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Nature

The migratory Ru – totally dependent on a 15 000km-long chain of wetlands. Three-banded plover – not a migrant but dependent on wetlands.

that meeting that still more commitment which are becoming more frequent as on the Highveld, from mining operations.
from the signatories is needed, as well as increasing areas are paved and built upon, Many farmers were persuaded, by match
from science, including help from amateur which accelerates the runoff. Many act manufacturers, that marshland, being non-
birders whose observations are becoming as crucial ‘green lungs’ in built-up areas, productive, could be dried out if planted
more and more important to science. providing recreational and landscaping with poplars. The match industry did the
opportunities. planting and paid the farmers for harvesting
Wetland ecosystems make up only 2,4% of the wood because poplars produce the
South Africa, and half of those are critically Wetlands were regarded until, say, the best wood for making matchsticks.
endangered. Up to mid-20th century, South 1970s, as wasteland. Only in recent years
Africa had already lost half of its original has their importance become appreciated. RAMSAR'S GOLDEN JUBILEE
wetlands. Approximately 300 000 remain in South Another landmark anniversary falls next
Africa. Some are as small as a couple year: the Golden Jubilee of the Ramsar
Wetlands are, in effect, natural reservoirs of hectares and include hundreds in Convention – Ramsar being dedicated
or sponges vital for keeping rivers residential estates. to identifying Wetlands of International
flowing throughout the year, yet only Importance. It encourages the sustainable
11% in South Africa can be considered The threats are mainly from invasive utilisation of wetlands and a halt to
well protected. Many wetlands serve as alien plants (pines and poplars); from ill- encroachment and loss of wetlands.
‘shock absorbers’ during floods – floods considered developments; pollution; and,
Ramsar views the world’s wetlands as critical
not only to the natural environment but
also to millions of livelihoods. South Africa
signed the Ramsar Convention in 1971 and,
so far, the following have been designated
as inviolate: Barberspan, Blesbokspruit
(the nearest one to Johannesburg), De
Hoop Vlei, De Mond, Kosi Bay, Lake Sibaya,
Langebaan, Makuleke Wetlands, Natal
Drakensberg Park, Ndumo Game Reserve,
Ntsikeni Nature Reserve, Nylsvley Nature
Reserve, Orange River Mouth, Prince
Edward Islands, St. Lucia System, Seekoeivlei
Nature Reserve, Turtle Beaches/Coral Reefs
of Tongaland, uMngeni Vlei Nature Reserve,
Verloren Valei Nature Reserve, Verlorenvlei,
and the Wilderness Lakes system.

Each of them adds to South Africa’s
attraction as a tourist destination, as a
repository for its famed wildlife and its rich
Striated heron – another wetland-dependent South African bird. abundance of plants. Ref: www.unep-aewa.org

Fourways Gardens • 29 • August 2020