Determining a charge for the clearing of invasive alien plant species (IAPs) to augment water supply in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is running out of water supply options. One option, however, is to control invasive alien plant species (IAPs) within water catchment areas and in riparian zones. The National Water Act and subsequent documentation provide a guide for the use of economic instruments to manage invasive alien plant species at a national, but also at a water management area level. This paper determines the method and level of such an invasive alien plant control charge as part of the water resource management charge.