Through a dedicated Wetlands Awareness Workshop, WILDTRUST raised awareness of the ecological significance of these natural gems and how communities can benefit from their conservation.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (27 February 2025) – Wetlands are treasures of nature in their own right; home to many different kinds of plants and animals, including endangered species and act as natural sponges during heavy rains.
In an effort to educate the northern KwaZulu-Natal communities on the significant roles that wetlands play, WILDTRUST, through its uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) project, hosted an informative Wetlands Awareness Workshop this past weekend.
The workshop commemorated World Wetlands Day and saw large numbers of community members from Nqutshini, under the Macambini Traditional Authority, and Nyembe, under the Mkhwanazi Traditional Authority, in attendance.
It aimed to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands, their ecological significance, and how communities can benefit from their conservation.
The WILDTRUST team led a series of insightful presentations, equipping attendees with knowledge on climate change, agriculture, and biodiversity in wetlands.
How wetlands support diverse ecosystems
WILDTRUST’s Coastal Biodiversity Research Scientist, Dr Thobeka Gumede, opened the session with a presentation on climate change and wetlands. She emphasized the crucial role wetlands play in supporting diverse ecosystems and urged community members to take active steps in preserving these vital environments.
Her presentation also highlighted that wetlands are home to various ecosystems that must be protected to ensure their continued benefits to nature and people.
The impact of agriculture on wetlands
The Community Ecosystem Restoration and Livelihoods Training Co-Ordinator at WILDTRUST, Nokuthula Mdletshe, took a deep dive approach to educate attendees on the impact of agriculture on wetlands.
She emphasised the importance of sustainable farming practices and encouraged the community to avoid farming in and around wetland areas. While advocating for alternative farming methods that do not threaten wetlands, she also urged community members to embrace farming as a livelihood.
How invasive alien plants harm wetlands
WILDTRUST’s Ecosystem Restoration Assist Sphiwumusa Zama explained the negative impact of invasive alien plants in wetlands.
He highlighted that these plants are not needed as they outcompete indigenous trees for space and absorb significantly more water, disrupting the delicate balance of the wetland ecosystem.
Getting the community involved
A key highlight of the workshop was an engaging, interactive session where community members were quizzed on key takeaways from the presentations. The winners walked away with reusable shopping bags, caps, and seedlings to take home and plant as tokens of appreciation. This interactive approach helped reinforce the information shared and encouraged active participation from attendees.
uBab’ Mbuyisa from the Macambini Traditional Authority shared his appreciation for the workshop, stating that the session was highly informative and learned much about wetlands, their importance, and how to protect them.
He also expressed gratitude to WILDTRUST for hosting such workshops, which help communities better understand and care for their environment.
Sources: Supplied
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