South Africa Designates De Berg Nature Reserve as the 30th Ramsar Site

The intrinsic value of wetlands to the environment, biodiversity, and human welfare cannot be overstated. In South Africa, the preservation and restoration of these ecosystems is not only a matter of environmental priority but also a socio-economic catalyst, evidenced by the recent announcement of De Berg Nature Reserve as the 30th Ramsar Site.

Wetlands like estuaries, marshes, vleis, and lakes cover less than 3% of South Africa's land but deliver immense ecological services including flood mitigation and water purification. These habitats are foundational for numerous species, support agriculture, drive tourism, and contribute to the economy by creating jobs, especially in rural communities.

Under the aegis of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Working for Wetlands program has been pivotal in the rehabilitation of wetlands across all nine provinces since its inception in 2000. With an investment surpassing R1.4 billion, the initiative has rejuvenated 1,873 wetlands and generated over 43,662 job opportunities with significant employment for women and the youth.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), an arm of DFFE, plays a key role in mapping and studying wetlands, informing efforts to ensure their longevity, and showcasing their role in our ecological infrastructure. Important Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) are receiving attention from various SANBI initiatives that assess land use and enforce protection measures.

Efforts to monitor and rejuvenate these ecosystems are strengthened through collaborations between the government and local communities. Commitment to keeping these spaces free from litter and invasive species, coupled with following sustainable usage practices, demonstrates a community-driven approach to conservation.

Pride in national efforts was echoed by the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Dr Musonda Mumba, who acknowledged South Africa's dedication to the convention by highlighting the addition of De Berg Nature Reserve to the prestigious list of Ramsar Sites. Now spanning 574,033 hectares, South Africa's Ramsar Sites serve as global benchmarks of significant wetland conservation.

De Berg Nature Reserve, positioned at over 2300 meters above sea level near Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, features pristine, habitat-rich valley wetlands and streams. Its high-altitude wetlands represent one of the most unspoiled environments in the country's grassland biome.

This biodiversity hub shelters threatened plant and animal species, including the recently identified Bulbine decastroi. The presence of rare wildlife and the significant Southern Bald Ibis population underlines the area's ecological significance.

Coinciding with World Wetlands Day, the designation of De Berg Nature Reserve spotlights the link between wetlands and human wellness. It serves as a timely reminder that safeguarding these areas is vital for present and future generations, ensuring the stability and nurturing of these diverse ecological systems.