Page 27 - Landscape-Issue147

FEATURE

WORLD WETLANDS DAY

By Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Chair of Forestry, South African Environmental Management Committee

World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on 2 February, highlights the critical ecological
services provided by wetlands and their threatened conservation status. The day also

serves as a reminder of the significant role South African landowners can play in protecting
these vital habitats through active and sustained environmental stewardship.

outh Africa’s wetlands are biodiversity-
rich ecosystems that support a diverse
Sarray of plant and animal life, including
endemic and threatened species. By acting
as natural water filters, wetlands improve
water quality while regulating hydrological
cycles, thus helping to prevent incidents of
flash flooding and playing a crucial role in
water security.
A 2021 survey of South Africa’s forestry
landholdings found that more than
300 000 hectares of natural and semi-
natural habitats that are actively managed
and maintained are within the forestry
landscape. This includes more than 171 ha
of grasslands and their connected wetland
systems. Through active environmental
stewardship of these habitats, forestry
companies can play a positive role in
conserving wetlands and the endemic
species they support.
Over 85% of forestry-owned land in
South Africa is certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council®, with 40% holding
dual certification through the Sustainable
African Forestry Assurance Scheme, which
is endorsed by the Programme for the
Sappi Shafton Kusane Wetland Endorsement of Forest Certification.

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