Water flow, ecological dynamics, and management in the lower Limpopo Valley: a long‐term view

In this contribution, we review long‐term (millennial–decadal scale) river‐flow changes, climate interactions, and interlinkage with vegetation dynamics, as well as society and policy, focusing on the lower Limpopo Valley (from the South African border through Mozambique). Drawing on paleoecological data, we address the valley's potential for defining critical ecological thresholds and managing an adaptive ecological landscape, by focusing on the dynamic relationship between different drivers (fire, hydrology, and grass/tree relationships). We briefly review the long‐term interactions between water flow, climate variability, and society using archeological records and written sources. Lastly, we analyze the social and political context of water management, focusing on the last 100 years and transboundary water management. We also discuss planning and mitigation in relation to climate change and rainfall extremes that are projected to increase. It is stressed that forward‐thinking policies must heed long‐term climate variability, hydrology and biological and social impact and to plan and mitigate for environmental events. The discussion also brings to the fore the importance of an adaptable and equitable strategy in cross‐border water sharing. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1228. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1228 This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Planning Water Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change Long‐term river flow changes and interactions between climate, vegetation, society, and policy of the lower Limpopo Valley (South Africa and Mozambique), stress that policy and management must take heed of climate variability, and to plan and mitigate for variability in an equitable share of water.