Cape town: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town, is commemorating World Wetlands Day at the Rondevlei section of the False Bay Nature Reserve. This site is one of South Africa’s internationally recognized RAMSAR sites.

According to South African Government News Agency, the commemoration aligns with the global theme ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.’ This theme emphasizes the crucial role indigenous knowledge, local communities, and cultural heritage play in preserving wetlands for future generations. A significant aspect of the program is the interaction with the City of Cape Town’s River Wardens, who are young environmental stewards part of a city-led skills development initiative. These wardens will demonstrate their conservation efforts and discuss community involvement in ecosystem preservation.

False Bay Nature Reserve achieved RAMSAR site designation on World Wetlands Day in 2015, meeting nine international ecological criteria. These criteria include its biodiversity, presence of rare and threatened species, and importance as a migratory bird habitat.

The River Warden Skills Development Programme began on 1 July 2024 through a partnership between the City of Cape Town and Nature Connect. According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the program focuses on youth and women from communities near the False Bay, Zandvlei, Edith Stephens, and Table Bay Nature Reserves. Participants receive a three-year conservation stewardship program, a Further Education and Training Certificate in Nature Conservation (NQF Level 4), temporary employment, and practical work experience. So far, 57 participants have gained from training, mentorship, and conservation practice.

World Wetlands Day, observed annually on 2 February, raises awareness about wetlands’ importance and marks the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands’ adoption in 1971. This day underscores wetlands’ critical role in supporting biodiversity, providing clean water, supporting livelihoods, and the urgent need for conservation and sustainable use.