South Africa’s commercial tree plantation efforts began in the 1930s to achieve timber self-sufficiency, but they inadvertently caused significant declines in water flow within mountain catchments. Studies revealed alarming drops in streamflow, ranging from 55% to 82% in various locales. The introduction of fast-growing exotic trees exacerbated water usage compared to traditional grasslands. Governments recognized these challenges and took steps to regulate afforestation activities to preserve water resources.
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