A new look at the old problem of eutrophication management in southern Africa

Summary This paper contrasts the traditional engineering approach to eutrophication management with a proposed systems approach. Legislative, social, economic and technical aspects of eutrophication are identified. Through the use of some recent case studies, the importance of the socioeconomic factors relative to the legal-technical aspects of eutrophication management is highlighted. Whilst the latter retain their vital role in eutrophication control programmes, this paper suggests that the former cannot be ignored, and recommends adoption of a systems approach to the management of eutrophication.Dr Jeffrey A. Thornton and Guy Boddington are Senior Planning Professionals in the Environmental Planning Section of the Town Planning Branch, City Planner's Department, Cape Town, with practical interests in water quality management and integrated environmental management in the African urban environment. Dr Thornton is a registered professional ecologist and editor of the research journal,Journal of the Limnological Society of Southern Africa.