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Participants of the Sustainable Industries Conference in Pretoria

Sustainable Industries Conference, Pretoria, South Africa: Charting the way for global eco-industrial solutions

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, South Africa.

Global leaders unite at 2024 Sustainable Industries Conference to drive eco-industrial innovation

The 2024 Sustainable Industries Conference held in Pretoria, South Africa, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss cutting-edge strategies for creating sustainable and efficient industrial spaces. Hosted by the National Cleaner Production Center – South Africa (NCPC-SA), along with its partners, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the South African Department for Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the three-day event showcased the future of industrial efficiency through various Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) related topics.

Participants from various organisations and sectors attended the conference ©LM Photography

A platform for cross-sectoral collaboration, innovation and transformative ideas

The event was part of a larger conference on “Industrial Efficiency and International Eco-Industrial Parks & Areas” by the NCPC-SA. It took place from 11 to 13 September 2024 in Pretoria at the International Convention Centre of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in conjunction with the NCPC-SA’s biennial conference on industrial efficiency. This was more than a conference – it was a platform for cross-sectoral collaboration, innovation, and transformative ideas. The conference was split across three action-packed days. The first day focused on industrial efficiency at a national level, the second day covered EIP-related topics, culminating in a site visit on the third day to the Rosslyn Industrial Area, in the northern outskirts of Pretoria, which is the production site for major multinational companies such as BMW, Nissan, Tata, South African Breweries and Nampak. Speakers addressed a wide array of topics such as resource efficiency, circularity, digitisation, performance management, localisation and environmental sustainability.

Opening words by Liteboho Makhele, NatuReS Country Coordinator South Africa ©Jonas Kertscher

NatuReS driving the international dialogue on eco-industrial development and Just Transition

As key partners of the conference, the GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS), played a pivotal role in broadening the international dialogue on eco-industrial development. NatuReS facilitated the attendance of 18 international delegates, including speakers  from its partner countries Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia to share insights, knowledge and experiences on how stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships are advancing a Just Transition to greener, more sustainable industrial practices, while expanding the network of experts and stakeholders involved in sustainable industrial space activities.

Here are some of the key presentations:

Eng. Miriam Esanju from the Wami Ruvu Basin Water Board in Tanzania, presented on “Improving Environmental Sustainability and Compliance for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) through a Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (SMSP).” Her talk highlighted how Tanzania is using collaborative approaches to enhance environmental standards in industrial spaces.

Presentation by Eng. Miriam Esnaju from the Wami Ruvu Basin Water Board, Tanzania ©Jonas Kertscher

Mr. Mergia Kuma, Head of the Environment, Health, and Social Safeguard Department at Ethiopia’s Industrial Park Development Corporation (IPDC), delved into the “Engagement of an Industrial Park with Multiple Stakeholders through the Stewardship Approach.” His case study of Ethiopia’s industrial parks demonstrated the power of cross-sectoral partnerships to drive sustainable development.

Bernd Oellermann of NCPC presented an innovative approach to industrial sustainability with his talk, “Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Industrial Parks – Increasing Sustainability and Resilience of Industrial Spaces.” He shared best practices in operational guidelines that enhance the long-term viability of eco-industrial areas.

In a dual presentation, Dr. Faith Lawrence from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) in Scotland and Sarah Beerhalter, Head of the GIZ’s NatuReS Programme in Germany, explored the synergies between different sustainability frameworks in their talk, “Eco-Industrial Parks Framework (EIP), Alliance for Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard), and the Natural Resources Risk and Action Framework (NRAF).”

Sarah Beerhalter, Head of GIZ´s NatuReS Programme, presenting the Natural Resources Risk and Action Framework (NRAF) ©Jonas Kertscher

Reem Mahmoud Abdel Aziz from GIZ Egypt and Mark Jaeger from GIZ’s Sustainable Industrial Areas Working Group in Germany wrapped up the sessions with “Sustainable Industrial Area Transformation: GIZ Tools and Approaches,” providing a deep dive into practical tools that industries can use to transition toward more sustainable operations.

