Examining water governance and water efficiency strategies in 3 - 5 star graded game lodges and associated residential beneficiation: The case of reflexive water governance at the Dinokeng Game Reserve in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

The world is facing a global water crisis, with many regions experiencing intense competition for limited water supplies among various stakeholders, including game lodges, residents, agriculture, and various other industries. This crisis is exacerbated by water scarcity, mismanagement, and climate change which necessitates robust water governance for sustainable development. Addressing these issues requires a holistic and collaborative approach that considers the needs of local communities, involved stakeholders and the environment while promoting equitable and efficient water use. Tourism is a significant global economic contributor, and any disruption in the availability of water in areas such as game lodges can have a cascading effect on the overall tourism sector and local economies and employment. Effective is crucial for sustainable development in water-scarce areas, as conflicts over water use between these stakeholders can contribute to broader concerns related to social equity and justice. Sustainable water management is imperative for environmental conservation and the longevity of game lodges and is integral to the tourism industry as water scarcity directly impacts their operations. Most game lodges are situated in remote, ecologically sensitive areas that are crucial for biodiversity conservation with little to no infrastructure, relying on rivers, dams, and boreholes as water sources. Due to their remote locations, game lodges face unique challenges, relying heavily on water for guests and employees. Staff members residing nearby contribute to high water consumption. Thus, game lodges must ensure a sufficient water supply, educate visitors and employees on water usage, and reduce imbalances for neighboring residents. Such residents play an important role in managing available water resources to prevent social tensions that can impact community relations and the overall stability between game lodges, residents, and other water users. In South Africa, where water is a scarce resource, effective water management strategies are crucial, especially in arid areas hosting game lodges. This study explored the reflexive water governance practices adopted by game lodges and neighboring residents to enhance efficient water use, mitigate scarcity, and achieve sustainable water management. Data were collected from key study participants representing the government, water companies, water authorities, residents, and the game lodge owners who answered questions in semistructured interviews. Secondary data were also used to provide information about the governance and sustainable management of water in the study area. Findings demonstrated the intricate relationship between game lodges, neighboring residents, and water resource management that, if not optimally managed, could lead to pollution and degradation of water quality, affecting not only the immediate environment but also all water users. According to the study, poor water governance, particularly for residents in local communities, resulted from corruption, a lack of efficient policies, inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems, a lack of water awareness, insufficient efforts to reduce water consumption, and inadequate water management. While multiple game lodges with 3–5-star ratings equipped themselves with water efficiency systems, a lack of government policy enforcement and stakeholder collaboration hindered the adoption of water measures such as the efficient use of taps and toilets. On the other hand, residents in local communities who faced an intermittent water supply increased their water supply by adopting water conservation efforts through reuse, reduction, and recycling because the municipality in their neighborhood did not provide enough water and there were limited water resources. The study findings also indicated that the game lodges made provisional access for their employees to obtain water but there was no community beneficiation implemented towards improving water access in a sustainable and equitable manner. Overall, the benefits of the use of reflexive governance and the water governance framework which require a collaborative and sustainable approach was suggested as a means of managing water resources between game lodges and residents. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on responsible tourism, emphasizing the need for reflexive water governance as an integral component in the pursuit of sustainable development within the context of game lodges and their associated residents. It is crucial to ensure that the core right to access water for basic needs is met for everyone, and any additional initiatives should contribute to overall social welfare without compromising this fundamental right. A variety of strategies for better water governance in the region were suggested by the study.