Solar power pumps for Addo Elephant National Park

Elephants at watering hole in Addo Elephant National Park. Photo: Emanuel Berger / flickr

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.

Spekboom plant in the Eastern Cape might just be the solution to carbon emissions. Photo: Bernard DUPONT / flickr

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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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.