Latest Submission

2020-2021 Orange-Senqu Surface Water Quantity Synoptic Analysis

Welcome to the first surface water quantity report of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), for the hydrological year 2020-2021. For Read more

Khakea-Bray Transboundary Dolomite Aquifer Recharge Assessment

Documentation and Data: A read-only folder structure of all reports, data, and models related to the STAS can be accessed Read more

Improving Groundwater Knowledge in Selected Transboundary Aquifers

Documentation and Data: A read-only folder structure of all reports, data, and models related to this study can be accessed Read more

Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System (STAS) – Governance of Groundwater Resources in Transboundary Aquifers (GGRETA) Project

Documentation: A read-only folder structure of all reports, data, and models related to the STAS can be accessed from here: Read more

Publications

A number of full colour books and booklets have been published as ORASECOM reports or are currently in preparation. Some of these represent compilations of information and/or share the results of mile-stone scientific studies carried out to fill knowledge gaps about the basin and its water resources; others share the experiences and lessons learnt and provide guidelines for interventions to address specific environmental issues.


Source-to-sea-image From Source to Sea: Interactions between the Orange–Senqu River Basin and the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem

Based on a more detailed scoping report and workshop, this booklet provides a comprehensive, yet succinct, summary of the interactions between the Orange–Senqu River and the Benguela Current ecosystem.

This publication is useful for managers, while its colourful and attractive design, and accessible information makes it appealing to a much broader audience. Paving the way for future joint actions between the Orange–Senqu and Benguela Current commissions, the project was invited to present this booklet at the 2013 Stockholm Water Week.

Written by Sue Matthews with scientific contributions by Drs Barry Clark and Stephen Lamberth; First published in 2012; © ORASECOM 2012; ISBN 978-0-620-55030-7

Click here to download


Orange–Senqu River Basin Infrastructure Catalogue Orange–Senqu River Basin Infrastructure Catalogue, 2nd edition

 

This publication provides facts and figures about the structures built in the Orange–Senqu River system and how these are used to manage the river’s surface water resources to meet the human demands placed on them.

Compiled from a variety of authoritative sources, it provides information, photographs, diagrams, and other pertinent information on transfer schemes, reservoirs, gauges, water purification works and wastewater treatment works.

ORASECOM Report 001/2013; Compiled by Allan Bailey of Royal Haskoning DHV; © ORASECOM 2013; ISBN 978-0-620-56635-6

Click here to download


POPs-cover POPs, PAHs and Elemental Levels in Sediment, Fish and Wild Bird Eggs in the Orange–Senqu River Basin

The Preliminary Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis of the Orange–Senqu River Basin (2008) noted several knowledge gaps, among them the lack of basin-wide and consistently gathered information on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals.

This report details the findings of a study that addresses these gaps. It also examines levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and provides an assessment of the risks these pollutants pose to human health.

ORASECOM Report 002/2013; Written by Hendrik Bouwman, Rialet Pieters, Bettina Genthe & Jessica Chalmers, 2011; © ORASECOM 2013; ISBN 978-0-620-56533-2

Click here to download


Abundance and Scarcity: The Story of Water in the Orange–Senqu River Basin

This publication draws on the Orange–Senqu River Basin Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (2014) and a number of other relevant sources. It is told through the pen of Greg Marinovich, a South African Pulitzer-Prize-winning photojournalist and author, and seen through the camera lenses of Greg and Leonie Marinovich.

This book takes the reader on an illustrative journey through the basin from source to sea, highlighting the benefits drawn from this river basin and the challenges facing those living there and those managing these vital water resources.

First published in 2014; © ORASECOM 2014; ISBN 978-0-620-60180-1

Click here to download


Orange–Senqu River Basin Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis

This comprehensive document consolidates the findings and recommendations of the Preliminary Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis of the Orange–Senqu River Basin (2008). It provides a wealth of information on the river basin, including information from more recent studies on water balance, sediment loads, water quality, climate change, environmental flow requirements and irrigated agriculture, amongst others. In addition, it provides causal chain analyses of the major transboundary environmental problems, which were prioritised, revised and validated by recognised experts from each of the basin states.

First published in 2014; © ORASECOM 2014; ISBN 978-0-620-60208-2

Click here to download


Pule’s River Journey: An Exploration of the Orange-Senqu River Basin for Children  

Drawing on the Orange–Senqu River Basin Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (2014) and a number of other relevant sources, this children’s book highlights the characteristics of the river basin – its resources, the people and economies it supports, and its problems – in a way that is accessible to a younger audience.

Designed for the future custodians of this river basin and the resources it provides, this book gives an insight into the diversity of the basin and the importance of a common understanding of pertinent management challenges to the nations that share the river basin and which collaborate to address them.

First published in 2014; © ORASECOM 2014; ISBN 978-0-620-61406-1

Click here to download


E-flows-cover Environmental Flow Requirements of the Lower Orange–Senqu River: Determining the Flows Required to Safeguard Ecological Health and Human Wellbeing  

In 2012–2013, ORASECOM’s UNDP–GEF-funded Orange–Senqu Strategic Action Programme undertook a research project along the lower Orange and Fish rivers, and at the ecologically sensitive and important estuary, to determine the ecological states of these sections of the river and the environmental flow regime required to improve them.

This booklet is based on this research and other related documents and studies. It provides a summary of the process and findings in an attractive and accessible format that will provide a handy reference for technical personnel and policy-makers, and enhance understanding of this complex subject.

It also provides recommendations for policy and programme action.

First published in 2014; © ORASECOM 2014; ISBN 978-0-620-61408-5

Click here to download


Rangelands-cover Rehabilitating Rangelands for Healthy Headwaters: Steps Basotho Communities are Taking to Reverse Land Degradation at the Source of the Orange–Senqu River  

This booklet is based on a demonstration project to address land degradation in the Mount Moorosi area of Lesotho. The project was initiated to test and demonstrate practical methods for rehabilitating these rangelands, which form the headwaters of important tributaries to the Orange–Senqu, through the active participation of community members and introduce improved and alternative livelihood options.

This booklet describes the problem faced by people living in the area, the steps they have taken to address them, the successes they have achieved and the lessons learnt along the way.

First published in 2014; © ORASECOM 2014; ISBN 978-0-620-61407-8

Click here to download


Posters Set of posters about water and related issues in the Orange–Senqu River  

This set of posters covers biomes and protected areas, irrigation, geology, invasive alien plants, declining water quality and harnessing water resources in the Orange–Senqu river basin.

The information contained in the posters was gleaned from the Orange–Senqu River Basin Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis.

Click here to download