Mondi strengthens partnership with WWF South Africa for environmental conservation

SOUTH AFRICA – Mondi South Africa has committed over €680,000 (R13 million) to support water stewardship, extending its collaboration with WWF South Africa for an additional three years through 2027.

This marks the fourth phase of the long-standing WWF-Mondi Partnership, which has spanned more than three decades and is one of the longest-running corporate partnerships of WWF South Africa.

Historically focused on wetland conservation and water stewardship in key catchment areas, the partnership will continue addressing South Africa’s urgent water security needs.

Mondi South Africa aims to reduce its water footprint within its operations while supporting broader water security initiatives beyond its immediate boundaries.

The collaboration brings together diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, local communities, NGOs, and private sector organizations.

A key achievement in the partnership was developing a near real-time water flow monitoring tool, the ‘Flow Tracker,’ launched in 2022.

Designed for strategic decision-making in the uMhlathuze catchment area, the tool supports a climate-resilient, drought-resistant landscape and is undergoing further development.

Candice Webb, Head of Environment at Mondi South Africa, said, “It’s been an incredible journey with WWF.

“Long-lasting, meaningful partnerships require insightful leadership, strong scientific input, consistent funding to build a core team of experts, and most importantly, passion.”

Introducing new focus areas

In addition to continuing its water stewardship efforts, the next phase of the WWF-Mondi Partnership will expand to include circular economic initiatives, land and biodiversity stewardship, and climate resilience.

Key projects for the upcoming phase of the WWF-Mondi Partnership include developing an eco-industrial community in Richards Bay.

This initiative will focus on promoting circular economic practices and integrating Mondi’s Richards Bay mill into the region’s broader sustainability efforts.

The goal is to foster collaboration between various industries to reduce waste, optimize resource use, and create a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Additionally, the partnership will continue to expand water stewardship initiatives in the uMhlathuze catchment, a critical water source for Mondi’s Richards Bay mill.

These efforts aim to improve water management practices and enhance the resilience of the catchment area, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for the mill while supporting broader environmental goals.

Circular economy workshop

In October, Mondi’s Richards Bay mill and WWF South Africa hosted a workshop to explore circular economy opportunities.

The workshop invited private sector partners to discuss ideas like wastewater reuse and diversifying solid waste from landfills.

David Lindley of WWF South Africa noted, “Expanding the partnership to include circular economy and biodiversity stewardship elements enables Mondi to tap into a broader suite of WWF’s expertise, strengthening the sustainability of its operations.

“Working with Mondi allows WWF to implement innovative environmental projects with a trusted corporate partner, which is incredibly exciting as we look to roll these projects out over the next three years.”

The WWF-Mondi Water Partnership began over 30 years ago when the establishment of plantations in South Africa led to conflicts between the forestry sector and environmental communities due to water resource impacts.

Mondi and WWF South Africa sought solutions through open dialogue and collaboration, ultimately forming a partnership.

In 2016, WWF and Mondi celebrated 25 years of the WWF-Mondi Wetlands Programme, marking a milestone in their collaboration.

The partnership’s success demonstrates how local stakeholders can work together effectively and how integrating water stewardship into national legislation and certification schemes can enhance climate resilience at the catchment level.

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