The uMzimvubu Catchment, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa is an important freshwater system in South Africa, supplying water for over 2 million people. The catchment includes two Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSA) that contribute 50% of mean annual runoff from just 10% of the catchment area. Also rich in biodiversity, this catchment supports over 2,000 plant and animal species unique to the landscape.

Stakeholders were engaged in different ways during the implementation of the FHI throughout the pandemic. Various surveys stakeholder sessions allowed South African government officials, researchers, key local community representatives, and members of the uMzimvubu Catchment Partnership (UCP) to engage in water resources management in the catchment during this challenging time.

uMzimvubu Catchment