MEC stresses the role of wetlands

MODIMOLLE – ECONOMIC development, environment and tourism (Ledet) MEC, Seaparo Sekoati, said people needed to protect wetlands as they produced environmental benefits that people depended on.

“Ignoring the protection of wetlands can only result in wiping out biodiversity, which would negatively impact substance farming. This, in turn, would result in deepened poverty levels and a drastically reduced water supply leading to a substantial rise in prices and removed vegetation that would fuel destructive nature and global warming,” said Sekoati.

He spoke during the 18th annual celebration of World Wetlands Day, which was held on Friday at the Nylsvley Nature Reserve near Modimolle.

Under the theme, Wetlands are Our Future, Sekoati urged young people to participate and learn more about wetlands as these were life supporting systems.

“If nurtured in their natural conditions, wetlands could resume their role to feed the poor and avert a water crisis,” said Sekoati.

Guest speakers at the ceremony spoke about the need for young people to learn the significance of conserving our natural habitats, as they were essential in our lives.

Mookgophong councillor, Sarah Monyamane, said Nylsvley did not only serve as a tourism destination, but contributed to a generation of knowledge through the advancement of academic research.

“We should pride ourselves on the rare and unique heritage that resides within our district, which is mostly admired worldwide and treasured by the international community,” said Monyamane.

“We must work together to make this year a turning point in our efforts to conserve and protect our natural heritage. Wetlands provide perfect opportunity to take stock of the inherent values and benefits associated with wetlands, biodiversity and ecotourism. It is essential and incumbent upon us to better manage and better conserve our natural heritage.”

Celia Bosch, a gr. 7 Laerskool Nylstroom learner said she learned a lot about what humans could do to protect natural habitats and how they produced goods to us.

“It was a great experience and I enjoyed the tour to the wetlands area and learning about the birds that reside there.”