South Africa Celebrates the Declaration of the 30th Ramsar Site at De Berg Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga

The status of South Africa as a steward of vital ecological sites has been further solidified with the recent designation of the De Berg Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga as the country's 30th Ramsar wetland site. This significant milestone underscores the nation's commitment to global sustainable development goals and the preservation of unique ecosystems.

The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed in 1971, seeks to protect wetlands of international importance. These sites are critical not only for their biodiversity but also for the ecosystem services they provide, which include water regulation, flood control, and water purification. As ecosystems that contribute to human health, food security, tourism, and employment, wetlands play an integral role in our socio-ecological landscape.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, welcomed the declaration, emphasizing the importance of these natural resources. Through initiatives like the Working for Wetlands Programme, the department has rehabilitated over 1,873 wetlands since 2000 and created tens of thousands of jobs, reflecting the country's proactive approach to wetland conservation.

De Berg Nature Reserve stands out for its pristine and habitat-diverse watercourses, supporting threatened species and offering an array of services to the environment and the people of South Africa. The reserve is a vital piece of the country's ecological puzzle, situated about 20km north of Dullstroom. It contains wetlands at the highest altitude in Mpumalanga, lying adjacent to the important Verloren Vallei Ramsar Site.

This Ramsar site is a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity. It is home to 878 indigenous plant species, including 30 threatened and near-threatened species like the Bulbine decastroi. The reserve's fauna is equally impressive, with 18 species of frogs, 71 reptiles, 432 birds, and 120 mammals inhabiting the area. Notably, it provides a habitat for rare species such as Vandam's girdled lizard and a roost for the vulnerable southern bald ibis.

The acknowledgment of wetlands as socio-ecological systems by entities like the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) reiterates their importance beyond mere ecological terms. Urban wetlands, often the only recreational open spaces available to the public, are increasingly appreciated for their multifaceted benefits.

Sanbi's comprehensive approach to mapping and understanding wetlands aids in informed conservation action. Strategic water source areas (SWSAs) are integral to the country's water security, and Sanbi's projects on land use and protection levels offer valuable insight into these national assets' conservation.

The government's commitment to wetland conservation, through partnerships and best practices for sustainable use, ensures that these priceless ecosystems can continue to serve future generations. As South Africa celebrates this new Ramsar site, it reaffirms its pledge to maintain and cherish its rich natural heritage.