Young learners celebrate World Wetlands Day with interactive conservation education
World Wetlands Day is observed annually on 2 February in commemoration of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The 2025 theme, "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future", highlights the urgent need to safeguard these ecosystems through collaboration on policies, regulations, and community initiatives that drive conservation and sustainable use.
This year, CapeNature, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, celebrated World Wetlands Day at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve on 7 February. Grade Six learners from Rietenbosch Primary School participated in an educational event designed to deepen appreciation and understanding of wetlands, inspire positive environmental action, and promote overall wellbeing.
Life and biodiversity thrive in wetlands. Wetlands provide the home or breeding ground of many endangered and threatened species, and a multitude of endemic plants and animals can only survive in certain wetland locations. Beyond the clean water and food that wetlands provide, they help protect against natural disasters by mitigating the impact of storm surges, floods, and droughts.
Healthy wetlands are critical for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and human health; yet unsustainable development, pollution, and climate change continue to threaten these essential ecosystems.
Wetlands are vital ecological infrastructure that support biodiversity, safeguard water resources, and other essential services to communities. Our department continues to prioritise wetland protection and rehabilitation in the province through strategic partnerships with CapeNature and other organisations. Education is key to fostering an appreciation for wetlands, and initiatives like this contribute to future generations understanding their value in making our planet more liveable and the important role they play in our delicate ecosystem.
World Wetlands Day 2025 holds particular significance this year as it shares the same theme with the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), scheduled for 23-31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Every three years, representatives from governments worldwide convene to discuss, assess and implement decisions on wetland conservation and sustainable use.
Providing outdoor learning experiences is at the heart of CapeNature’s awareness programmes. This collaboration offers learners a hands-on opportunity to discover the wonders of wetlands, understand their conservation importance, and recognise the benefits they provide to both nature and people. Through interactive activities, we want to inspire a lifelong connection with the environment.
Throughout February, CapeNature will offer facilitated, curriculum-aligned wetland education programmes. Teachers and parents interested in these opportunities can contact learning@capenature.co.za. Educational resources are also available in the learning library.
Related News
Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating
Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape
CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.
A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
How biodiversity crime threatens the Western Cape’s people, economy, and ecosystems
Biodiversity crime may sound like something intangible compared to other crimes encountered on a daily basis in our lives, but it is a very real and growing threat to our planet’s delicate ecosystems. It includes any illegal activity that harms plants, animals, or the ecosystems they depend on from high-profile crimes like rhino poaching to illegal plant trade in the Western Cape. It can even be something as simple as picking wildflowers in a nature reserve without permission or a permit.
Young leopard dies after being caught in gin traps near Heidelberg
CapeNature can confirm the death of a young leopard following a call to assist in a rescue operation on 2 July in the Heidelberg area, near the World Heritage Site of Boosmansbos.
Officials discovered a young 13 kg male leopard, estimated to be around six months old, ensnared in two gin traps set adjacent to each other. One front paw and one hind leg were caught. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the leopard did not survive.
Darwin200 Young Leaders & CapeNature Launch Inspiring Documentaries
Three DARWIN200 young leaders worked hand in hand with CapeNature to produce awe-inspiring and heartwarming videos on the Cape vulture colony of Potberg, the bontebok at De Hoop Nature Reserve and the invasive carp at Groenvlei. Click read more to watch the videos.
Three Arrested for Illegal Rhino Horn Trade
On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg and Stock Theft and Endangered Species based in Swellendam, executed an undercover operation at Buffeljags River, N2 route outside of Swellendam.
Three suspects were arrested after being found in possession of the rhino horn and engaged in a transaction to sell the rhino horn during an undercover operation. CapeNature officials were contacted to assist in the further investigation of the case, which was subsequently registered at the Swellendam Police Station.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?