As part of Wetlands month activities, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues its effort to raise awareness in communities regarding the importance of wetlands.
Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials celebrated the World Wetlands month outside Pretoria, in Rietvlei nature reserve with schools around the area. Learners were told how to take care of wetlands and how it can save them from the global threat of climate change.
The slogan for 2010 World Wetlands Day is: "Care for Wetlands, An Answer to Climate Change. This year's campaign seeks to educate the community on how to care for and protect wetlands. It appears that awareness programs on wetlands are beginning to intensify because preserving these precious ecosystems will play a significant role in reducing the impact of climate change.
Throughout the world, wetlands continue to be the most highly threatened ecosystem though they play an important role in our lives and are the most damaged and neglected areas.
The Green Peace roundup reports that during the climate change meeting last year in Copenhagen, world leaders focused attention on the need for an active response towards climate change. According to the report the meeting concluded that 2010 is the year of biodiversity and climate change. This includes wetland species and ecosystems which are under threat from human practices.
The likely impact of climate change on wetlands and most importantly the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation and adoption are critical aspects of the campaign. There is still much work to be done both locally and internationally in educating humans about the role of wetlands in protecting the environment.
Due to the development taking place and the increase of the population the demands for wetlands services are expected to increase. Having realised that wetlands will play a critical role in mitigating climate change, governments across the world have taken a radical step to educate communities on how to care for this valuable environment.
For information regarding wetland programs, contact:
Happy Baloyi
Tel: 011 355 1900
Issued by: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
4 March 2010
Source: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gdard.gpg.gov.za/)
