A way to ecological recovery for wetlands

A way to ecological recovery for wetlands

A wetlands project close to the southern tip of Africa is a shining example of environmental recovery that needs to be replicated the world over if we are to turn the tide on wetland loss.

The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (NWSMA), close to Cape Agulhas, is a unique conservation venture made up of 25 landowners who have signed title deed restrictions to protect the area. With the Elim community, they are working to restore these wetlands to ecological health for the benefit of people and nature.

The work at Nuwejaars is exactly what was advocated to mark this year’s World Wetlands Day on 2 February, with its focus on the restoration of wetlands and their importance as a source of freshwater. Through the restoration work taking place at Nuwejaars, including invasive alien clearing and rehabilitation along a 5km stretch of the river, a team of six now also enjoys secure, full-time employment.

Click on the newspaper below to read the full story (see page 13).