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WWF Sanlam Leaders for Living Waters
Thinking ahead…for a blue planet
The last fifteen years have heralded massive positive political, cultural, institutional and legislative changes in the management of South Africa’s aquatic resources. The year of 1998 saw a complete change in the legislative and institutional framework, with the promulgation of the new National Water Act and the Marine Living Resources Act. Both these legislative instruments completely change how aquatic resources are managed in our country. On the freshwater front, the new Water Act introduces far more equitable, accountable and decentralized management structures. Similarly, the Marine Living Resources Act brought about profound changes to the long term rights allocation frame work and moved management of the marine resources from a single species focus to an ecosystem-based management approach.Despite all the progress at a policy level the implementation of this policy is still in question. One of the major challenges facing environmental management in South Africa is the development of the next tranche of environmental leaders with the appropriate skills, knowledge and motivation to capitalise on the significant opportunities provided by a country blessed with rich natural capital and very progressive environmental policies and legislation.
In response to these challenges, WWF and Sanlam have dedicated funds to assist in the development of the next tier of Leaders in the conservation of our aquatic resources through the WWF Sanlam Leaders for Living Waters Programme.
The vision of the Leaders for Living Waters Programme is to assist in developing a new tier of leaders and champions for the wise management of our aquatic resources. The programme seeks to employ a highly selective and targeted individual approach to give effect to this vision.
The programme will target and develop leaders at the following levels:
1. Within key conservation agencies and partners
2. Within the WWF Sanlam Living Waters Partnership programmatic structures
3. At a local community level in association with our site-based projects