Environmental Profile of the Inkomati River Basin

Comprehensive environmental profile of the Inkomati (Incomati) River Basin covering hydrology, water resources, biodiversity, land use, and environmental challenges. Produced through the WIO-LaB (Western Indian Ocean Land-Based Activities) programme under the Nairobi Convention. Covers the full transboundary basin shared by South Africa (62%), Mozambique (27%), and Eswatini (11%), with a total catchment area of approximately 46,800 km². Documents the water balance, dam infrastructure (Maguga, Driekoppies, Kwena, Vygeboom, Nooitgedacht), irrigation schemes, water quality status, and ecological condition of major river reaches. Includes analysis of flow modification impacts on the Sabie, Crocodile, and Komati sub-catchments. Highlights the almost fully allocated water resources, significant environmental flow deficits, and transboundary governance challenges. Provides essential baseline data for understanding the hydrological context of freshwater biodiversity monitoring in the Incomati system.

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Last Updated February 8, 2026, 03:38 (UTC)
Created February 8, 2026, 03:38 (UTC)
category Incomati Basin
document_type Basin Profile