The MAR2PROTECT Cape Flats Aquifer Living Lab recently hosted an outreach event with the Tafelsig Community Group from the Wolfgat Nature Reserve Educational Centre in Cape Town.
The activity aimed to raise awareness of the importance of surface water and groundwater resources in the Cape Flats and the wider Cape Town area, highlighting both their environmental and societal value.
As part of the programme, participants visited two river sites with contrasting conditions, one affected by pollution and another in a more pristine state. This field-based approach enabled participants to directly observe the impacts of human activities on water systems and better understand the importance of preventing pollution.
The event also included practical demonstrations led by experts from the public sector and academia, who introduced participants to water monitoring techniques and key concepts such as water quality, biomonitoring and ecosystem services. These interactive sessions helped bridge scientific knowledge and community understanding.
The outreach activity was organised by Stellenbosch University Water Institute in collaboration with Department of Water and Sanitation, Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, City of Cape Town, Return on Ecology and South African National Parks.
The event highlighted the key role of local communities in protecting water resources. The active participation and strong environmental commitment shown by attendees underline the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches, which are at the core of the MAR2PROTECT Living Lab methodology.
