CapeNature celebrates World Wetlands Day 2024
CapeNature, together with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, will celebrate World Wetlands Day at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve on 2 February 2024. Grade six learners from Pniel Primary School will participate in an educational event aimed at fostering an understanding of the importance of wetlands, encouraging positive environmental behavioural change, and creating an opportunity for improved wellbeing.
World Wetlands Day, celebrated every year on 2 February, marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty with the mission to conserve wetlands. This day is celebrated to raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands. The theme for 2024 is “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”, which spotlights how all aspects of human wellbeing are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands — physically, mentally, and environmentally.
Studies repeatedly show that a connection with nature has a positive outcome for mental health. Meaningful moments in nature can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue; improve mood, energy levels and focus, strengthen our immune system and build psycho-social resilience. Some studies claim there is even an increase in life expectancy. Proximity to water also has a positive impact on wellbeing. These blue spaces, from catchment to coast, provide soothing sensory experiences and a sense of something greater than ourselves.
There are also various benefits associated with wetlands, which include environmental, economic, educational, societal, recreational, and aesthetic. Wetlands can contribute to improved water quality by the removal of pollutants from water through physical, chemical, and biological processes that take place in wetlands. Wetlands also assist with erosion control as the roots of wetland plants hold soil in place and can reduce the speed of stream and river currents. Wetlands reduce the impact of floods by soaking up and storing floodwater. Lastly, wetlands can positively impact the water supply, serving as reservoirs and releasing retained water into surface water and groundwater.
In addition to all these ecosystem services and benefits, wetlands are fun. They are a destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and photography.
“Our Department has prioritised wetlands as critical ecological infrastructure in the Province, which provide essential services to communities and our economy. We work closely with CapeNature and other partners, like Biosphere Reserves, to highlight the protection and rehabilitation of our wetlands. Part of this includes educational awareness around the value of wetlands and encouraging our youth to think about how wetlands actually make our planet more liveable.”
“By visiting a local wetland, such as Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, situated in the Jonkershoek Valley near Stellenbosch we educate students on how wetlands provide a habitat for numerous species, are highly valuable biological assets, and help to mitigate the effects of climate change,” said Bredell.
“CapeNature is committed to providing outdoor educational experiences to children, including those who have never visited a nature reserve before. Our programme at Pniel Primary School is an opportunity to learn about wetlands, their conservation and how this benefits us. Learners will take part in a series of action-packed activities allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors, and wetlands in particular,”
The entity is offering facilitated curriculum-aligned wetland programmes during February. Teachers and parents are invited to email learning@capenature.co.za for more information. For relevant resources, visit the learning library on our website at www.capenature.co.za.
Related News
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability
CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.
The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity
CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.
Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.
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.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?