The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, will this year lead the intergovernmental and the international teams in the celebration of World Wetlands Day on Wednesday, 2February 2011.
World Wetlands Day is an annual event that commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian City of Ramsar. Each year, the celebration focuses on a different theme to highlight different challenges affecting well-being of the environment.The theme for 2011 is "Wetlands, forests and climate change".World Wetlands Day 2011 celebration is organised in partnership by the Departments of Environmental Affairs, Water Affairs, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Water Research Commission, South African National Biodiversity Institute (working for wetlands) and International Council for Local Environment Initiatives (ICLEI) local governments for sustainability.
Various speakers will present papers in line with the theme for this year’s celebration which is, “Wetlands, forests and climate change”.
The purpose of this day is to recognise the values and benefits the public and the economy derive from wetlands. This year’s focus will be on the inter-linkages between wetlands and forests and the government’s role in the mitigation of climate change. This will also heighten public awareness towards ensuring collective efforts in the protection of forests and wetlands in the fight against climate change.
The event will take place as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Venue: Verlorenvlei Wetland (a RAMSAR site near the coastal town of Elands Bay on the West Coast)
Time: 08h30
For directions and the map please go to:http://www.vensterklip.co.za/contact.html
The media is invited to attend. For RSVP and interview please contact the officials listed below:
Pontso Pakkies
Tel: 012 843 5000
Cell: 082 089 6331
E-mail: P.Pakkies@sanbi.org.za
Leanne Raymond
Tel: 021 487 2772
Cell: 082 328 4972
E-mail: leanne.raynold@iclei.org
Moses Rannditsheni
Tel: 012 310 3901
Cell: 082 448 2450
E-mail: mrannditsheni@environment.gov.za
Peter Mbelengwa
Tel: 012 336 7902
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: mbelengwap@dwa.gov.za
NB: Please dress in practical field clothes and walking shoes.
