‘Conserve wetland biodiversity,’ urges Ledet

With wetlands biodiversity reportedly being threatened by factors such as pollution, climate change and exploitation of resources, the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) encourages residents and other formations to minimise these threats by taking action to conserve wetlands in the province.
This follows the World Wetlands Day that was observed recently under the theme ‘Wetlands and Biodiversity’ which signifies that life thrives in wetlands. The theme further highlights the importance of wetlands biodiversity conversation, its status, why it matters and promotes actions to reserve its loss. Information provided by Ledet indicated that wetlands are important in protecting the incredible biodiversity of South African habitats by mitigating climate change, preventing floods and helping to control erosion.
It went on to highlight that wetlands are rich with biodiversity and are a habitat for a dense variety of plant and animal species. Wetlands are part of the landscape that is defined by the presence of water. They may be characterised as dominated by trees, shrubs or herbaceous vegetation, it was leant.
There are three Ramsar designated wetlands in the Limpopo River basin namely Makuleke Wetlands., Nylsvley Nature Reserve and Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve.
To address the aforementioned threats, Ledet urges organisations, communities, forums, schools, churches and individuals in the province to take action to conserve wetland biodiversity.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za