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Environmental challenges
Lack of water
Water is perhaps South Africa’s most critical resource. South Africa’s freshwater supply is almost stretched out to its limit. Less than 10% of South Africa’s rainfall is available as surface water, making it one of the lowest conversion ratios in the world. The country’s groundwater resources are equally limited. Despite there being regulations of river waters, in many catchments the need for water exceeds and the supply and quality of the water is often below standards. Because of the rises in population and economic development, South Africa is under threat and have tough times to face in meeting water demands in the decades ahead.
Destruction of natural habitats
The South African Fynbos, the “fine-leaved plants”, is one of the most beautiful, impressive botanical kingdoms. Holding mind blowing varieties of plants, an estimated 8,500 species of vascular plants, 70% of them being endemic. But because the area has been heavily settled for several centuries, large amounts of natural vegetation, particularly in the lowlands, have been cleared for agriculture and urban development.
Similar problems the Namib-Karoo-Kaokeveld desert, that is very distinctive and portrays a highly diverse range of plant communities. Problems because of poor land management, construction, mining, illegal extraction of selected succulents for black market trade and conversion of marginal lands for cultivation.
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Overfishing
Along the West Coast of South Africa, there is constant overharvesting of commercially valuable species and products, pilchard, anchovy and rock lobster. Furthermore some fish have been over-harvested, and several species face local extinction.
Pollution
A high level of pollution in South Africa, caused by traffic associated with rough oil transport from the Arabian Gulf has resulted in contamination from tanker spills and discharge of polluted ballast waters.
Along the West Coast of South Africa, there is constant overharvesting of commercially valuable species and products, pilchard, anchovy and rock lobster. Furthermore some fish have been over-harvested, and several species face local extinction.
Pollution
A high level of pollution in South Africa, caused by traffic associated with rough oil transport from the Arabian Gulf has resulted in contamination from tanker spills and discharge of polluted ballast waters.