This year has been marked by significant strides in transboundary cooperation among the four countries that share the Limpopo River -- Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. 

The four Riparian States have demonstrated a commendable commitment to sustainably managing their shared resources, ensuring that both present and future generations can benefit from the river's bounty.

This is a contribution of the “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin,” project, which is being implemented by the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) to uplift the living standards of the basin’s population and conserve the basin’s resources and ecosystem services.

LIMCOM is implementing the project in partnership with the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), and with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

One of the most notable achievements of 2024 was the completion of the 1st Limpopo Joint Basin Survey (JBS) and Environmental Flows assessment in August/September 2024 to offer some critical river health indicators and insights into the environment of the LRB. 

Findings from the 1st Limpopo JBS are expected to provide a foundation for developing a comprehensive and updated Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) plan for the basin. Furthermore, the survey paves the way for establishing a transboundary river health monitoring team in the LRB.

Another milestone for the basin in 2024 was a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the LRB to identify and prioritize transboundary water-related environmental problems occurring in the basin.

A draft TDA Report has been reviewed and validated by Member States through national consultation workshops. A region-wide validation workshop bringing together all four countries is scheduled for early 2025. Once the TDA Report is approved, the formulation of a Strategic Action Programme (SAP) will commence.

With respect to strengthening the river flow monitoring network to enhance the Limpopo Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System, several hydrometric equipment have been successfully installed across the basin throughout the year. This is to support the flood forecasting and early warning system as well as environmental flow implementation in the LRB. The equipment was installed in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Equipment installation in Mozambique is set for early 2025. During the installation, technicians were trained to use the latest version of the Cello data loggers. 

Complementary to this, LIMCOM has also rebuilt the Limpopo Management Information System (LIMIS) as well as developed the Data and Information Sharing Procedures. The LIMIS is an interactive, web-based data and information management tool that is used to monitor the long-term impacts of development and management initiatives on the water resources of the LRB based on contemporary and historical spatial data, hydrological time series, earth observation information and other related information. The Data and Information Sharing Procedures seek to formalize data and information exchange amongst State Parties.

Significant progress has been also made in implementing Sustainable Land Management (SLM) activities at selected pilot sites to reduce land degradation and sedimentation that is widespread in the basin and affecting socio-economic activities. 

A total of four SLM sites have been identified -- one each in the four LIMCOM countries. These pilot sites are the Mogobane Dam in Botswana; the Massingir Dam in Mozambique; the Mapochs in South Africa; and the Guyu-Chelesa in Zimbabwe.

By engaging those who are directly affected by water management policies, the basin countries have ensured that their strategies are both effective and equitable. Community-led projects have empowered residents to take ownership of their natural resources, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility.

On the political scene, LIMCOM officially launched the project in March 2024 and pledged commitment to ensure that the project is a success. This high-level political support resonated well with the enthusiasm shown by the communities living in the basin, who have expressed optimism that the project would address some of the key threats, such as water scarcity, water quality, and land degradation, imparting socio-economic activities in the basin.

As we look ahead to 2025, the optimism in the LRB is indeed well-founded. 

The progress made this year provides a strong foundation for continued cooperation and sustainable development. By building on the successes of 2024, the basin countries can further enhance their resilience to environmental challenges and ensure a prosperous future for all who depend on the Limpopo River.

About the project

The “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin” project seeks to achieve integrated, cross-sectoral, ecosystem-based management of the Limpopo River to uplift the living standards of the basin’s population and conserve the basin’s resources and ecosystem services. It is being implemented in the four countries that share the Limpopo namely Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. For more information, please contact the LIMCOM Secretariat at (communications@limpopocommission.org) coping Mr. Sergio Sitoe at (sbsitoe@limpopocommission.org).

Words by Kizito Sikuka.