Mondi and WWF South Africa Extend 30-Year Partnership
Mondi South Africa has renewed its long-standing partnership with WWF South Africa for another three years, committing over €680,000 (R13 million) to tackle water security and climate resilience challenges. This fourth phase of the WWF-Mondi Partnership will run until 2027, marking over three decades of collaboration on environmental stewardship.
Focus on Water Stewardship
The partnership has a strong focus on water stewardship, particularly in South Africa’s uMhlathuze catchment area, a critical source of water for Mondi’s Richards Bay mill. The initiative includes projects like improving water management and further developing the ‘Flow Tracker’ tool—a near real-time water monitoring system launched in 2022 to enhance drought and climate resilience.
Expanding Efforts
While water remains central to the partnership, the next phase introduces new areas of focus, including:
- Circular Economy: Creating an eco-industrial community in Richards Bay to promote sustainable practices like wastewater reuse and landfill diversion.
- Biodiversity and Land Stewardship: Developing projects that integrate environmental care into Mondi’s operational framework.
- Climate Resilience: Supporting initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change on local ecosystems.
Building on Success
The partnership’s roots date back over 30 years, originating as a solution to conflicts between the forestry sector and environmental concerns over water resources. Over the years, Mondi and WWF have worked with government bodies, local communities, NGOs, and private organizations to embed water stewardship into national policies and certification standards.
Richard Taylor, Mondi South Africa’s spokesperson, highlighted, “This renewed commitment underscores the power of long-term partnerships in addressing environmental challenges. By broadening our focus, we aim to achieve a sustainable future that benefits both people and the planet.”
As the partnership evolves, its vision remains clear: fostering collaboration for sustainable development while addressing critical environmental challenges in South Africa.