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The Environmental Sustainability Question Framework is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate corporate environmental impact. It collects data on governance, water management, supply chain traceability, waste and pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the adoption of renewable energy. It includes a specialized section for mining and energy companies to track fossil fuel revenue and mine decommissioning plans.

The document outlines the South African government's plan to implement a carbon tax in January 2019 to shift the social costs of emissions to polluters. While it acknowledges the tax as a cost-effective tool for economic reorientation, WWF South Africa argues that the initial rate of R120 per tonne, combined with allowances of 60% to 95%, is insufficient to incentivize emission reductions. The document recommends a higher tax rate of R162 to R433 per tonne and suggests that revenues be used for pro-poor programs in energy and transport.

The document outlines job creation potential for coal truckers transitioning to biomass supply chains in South Africa, highlighting that lignocellulosic biomass offers the highest employment potential, with 3,076 driver jobs possible in coal regions alone.

The document specifies the requirements for wine farms to achieve WWF Conservation Champion status, including an IPW audit score of at least 70%, a completed carbon footprint baseline, and a signed environmental management plan. Benefits of the program include the use of the 'sugarbird and protea' label, access to funding for conservation initiatives, and technical support from WWF South Africa.

South Africa has legislated 42 marine protected areas (MPAs) covering approximately 5% of its exclusive economic zone to protect high marine biodiversity and endemism. These areas are managed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and its partners through three zoning types: restricted, controlled-use, and multiple-use. MPAs provide critical ecosystem services, including the 'spillover effect' for fish stocks and enhanced climate resilience. South Africa is currently working toward the '30x30' target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to protect 30% of the Earth by 2030.

A 2020/21 WWF study identifies significant faecal contamination in the Crocodile and Sabie Rivers, where E. coli levels frequently exceed safety guidelines for irrigation. This pollution, caused by failing wastewater infrastructure and poor sanitation, poses severe health risks, particularly for subsistence farmers growing high-risk crops like leafy greens. The document recommends a combination of improved governance, targeted farming techniques, and a community-private-public partnership to manage water quality and ensure food safety.

The WWF South Africa Strategy 2025 aims to transition South Africa from linear 'take-make-waste' systems to circular, replenishing systems. The strategy focuses on aligning policies for natural resource management and supporting small-scale producers in adopting regenerative practices to address poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation.

WWF South Africa aims to achieve water security by protecting strategic water source areas, which comprise 10% of the land surface but provide 50% of river and dam inflow. The strategy focuses on strengthening water governance, promoting water stewardship, and establishing community-public-private partnerships at the catchment level to address threats from agriculture, forestry, mining, and invasive alien species.

WWF South Africa aims to support a just transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, targeting a 40% emissions reduction by 2030 through partnerships with government, business, labour, and civil society. The strategy emphasizes shifting from coal-fired power to renewable energy as per the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan and advocates for a 10% reduction in subsidies for major carbon-emitting fossil-fuel sectors.

WWF South Africa aims to increase the hectares of land and seascapes under conservation to support national commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The organization works with mandated agencies, landowners, communities, and civil society to monitor, maintain, and manage these areas, while developing innovative financial models for sustainable landscape financing.

WWF South Africa aims to transform the finance and business sectors to support healthy ecosystems and sustainable development. The strategy involves collaborating with the National Treasury and other institutions to create a policy framework for green investments and utilizing responsible lending, investment, and insurance to drive sustainable outcomes.

WWF South Africa aims to address historical exclusion and inequality by supporting local governance and the establishment of community-based and multi-stakeholder institutions. The goal is to ensure marginalised communities have the rights, skills, and capacity necessary for the sustainable management of natural resources and self-determination.

The document offers a 'travellers’ kit' of practical advice for sustainable tourism in South Africa, focusing on green planning, responsible behavior, sustainable shopping, and waste reduction. It highlights specific WWF tools, such as the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) and the Conservation Champion Wine Farm Guide, to help consumers make eco-friendly choices.

WWF South Africa is mobilising Water Source Partnerships to address a water governance crisis in South Africa. Research indicates that 10% of the country's land provides 50% of its surface water, yet only 16% of strategic water source areas are formally protected. These partnerships aim to coordinate action between government, the private sector, and communities to stop land degradation, enable coordinated governance, and create sustainable economic opportunities in critical catchments.

The document describes 'Day Zero' as the point when Cape Town's water system can no longer maintain normal services due to a severe drought, the worst in over 100 years. It outlines the transition to 'Emergency Stage 2', where water is shut off for most households and businesses, leaving only critical services and 200 distribution points. The text warns of potential sewage system collapse, increased disease risk, and economic damage, urging residents to drastically reduce water usage through specific behavioral changes to delay the onset of Day Zero.

The document defines 'Day Zero' as the date when Cape Town's municipal water supply will be shut off due to a severe drought lasting over 100 years. It outlines a scenario where residents would be limited to 25 litres of water per person per day from approximately 200 collection points, with priority given to hospitals and clinics. The text warns of significant risks, including the collapse of sewage systems, increased disease, and economic damage, while providing a detailed list of water-saving behaviors to delay the onset of Day Zero.

The Youth Climate Champions Training Materials offer a structured, interactive toolkit for trainers to help youth transition from climate awareness to action. The guide is divided into six sessions: turning personal experience into action, creative community engagement, communication strategies, understanding and designing policy, integrating climate action into various professional paths, and exercising agency as active citizens. It utilizes case studies of South African youth activists to illustrate real-world applications of these tools.

The document defines 'Day Zero' as a worst-case scenario where Cape Town's taps run dry, predicted for 21 April based on dam levels being 28% full as of 15 January. On this day, the city enters Emergency Stage 3, cutting off water to most households and businesses, leaving only vital services and 200 points of distribution providing 25 litres per person. Recovery is expected to take three to six months, depending on winter rainfall. While new sources like groundwater, desalination, and reclaimed water are planned (totaling 292 million litres per day by year-end), they will not meet the current demand of 600 million litres per day. The briefing advises residents to monitor water use, prepare emergency drinking water, and consider dry sanitation systems.

The report details the 'Water Disciples' programme, which integrated environmental education on groundwater with spiritual teachings for youth and faith communities in the Western Cape. Key activities included nature hikes to Table Mountain springs, community clean-ups in Nyanga and Athlone, and the development of educational materials for Sunday Schools. While COVID-19 hindered some planned collaborations and events, the project achieved significant reach through the World Council of Churches and the Diocese of Cape Town's Synod resolution on groundwater.

The Greenpop Foundation conducted a groundwater awareness campaign targeting Grade 4-7 learners in Cape Town to address gaps in the CAPS curriculum. The project utilized multimedia lessons, a poster competition, and field trips to educate students and teachers. Despite COVID-19 challenges, the project reached 2,568 learners across 13 schools, exceeding its reach target. Findings indicate that while initial groundwater awareness was very low, the intervention successfully increased knowledge, with teachers reporting high relevance and a desire for the campaign to become an annual event.