Water flow plans revealed for Lake St Lucia

10 August 2010

The flow of fresh water into Lake St Lucia in South Africa's east coast will be increased under plans recently announced by the World Bank.

Following the approval of a $9 million (£5.69 million) Global Environment Facility grant, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority aims to develop this resource.

It will combine the water project with conservation plans for the park and also aims to assist the local population.

"The project is designed so that the benefits from conservation and eco-tourism activities reach poor people," says Ruth Kagia, World Bank country director for South Africa.

Regional economy should be aided by the project and the World Bank plans to pilot a system of environmental safeguards introduced in South Africa.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park explains Lake St Lucia is the largest estuary in Africa, with 350 km of water surface in the park.

Some 1,200 species of fish inhabit the site and there are 526 bird species to be found in the area.  

Category: Water