Solid waste pollution is more than an eyesore. Once waste
enters rivers and streams, it affects water quality, ecosystems
and the communities that depend on these waterways. 

In the Grabouw region, river pollution has become a growing concern. Yet until now, there has been little information available to understand the scale of the problem or identify where interventions are needed most. 

To address this challenge, the Kogelberg Biosphere, together with a range of partners and stakeholders, has launched a UNESCO-supported Citizen Science Project focused on illegal dumping, river pollution and water quality. 

A first of its kind 

 The project aims to establish the first evidence-based baseline of riverine pollution in Grabouw. By combining scientific monitoring with community participation, it seeks to improve water quality, reduce illegal dumping and empower local residents to become active stewards of their environment. 

At the heart of the project are citizen scientists from the community, working under the guidance of Project Coordinator Nomfusi Msitho. Together, they are collecting information that will help identify pollution hotspots, assess river health and guide future interventions. 

Using a combination of dumpsite mapping, litter surveys and water quality monitoring, the team is building a clearer picture of how waste moves through the landscape and impacts local rivers. River health is assessed using the South African Scoring System (SASS5), which measures the presence and diversity of aquatic insects and other small organisms that are sensitive to pollution.

Although the project is still in its early stages, the findings are already concerning. 

In just the first month, citizen scientists identified 13 illegal dumpsites across Grabouw, ranging in size from 12 m² to 391 m². The most common waste types were sanitary waste, particularly nappies, together with construction rubble and food waste. 

At three river monitoring sites, the team collected and counted nearly 5 000 litter items weighing a combined 65 kg. Polystyrene fragments, sweet and chip wrappers, and plastic bags were among the most common items recorded. 

The project also documented 236 pieces of litter actively moving downstream during ten observation sessions. These surveys revealed a clear trend: rainfall events result in significant increases in the amount of waste entering and moving through river systems. 

The lessons we’re learning 

One of the most important lessons emerging from the project is the close connection between waste management and water quality. The prevalence of sanitary waste, in particular, points to broader waste management challenges that ultimately affect river health and the communities that rely on these water resources. 

The information collected by citizen scientists will now help guide the next phase of the project, which includes community clean-ups, engagement with the agricultural sector and collaboration with municipalities and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions. 

Most importantly, the project is establishing a foundation for long-term action. It’s combining local knowledge with scientific monitoring, to help bring about cleaner and healthier rivers in and around Grabouw. 

A sincere thank you 

 
The Kogelberg Biosphere is very grateful to UNESCO for the support, as well as our project partners and stakeholders involved.  

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