The RAMOTSWA Project Presentation

Karen G. Villholth IWMI Partners

IWMI, International Water Management Institute IGRAC, International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre XRI, Exploration Resources International , USA Dept. of Water Affairs, Dept. of Water and Sanitation, South University of Botswana, Botswana University of Free State, South Africa WMAs, WUAs, CBOs and other local institutions entrusted with water supply and management

LIMCOM, Limpopo Watercourse Commission JPTC, Join Permanent Technical Water Committee SADC, Southern African Development Community AMCOW, African Ministerial Council on Water Resources and their subsidiary AGWC, African Groundwater Commission Others: CSIR, DST, SANSA, WRC, CGS, WESSA, CISCO, ENTEL, Coca Cola, General Electric, Anglo American, . ……?? Overall Objectives

• To support a long-term joined vision and cooperation on the shared groundwater resources of the Limpopo Basin

• To facilitate joint management and better groundwater governance, focused on coordination, scientific knowledge, social redress and environmental sustainability

• To contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequities and to increase prosperity, livelihoods and food security in face of climate chance and variability

• To understand how to enhance overall water storage and water security in the region, including using the Ramotswa aquifer

• To contribute to the building of trust and transparency related to the use and development of the shared aquifer resources

• To encourage the States to enter into agreements on their shared aquifer(s)

1. To reduce climate vulnerability by promoting adoption of • Support RESILIM Project objectives: science-based adaptation strategies for integrated, transboundary water resource management 2. To conserve biodiversity and sustainably manage high priority ecosystems 3. To develop stakeholder capacities to manage water and ecosystem resources Specific Objectives A. Increase the recognition of the importance and vulnerability of the transboundary Ramotswa Aquifer B. Improve the understanding of the socio-economic importance of the aquifer area and the inequalities in water access and security across the population C. Improve the understanding of the extent and hydrogeology of the transboundary aquifer resources under present and future climate and population projections D. Assess the feasibility and best options for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for securing the water buffer and controlling the water quality, using wastewater, flood and storm water E. Assess the feasibility and best options for small-scale irrigation (ag-water solutions) F. Establish national and cross-border dialogue and cooperation on the Ramotswa and further encourage international cooperation on transboundary aquifers in the SADC region G. Develop tools for shared and harmonized management and monitoring of the groundwater resources, aligned with national water resources management processes H. Develop human and institutional capacity for shared and harmonized management and monitoring of the groundwater resources I. Publish and disseminate results and findings The Ramotswa Aquifer: Location and Background

§ Located in upper Limpopo River basin

Zimbabwe § Shared between South Africa and Botswana

§ Close to greater con-urban area Botswana Mozambique § Semi-arid area. Seasonal and irregular rainfall, Ramotswa from 400 to 600 mm per year Aquifer § Climate projections: uncertain trends in rainfall volumes but a likelihood of increase in intensity of rainfall, increasing risk of severity of drought South Africa and/or flood events The Ramotswa Aquifer: Knowledge and Potential role

§ Dolomite aquifer with high sensitivity to rainfall events and pollution § Rising interest from national water planners because of increasing water demands and water insecurity § Gaps in aquifer knowledge • Size, storage capacity • Compartments/connectivity • Present use • Recharge processes & options • Water quality Names of aquifer(s):

1. Ramotswa 2. Dinokana-

Lobatse

Dinokana (MacDonald et al, 2012)

Stampriet vs. Ramotswa North-South Water Carrier (NSC)

(Lindhe et al., 2014) WATER TRANSFERS IN THE RTBAA

Mill.m3/a INTER-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH SOCIO-ECONOMICS 46 (39.3) %

Poverty level (%) in district 2007 (2010)

33 (18.4) %

62.1 (67.0) % 24 (19.6) %

46 (20.6) % Activities and outputs Objectives Activities Output Report on Joint Strategic Action Plan A, F Multi-stakeholder engagement (SAP), International conference Report on Transboundary Diagnostic B Socio-economic and institutional baseline assessment Analysis (TDA) Hydrogeological maps C Hydrogeological characterisation (air-borne geophysics) Report on hydrogeology

D Buffer assessment and MAR solutions Report on MAR

E Ag-water solutions Report on ag-water solutions Calibrated model, Scenario assessments, G Hydrogeological model Report on modelling

G Joint database Joint database Training material, Trained staff in relevant H Training organisations

I Coordination and scientific documentation Progress reports, Scientific papers TIMELINE

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Component 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Multi-stakeholder 1 10 1 engagement Socio-economic and institutional baseline 2 2 assessment Hydrogeological 5 3 characterisation Buffer assessment and 8 4 MAR solutions

Ag-water solutions 9.1 5

6 Hydrogeological model 7 9.2 Joint database 4 7 development

8 Training 3 6 Coordination and scientific 9 documentation SkyTEM MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE (MAR) AGRICULTURAL SOLUTIONS Outcomes and Impacts Pathways

Several impact pathways to ensure the relevance and uptake of research findings and recommendations will be realized: § Engagement and consultation of the stakeholders at multiple levels and with diverse interests at early stage in the project and throughout to solicit buy-in, answer to specific demands, and ensure coordination across scales

§ Development of targeted awareness raising material

§ Training of partners in technical, management and socio-economic aspects

§ Recommendations for MAR and ag-water solutions to potential investors and the local communities for implementation COMMUNICATION: DIFFERENT INTERESTS

Reliable supply and Regional good quality Groundwater development resources Full cost management: Reduce recovery conflicts Aquifer Water for recharge irrigation Equal & safe yield access for Protect the poor base flows Industry National Water Policy Makers

Water Regional/Local Utilities Water Managers

Farmers Groundwater Experts Local NGO Environmental NGOS Contact: THANK YOU [email protected]