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
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Robberg Nature Reserve has been named the Best Outdoor Activity in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. The recognition follows months of nominations and voting by communities across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, making the award a meaningful reflection of the place Robberg holds in the local community.
CapeNature maintains clean audit record and expands the Western Cape’s Protected Areas
CapeNature's 2025/26 Annual Report shows the Entity added more than 44 000 hectares to the Western Cape conservation estate over the year. The additions extend protection across mountain catchments that feed the province's water supply, guarding them against the invasive plant growth and wildfire risk that threaten water security. Ultimately the protected areas expansion improves our ability to conserve the rich and unique Western Cape biodiversity.
WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship
South Africa’s Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are entering their next chapter with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship, inclusion, community participation and long-term coastal resilience, as WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, celebrates 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and its own centenary.
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of
State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026. The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.