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Optimizing the Benefits of Invasive Alien Plants Biomass in South Africa

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  • Yashwant S. Rawat

    (Department of Wood Technology Management, Faculty of Civil Technology, Technical and Vocational Training Institute (TVTI), Addis Ababa P.O. Box 190310, Ethiopia)

  • G. S. Singh

    (Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India)

  • Anteneh T. Tekleyohannes

    (GFA Consulting Group GmbH, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 25719, Ethiopia)

Abstract

The current political situation in South Africa is seeking opportunities to promote sustainable development and use of renewable resources for energy, poverty alleviation, economic development, and environmental protection (e.g., mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions). The present study is based on a critical literature review and synthesis of policy advice in South Africa. The study comprehensively examined the knowledge base and gathered relevant empirical findings and perspectives so as to identify the gaps, trends, and patterns in the optimal management and utilization of invasive alien plants (IAPs) biomass, thereby supporting evidence-based practice. Additionally, the literature review was supported by the first-hand experience of invasive alien plants management and its biomass utilization. This research proposes long-term options for optimizing the costs and benefits of invasive alien plants biomass and meeting rising energy demand. Biomass from the country’s approximately 300 “Working for Water (WfW) Projects” might be used for bioenergy, firewood, charcoal, and other value-added forest products, both for internal and international use. The extraction and use of biomass from invasive alien plants for green energy and other valuable products would aid in the elimination of hazardous invasive species and reduce the amount of fuel in the fields, as well as fire and flood threats. Biomass from invasive alien plants clearings can be distributed to rural regions and informal settlements as a supply of firewood with the aim of reducing reliance on nearby forests, conserving the environment and biodiversity, minimizing forest degradation, supporting climate change, and enhancing energy efficiency and wood waste management (e.g., recycling and prevention) for green economic development and industrial transformation. The findings of this study imply that for competitive biomass-to-energy conversion and bio-economic applications for the use of invasive alien plant biomass, cost management, particularly for transportation, and significant regulatory incentives are essential. In addition, effective policy instruments that aid in the promotion of innovative systems and knowledge generation are required so that biomass can be optimally used for bioenergy and other competitive bio-economic applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Yashwant S. Rawat & G. S. Singh & Anteneh T. Tekleyohannes, 2024. "Optimizing the Benefits of Invasive Alien Plants Biomass in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:1876-:d:1345409
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yashwant Singh Rawat & Misganu Eba & Moti Nebiyu, 2023. "Lumber Recovery Rate of Cupressus lusitanica in Arsi Forest Enterprise, Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Nielsen, Steffen & Østergaard, Poul Alberg & Sperling, Karl, 2023. "Renewable energy transition, transmission system impacts and regional development – a mismatch between national planning and local development," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(PA).
    3. Yashwant S. Rawat & Vikram S. Negi & Shreekar Pant & Rakesh Kumar Bachheti, 2023. "Collaborative Adaptive Stewardship for Invasive Alien Plants Management in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-14, March.
    4. Wen, Jun & Okolo, Chukwuemeka Valentine & Ugwuoke, Ifeanyi Celestine & Kolani, Kibir, 2022. "Research on influencing factors of renewable energy, energy efficiency, on technological innovation. Does trade, investment and human capital development matter?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    5. Pimentel, David & Zuniga, Rodolfo & Morrison, Doug, 2005. "Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 52(3), pages 273-288, February.
    6. Mamphweli, Ntshengedzeni S. & Meyer, Edson L., 2009. "Implementation of the biomass gasification project for community empowerment at Melani village, Eastern Cape, South Africa," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2923-2927.
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