“Despite the valuable services provided by wetlands, it has been found that they are the most threatened ecosystems globally. It is estimated that in South Africa alone we have lost 50% of wetlands through unwise and poor land management.”

These were the words of Cllr Sewani Kaunda of Musina Municipality while officially opening the Wetlands Day Celebration at Musina a fortnight ago. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil all year round. Before the formal event, guests and stakeholders visited a wetland area in Musina Nancefield.

In his address, Kaunda said wetlands were vital for human survival as they were among the world’s most productive environments “that provide the water and productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals depend for survival.” He also mentioned that wetlands are complex and dynamic ecosystems that are extremely important to society and provide significant economic, social and cultural benefits. “They support our agricultural activities by providing a source of water for irrigation and livestock and for domestic consumption.”

Kaunda said wetlands also acted as natural sponges that stored water in times of heavy rainfall and released it during dry periods. It also regulated water flow during floods and wetlands reduce flood damage and helped prevent soil erosion. Wetlands also purified water by acting as natural filters and trapping pollutants, which included heavy metals and disease-causing bacteria and viruses, he said.

Kaunda was concerned that studies demonstrate that wetland areas and quality continue to decline in most regions of the world. He urged the guests to assist in preserving wetlands. "People must refrain from littering in the wetlands and we must make sure that they remain clean at all times," Kaunda said.

During the event, presentations were also made by representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Musina Municipality, South African National Parks and the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET).