Abstract
Water issues have become complex and interconnected with many factors and sectors, making them too large to be handled by one single institution. Water problems can no longer be resolved solely by water professionals, the water science they provide is essential to resolve the water crisis, but the effectiveness of the solutions depends on the capability of the scientists to provide new, logical and practical visions to improve water systems, governance and communication. As part of Integrated Water Resource Management and Public Participation the current research aimed to address the knowledge gap that exists between the General Public and the Scientists by using applied theatre, particularly empatheatre to improve how scientific information is communicated. Using R-studio for statistical analysis, the study evaluated the effectiveness of using applied theatre to communicate and educate the community of Kaalspruit on water resource management. The study revealed that using art to convey science is an effective Strategic Environmental Communication tool and was highly recommended by the participants to promote public participation towards the rehabilitation of the Kaalspruit River. Keywords: Strategic Environmental Communication, Integrated Water Resource Management, applied theatre.
M.Sc. (Environmental Management)