands Committee stakeholders
1 river – 4 nations
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