Building a greener, more sustainable future

To provide the chance for more in-depth exchange between the delegates, the NatuReS programme organised a networking event on the evening of 12September. This event allowed participants to build on initial discussions held earlier this year at the the 12th Zambian Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE) which took place on 11to 13 June 2024 in Lusaka, Zambia, and laid the foundation for cooperation and knowledge sharing between the partners. The event also enabled the partners to deepen their understanding of the stewardship approach and opened up new avenues for the replication of the NatuReS stewardship partnership approach and tools across the different sectors and countries. Building on these discussions, plans are underway for further exchange meetings to take place in Ethiopia and Tanzania in the future, where stakeholders will continue to develop partnerships and share knowledge that can help scale sustainable practices in industrial areas across the continent.

The 2024 Sustainable Industries Conference was more than just a meeting of minds – it was a catalyst for change, offering a blueprint for how countries and industries worldwide can collaborate to build a greener, more sustainable future.

Building a Water Secure Future: Highlights from the NRAF Workshop with LuWSI Partners

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Zambia.

NRAF Participants group picture Copyright@GIZ

An intensive three-day training workshop was held for Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) partners from the 22nd to the 24th of May at Twangale Park in Lusaka. This diverse group of participants, spanning public, private sectors, and civil society, gathered to deepen their understanding of the Natural Resources Risk and Action Framework (NRAF), a cornerstone of GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship (NatuReS) programme and a comprehensive approach to multi-stakeholder partnership development.

The primary objective of the workshop was to equip LuWSI partners with a deep understanding of the NRAF partnership development process and its various components.Through a series of interactive sessions, discussions, and hands-on activities participants were provided with practical insights on how the NRAF framework can be applied to establish new multi-stakeholder partnerships or strengthen existing ones such as LuWSI. The goal of these partnerships is to sustainably safeguard natural resources.

The training was tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by multi-stakeholder partnerships such as LuWSI, ensuring a relevant and impactful learning experience.

Comprehensive Understanding of NRAF

Participants were introduced to the foundational principles of the NRAF, exploring its theoretical underpinnings and practical applications. The framework emphasizes a collaborative approach to managing natural resources, integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives to address complex environmental challenges effectively.

Group Work Copyright@GIZ

Practical Application Sessions

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to hands-on sessions where participants practiced applying NRAF principles and tools to real-world scenarios. These practical sessions were particularly well-received, allowing attendees to translate theoretical knowledge into actionable strategies. By working through selected scenarios, participants gained valuable insights into the intricacies of partnership development and resource management.

Group Work Copyright@GIZ

Collective Leadership and Shared Experiences

Another key component of the workshop was the focus on collective leadership. Participants engaged in sessions that highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership in driving successful partnerships. These sessions were also enriched by experiences and case studies from other NatuReS countries and partnerships, providing a broader perspective on the application of NRAF in diverse contexts.

Participant Feedback

The training workshop was met with enthusiastic feedback from participants, who appreciated the comprehensive and practical nature of the sessions. The opportunity to delve into the NRAF elements and practice their application was highlighted as a standout feature of the workshop. Additionally, the collective leadership session and the sharing of experiences from other NatuReS initiatives were praised for their relevance and inspiration.

By providing a thorough understanding of the NRAF and facilitating practical application, the workshop has empowered participants to contribute more effectively to the stewardship of natural resources in Lusaka and Zambia. This collaborative effort underscores the critical importance of integrated, multi-sectoral approaches in addressing water security and other environmental challenges related to natural resources.

Celebrating the wins in water stewardship

Written by s.mutafya on . Posted in Uncategorized, Zambia.

In a remarkable celebration of commitment to water stewardship, the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) has awarded the prestigious 2023 Water Stewardship Award to North Western Water Supply & Sanitation Company Limited. This accolade was presented during the esteemed National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) 2023 Sector Report launch at the Mulungushi International Conference Center on 12th April 2024.

North Western Water Supply & Sanitation Company receiving their award from the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation. Copyright LuWSI

The award shines a spotlight on the company’s exemplary efforts in water stewardship, highlighting their significant contributions. These efforts are not just confined to their immediate catchment area but extend beyond, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.

A rigorous evaluation process, conducted by LuWSI partners such as World Wide Fund for Nature (WFF), GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship (NatuReS) Programme, National Water Supply and Sanitation Company (NWASCO) and the LuWSI secretariat underpinned the selection of the winner. The criteria encompassed a range of indicators from documentation of commitment to ecosystem protection, pollution prevention, energy efficiency and active participation in catchment governance.

