Freshwater ecosystems and interactions with the SDG 2030 Agenda: implications for SDG implementation in South Africa

Freshwater ecosystems play a fundamental role in supporting the environment, the economy and people’s well-being. However, human development and mismanagement have degraded these ecosystems. Using network analysis, we examined the interlinkages (synergies and trade-offs) between indicator 6.6.1 (water-related ecosystems) and other Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators related to freshwater ecosystems to support coherent policies and strategies for freshwater management. Research into scientific literature and reports on freshwater ecosystems and SDG indicator interlinkages was carried out in 2019 and 2020. Sustainable Development Goal custodians were also interviewed about indicator interlinkages and challenges, and the data analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that water-related ecosystems had the highest positive interlinkages (synergies) with environmental goals, while more trade-offs were found between water-related ecosystems and social goals. Thematic analysis showed that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should focus on partnerships, governance, and challenges regarding water-related ecosystems and SDG implementation. Our findings suggest that an integrated and sustainable freshwater management approach is necessary, one that is embedded within the nexus approach embodied by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.