South African National Parks (SANParks) is investigating more sustainable alternatives to assist the areas affected by droughts and water shortages. The Eastern Cape, which houses the Addo Elephant National Park, has recently been experiencing a severe drought that has been perilous to wildlife.
Solar panels to reduce carbon emissions at Addo park
As a result of the current drought and water shortages, the Addo Elephant National Park has been pumping water from the municipality’s supply into the park’s dams. This method, however, introduces a large amount of carbon dioxide into the air.
To correct this, SANParks altered the design of the water pumps by using solar panels.
As ecologically diverse and important as the park is, there is an urgent need to protect the Addo Elephant Park and its native fauna and flora species. The park contains the largest population of black rhino and is also home to around 600 elephants and five of South Africa’s seven unique biomes.
The local Spekboom succulent plant also plays a decidedly key role in decreasing the carbon emissions. The Spekboom is an indigenous Eastern Cape plant that is able to absorb large amounts of CO2. To incorporate and take advantage of this, the Addo park plans to engage various companies to search for solutions to further decrease carbon emissions by funding the conservation of the incredible Spekboom plant.
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