Utility evaluation exercise at Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company
Utility evaluation exercise at Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company. Copyright GIZ

This recognition underscores the vital role commercial utilities play in water and environmental stewardship, transcending traditional sector boundaries. As Mr. Curtis Muleya, a key figure in the development of the stewardship awards, aptly noted, “Commercial Utilities, though not explicitly mandated to engage in ecological matters, are inherently linked to the environment as the primary source of water.”

Initiated in January 2018, the Water Stewardship Award aims to foster, acknowledge, and encourage exemplary water stewardship practices among utilities and companies in Zambia. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging corporations to prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management.

As we share this news, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of water stewardship and commend those leading the way in safeguarding our planet’s most precious resource. Congratulations to North Western Water Supply & Sanitation Company Limited for setting a stellar example for all!

Industrial parks South Africa – today, tomorrow together

Written by j.kertscher on . Posted in Countries, South Africa.

On 19th September 2020 the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in collaboration with National Treasury, National Cleaner Production Centre-South Africa (NCPC-SA) and GIZ Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS) hosted the first Industrial Parks Futures Dialogue under the theme Progress and Charting of the Way Forward for the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme. This event was followed by the National Eco-Industrial Park Day on 12 October 2023 (National EIP Day) which was jointly hosted by NCPC-SA and the dtic. NatuReS participated at the National EIP Day and presented on Rethinking Industrial Parks in South Africa. Both events were attended by over 80 delegates respectively and they provided a formidable platform to map out the current challenges and interventions around industrial parks in South Africa. Additionally, the two events enabled discourse and ideation on innovating solutions to unlock the development potential of industrial parks in the country.  To this end, this article seeks to synthesise and capture the discussions and insights generated by outlining the current landscape, discussing what could be done and how can we collectively overcome the existing challenges in industrial areas.

Flyer industrial parks futures dialogue ©Amanda Nyingwa

Today – the  current landscape

The current picture of public-owned industrial parks and economic zones ( for purpose of article collectively referred to as industrial areas) in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa is not encouraging Industrial areas struggle with attracting and retaining tenants, contributing towards employment creation and with implementing measures to overcome the fundamental obstacles to industrialisation in a particular country.  In particular, industrial areas in South Africa are confronted with a myriad of climate and environmental risks which disrupt their operational abilities.  As pointed out in Dr Lawrence’s presentation at the National EIP Day, the severe flooding which affected the Prospecton Industrial Area in Durban Kwa-Zulu Natal province, where the Toyota manufacturing plant is also located resulted in a 25 week shut down and an estimated of 68,600 vehicles being destroyed.

Screenshot Industrial Parks Futures Dialogue ©Amanda Nyingwa

Tomorrow – what can be done and where to for industrial areas

A business unusual approach is required to turn around the current reality of industrial parks. This was the sentiment echoed by presenters at both events. To realise this endeavour, it is important to address inadequacies in key basic factors needed for successfully running industrial areas. Basic factors include governance and institutional arrangements, financing, safety and security along with other factors. Additionally, industrial areas need to seize new opportunities brought on by technology and move towards eco-industrial development if they are to overcome current challenges.

Stakeholder attending National EIP Day © NCPC-SA

Together – how can this all be realised

To tackle the current challenges faced by industrial parks and take advantage of new opportunities, multistakeholder partnerships were recognised as critical catalytic platforms in both events. In addition, knowledge and information-sharing sessions were also identified as key pillars. This underscored the importance of platforms like the National EIP Day and Industrial Parks Futures Dialogue as critical spaces for bringing together sector stakeholders as well as facilitating dialogue and discourse which has the potential to realise impactful multistakeholder partnerships.   The content covered in the two events highlighted that South Africa’s goal towards globally connected, regionally integrated and locally relevant will not be an easy one. Several key steps will be required in order to address the bottlenecks however, there are a range of opportunities to be exploited including the EIP concept for transitioning industrial parks into green industrial spaces. Furthermore, multistakeholder partnerships are emerging as critical vehicles for addressing challenges. On the subject of multistakeholder partnerships, NatuReS developed the  Natural Resources Risks and Action Framework which serves as a supportive toolbox to tackle shared risks together with stakeholders from affected businesses, communities, and governments.

Dr Faith Lawrence speaking at National EIP Day ©NCPC-SA