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
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.