Knysna’s waters are facing alarming levels of pollution, posing serious risks to local ecosystems, livelihoods, and community health. A critical but often underestimated ally in maintaining water quality and ecological balance is the seagrass meadow.
Seagrass meadows act as natural filters, trapping sediments and absorbing excess nutrients. In doing so, they improve water clarity, support fisheries, protect shorelines, and contribute significantly to carbon storage. Their role is central to sustaining healthy coastal environments and enabling long-term “blue” economic development.
The SOMWAT project is dedicated to strengthening the socio-ecological role of seagrass meadows in Knysna by identifying priority protection sites, developing locally relevant water quality guidelines, and co-designing sustainable solutions with communities and stakeholders. Through this integrated approach, the project seeks to safeguard biodiversity, improve water quality, and ensure long-term benefits for both coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them.
The video is available on Youtube here
