The first systematic biodiversity plan for freshwater ecosystems in South Africa, published in 2011 as a collaborative effort between CSIR, SANBI, WRC, DWS, and other partners. NFEPA provides strategic spatial priorities for conserving freshwater ecosystems and supporting sustainable use of water resources. Identifies Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (FEPAs) at three levels: River FEPAs (rivers in natural or good ecological condition needed to meet biodiversity targets), Wetland FEPAs (wetlands needed as representative examples of each wetland type), and Estuarine FEPAs. Sets conservation targets: protect 20% of each river type and 20% of each wetland type in natural/good condition. Identifies Strategic Water Source Areas — landscapes that supply disproportionately high water volumes relative to their area. Also identifies free-flowing river priorities for maintaining aquatic connectivity. NFEPA data is integrated into Environmental Impact Assessment screening tools, municipal spatial development frameworks, and water resource classification processes. Directly applicable to the Incomati Basin for identifying priority freshwater conservation areas.