Mondi and WWF South Africa Strengthen Partnership with €680,000 Investment

Mondi South Africa has reaffirmed its dedication to water conservation with a substantial investment of over €680,000 (R13 million), extending its partnership with WWF South Africa until 2027. This move marks the fourth phase of the enduring WWF-Mondi Partnership, which has spanned more than 30 years—one of the longest corporate collaborations WWF South Africa has ever had.

The partnership has consistently focused on conserving wetlands and promoting responsible water management in critical catchment areas, addressing the urgent need for water security in South Africa. As part of this initiative, Mondi South Africa is committed to reducing its water usage within its operations and supporting broader water security efforts beyond its immediate scope. The project brings together key stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, NGOs, and private sector partners, all united in the goal of sustainable water management.

One of the standout achievements in this partnership has been the creation of a real-time water flow monitoring tool, known as the ‘Flow Tracker,’ introduced in 2022. Designed to help manage water resources in the uMhlathuze catchment area, this tool is critical for building resilience to climate change and drought conditions. It is now being further developed to enhance its effectiveness.

Candice Webb, Head of Environment at Mondi South Africa, shared her thoughts on the partnership: “Our journey with WWF has been incredibly rewarding. We've gained invaluable insights, and we recognize that successful partnerships require visionary leadership, expert scientific input, ongoing funding, and, above all, a shared passion for making a lasting impact.”

Broadening the Focus for Greater Impact

Looking ahead, the partnership will not only continue its work on water security but also delve into new areas such as circular economy practices, land and biodiversity stewardship, and climate resilience. Key initiatives for the next phase include:

• Establishing an eco-industrial community in Richards Bay that supports a circular economy model, in conjunction with Mondi’s Richards Bay mill.

• Expanding efforts to enhance water stewardship in the uMhlathuze catchment area, which supplies water to Mondi’s Richards Bay mill.

Exploring Circular Economy Opportunities

In October, the Mondi Richards Bay mill, in collaboration with WWF, hosted a workshop focused on circular economy opportunities. Participants discussed a variety of innovative solutions, such as reusing wastewater and diverting solid waste from landfills, to promote sustainability across industries.

David Lindley of WWF South Africa expressed his excitement about the partnership’s future direction: “By incorporating circular economy and biodiversity stewardship into the partnership, Mondi is tapping into WWF’s expertise to strengthen the sustainability of its operations. This expanded collaboration offers a great opportunity for WWF to implement cutting-edge environmental projects with a trusted corporate partner. We’re thrilled to roll out these initiatives over the next three years, which will help us achieve our environmental goals.”

A Legacy of Collaboration

The WWF-Mondi partnership began over three decades ago, during a time when the growth of plantations in South Africa sparked tensions between the forestry industry and environmentalists concerned about water resources. In search of solutions, Mondi South Africa engaged with WWF, which led to the birth of a partnership aimed at fostering open dialogue and joint action.

Celebrating 25 years in 2016, the WWF-Mondi Wetlands Programme stands as a testament to how collaboration between various local stakeholders can lead to meaningful change. By incorporating water stewardship into national policies and certification frameworks, the partnership has contributed to significant advancements in climate resilience at the catchment level, demonstrating the power of cooperative efforts in environmental conservation.