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RAND WATER EDITORIAL

CLIMATE RESILIENT LANDSCAPES:

GREENER INNOVATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Rand Water is dedicated to supporting both industries and communities in becoming

conscientious water consumers. This commitment is exemplified, in part, by its
Water Wise brand. Beyond educating on various facets of water conservation, the
brand delves into pioneering methods and techniques for promoting responsible
water usage.

limate change is defined as the
substantial variation in average
Cweather conditions over several
decades or longer, becoming, for
instance, warmer, wetter or drier. Since
1990, the average temperature in the
country has risen twice as quickly as the
average temperature globally (0.7 °C).
The National Adaptation Plan for South
Africa states that there is evidence of
an increase in extreme weather events,
including a modest extension of dry
spell durations, an increase in heat waves
(sometimes manifested as part of the El
Niño effect), and an increase in rainfall
intensity (floods). Furthermore, there
has been a significant shift in the rainfall
seasonality in South Africa. Climate
change also impacts severely on water • Medium water use zone: Covering scaping as using plants. Choose recycled,
scarcity which is a result of more frequent 20 – 40% of the garden. Plants in this sustainable, or locally sourced materials
droughts and water shortages in some zone receive limited water (500 – for your landscaping tasks.
areas of the country. For these reasons, 750mm per year). 4. Intelligent irrigation systems: Most
we must modify our habits and way of • Low water use zone: Covering 30 – 60% reports state that smart irrigation
life to build a sustainable future in a of the garden. This area should receive saves approximately 50 % in water
world where climate change is more than (300 – 500mm per year) of water. use. Investing in intelligent irrigation
just a catchphrase. Frequently regarded • Very low water use zone: This zone systems that can monitor the weather
as merely an aesthetic improvement, should cover the largest part of the and modify watering schedules is
landscaping is essential to this change. garden (< 300mm of water per year). necessary.
Steps for landscape resilient designs to 2. Indigenous plant selection: As climate 5. Carbon-sequestering landscapes: South
mitigate climate change barriers: change unfolds, it alters ecosystems, Africa is not just the continent’s highest
1. Hydrozoning: Group your plants with thus making it critical to select plants emitter of greenhouse gases, but it also
similar watering requirements to reduce that can adapt to the new environment ranks among the top 25 emitters globally.
the needless use of water. This can be and thrive. Due to their ability to adapt In addition to improving the aesthetics
achieved by incorporating the following to the local environment, indigenous of your landscape, planting trees and
zones within your landscape design: plants need less water, maintenance, shrubs helps absorb carbon dioxide.
• High water use zone: Covering 10 – 30% and pesticides. Trees are a natural resource in our fight
of the garden. This area requires more 3. Sustainable materials: Using sustainable against greenhouse gas emissions since
water (750 – 1000mm per year). materials is just as important to land- they emit oxygen into the atmosphere
and absorb carbon dioxide. Constructed
wetlands also serve as a huge carbon
sequester.
When you include sustainability and
climate resilience into your landscaping
design, you’re not just creating a beautiful
outdoor space but also contributing to
global health. As we endeavour to lessen
the consequences of climate change,
let your landscaping choices serve as a
statement of your commitment to a more
sustainable and ecologically friendly
future.

#BeWaterWise
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Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 133 2024 3