Biologist’s passion for preserving water

The World Wide Fund is an organisation that cares deeply about our environment. Members of the organisation are dedicated to raising awareness to environmental issues and conserving the environment.

Manager of Water Source Areas and Fresh Water Unit, Dean Muruven is a biologist by profession and has served WWF for over a year. He was inspired to study biology as a career path when he went on a field trip to the Natal Sharks Board in Grade 7.

“My passion is water and addressing the inequality when it comes to the division of water for humans, animals and the environment, how people use water and how it grows our economy,” said Muruven.

He believes that South Africa is not out of the woods in terms of the scarcity of water. He said that eight per cent of the land area of the country generates more than half of our river flow. He added that it makes sense to protect water sources.

“South Africa supplies the Southern African Development Community countries with water. All of our water is already allocated into where water will be used. Supplying other countries with water has been a long-term commitment that countries depend on,” said Muruven.

The WFF launched the Journey of Water campaign in 2013 that shows people where the water we use comes from. Local celebrities such as Idols SA presenter Proverb; Miss Earth South Africa 2015, Carla Victor and singer Nomsa Mazwai helped spread awareness about conserving water sources and the journey water takes to get to people. Last year the WWF ran the same campaign and are working on it for next year.

This year, Muruven said, he will be focusing on protecting water-scarce areas, and working with corporate companies and organisations on useful ways society can save water.

“South Africa needs to change the way we use water, understand where it comes from and protect water sources,” said Muruven.

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