20/01/2025
**St Lucia: A Jewel in Peril**
St Lucia, our UNESCO World Heritage Site, is facing a serious threat. The high volume of mud flowing from the Umfolozi River during floods is choking the life out of this vital estuary.
**Why is this a problem?**
* **Reduced water quality:**
Excessive sediment can smother seagrass beds, a crucial food source for marine life.
* **Habitat destruction:**
Mud deposition can alter the estuary's delicate balance, impacting fish breeding grounds and bird nesting sites.
* **Increased salinity:**
Reduced freshwater flow due to sedimentation can increase salinity levels, harming sensitive species.
**What can be done?**
* **Sustainable land use practices:**
Promote responsible farming and forestry in the Umfolozi River catchment to reduce erosion.
* **Improved flood management:**
Implement measures to control floodwaters and minimize sediment transport.
* **Dredging:**
Carefully managed dredging may be necessary to remove excess sediment and restore the estuary's health.
Let's work together to protect this precious ecosystem for future generations.
