Wetlands


The importance of wetlands was again declared by the United Nations, with the following statement:

“How can we reduce floods, droughts and water pollution? By using the solutions, we already find in nature. The answer is nature!”

Wetlands occur in different environments around the world, and they all have divergent characteristics. However, they do all have one thing in common: they are extremely important habitats of rich biodiversity, and they have an important role to play in the lives of humans and animals alike.

Whether it is called a marsh, swamp, vlei, bog, seep, fen or pan, a wetland is a unique ecosystem – an area of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. It is usually home to many species of plants and animals.

Sadly, 50% of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed. Without suitable wetland habitat, many species could soon be homeless.

Here are 6 reasons why you should care about wetlands:

1. They preserve our water
Wetlands purify and store excess water and can slow down water to help prevent floods. They also recharge ground water.

2. They help control erosion.
In a dry country like South Africa, the role of wetlands in trapping sediments, before the sediment-laden water joins a river course and just washes away, is essential.

3. They provide shelter.
Fish larvae and fry (juveniles) use the calm, shallow waters as a nursery. Wetlands also provide food and shelter for many animals, like birds and frogs.

4. They provide for livestock.
Wetlands provide good areas for grazing, and the variety of grasses, along with a supply of running water, can be beneficial to farming livestock.

5. They protect biodiversity.
South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot, thanks in part of our wetlands. The biodiversity of wetlands has produced incredible specialist pieces that are only found in these habitats.

6. They provide recreation.
We get to enjoy nature walks, picnics, birding, fishing or even sailing in wetlands.

Our hope is that future generations will be able to enjoy seeing wetland animals and plants in their natural habitat.

The iSimangaliso wetlands are as the name says, a place of wonder. And there’s no better place to view it from – Eco-Lodge. Come and see it for yourself