Revive and Restore Wetlands for Future Generations
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February. It marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 and it was first celebrated in 1997. This day is celebrated to raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands. The theme for this year is “Wetland Restoration.”
Globally, at least 35% of wetlands have vanished since 1970, making them ecosystems the most threatened of all ecosystems. Despite the numerous ecosystem services provided by wetlands, these systems are mostly degraded by human activity when they are drained or filled for agricultural or urban building purposes. Our wetlands are also being degraded by overfishing, invasive species, and water pollution. These wetlands must consequently be revived and restored.
Many of the negative impacts of wetlands degradation can be reversed by restoration. Restoring wetlands has many advantages, such as boosting eco-tourism, filtering the water supply, and lessening the effects of floods and storms. A restored wetland also makes it easier for people to make a living by providing them with grass, reeds, and a place to fish.
CapeNature has managed two very successful wetland rehabilitation projects that prove restoration is possible. The entity and Working for Wetlands collaborated in October 2006 to restore Verlorenvlei wetland by removing obstructions to water flow, reducing sediment, and clearing alien vegetation. In addition, a bird hide was constructed in 2007 to increase tourism and provide public access to the area.
Another, the Goukou-Duivenhoks wetlands project, which has been active for ten years has also been a great success to date. It aims to save this threatened ecosystem by improving water storage and quality and protecting the habitat and its species. This project has increased the community's employment opportunities, increased tourism, and will continue to have a positive impact on the environment. Working for wetland has also been working on the rehabilitating artificial drainage line or eroded water channel to revive the wetland system to its original state at Groot Winter Hoek Nature Reserve managed by CapeNature
This year, CapeNature encourages residents to revitalize and repair degraded wetland areas. A wetland region should not be dredged, planted with exotic plants, or polluted Instead, plant native plants, report illegal dumping, and restore deteriorated areas.
Related News
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve
In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.
The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025
CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.
CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.
“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire
The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” — a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future
Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.
Task team briefs Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group on progress and way forward
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, hosted its second meeting with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) on 27 May 2025. The Shark Spotters who are implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, also provided feedback on progress and challenges with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?