Page 17 - • IFV 9 2020.indd

Nature

the transcontinental bird routes crosses 119 countries.
Many of the birds are annual visitors to South Africa and all
are ecologically dependent on the wetlands for at least part of
their annual cycle. Some species, when they arrive here, have
little or no need for wetlands in South Africa, yet all depend on
the chain of wetlands to get here.
Aewa was formalised under the united Nations
Environmental Programme (unep) in June 1995 at The Hague
in Holland, and its most recent convention was held in Durban
a couple of years ago. It became clear at that meeting that
still more commitment from the signatories is needed, as well
as from science, including help from amateur birders whose
observations are becoming more and more important to
science.
Wetland ecosystems make up only 2,4% of South Africa, and
half of those are critically endangered. up to mid-20th century,
South Africa had already lost half of its original wetlands.
Wetlands are, in effect, natural reservoirs or sponges vital for
keeping rivers flowing throughout the year, yet only 11% in
South Africa can be considered well protected. Many wetlands
serve as ‘shock absorbers’ during floods – floods which are The migratory Ruff – totally dependent on a 15 000km-long chain of
becoming more frequent as increasing areas are paved and wetlands.
built upon, which accelerates the runoff. Many act as crucial
‘green lungs’ in built-up areas, providing recreational and
landscaping opportunities.
Wetlands were regarded until, say, the 1970s, as wasteland.
Only in recent years has their importance become appreciated.
Approximately 300 000 remain in South Africa. Some are
as small as a couple of hectares and include hundreds in
residential estates.
The threats are mainly from invasive alien plants (pines and
poplars); from ill-considered developments; pollution; and,
on the Highveld, from mining operations. Many farmers were
persuaded, by match manufacturers, that marshland, being
non-productive, could be dried out if planted with poplars.
The match industry did the planting and paid the farmers for
harvesting the wood because poplars produce the best wood
for making matchsticks.
RAMSAR'S GOLDEN JUBILEE
Another landmark anniversary falls next year: the Golden
Jubilee of the Ramsar Convention – Ramsar being dedicated Three-banded plover – not a migrant but dependent on wetlands.
to identifying Wetlands of International Importance. It
encourages the sustainable utilisation of wetlands and a halt
to encroachment and loss of wetlands.
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
abundance of plants.
REF: WWW.uNEP-AEWA.ORG Striated heron – another wetland-dependent South African bird.

The Villager • Issue 9 2020 • 15