Celebrations in Lambasi location at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality
29 January 2009
Members of the media are cordially invited to join the Eastern Cape
Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) in the
provincial celebration of the World Wetlands Day at Lambasi location in
Lusikisiki on Thursday, 5 February 2009.
Wetlands day is celebrated around the world on 2 February every year and it
is instrumental in creating awareness about environmental management and
protection of wetlands. 2 February marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention
in 1971.
âAs South Africa is the signatory of the Ramsar Convention, the
commemoration of this day is imperative to showcase the commitment of the
country in implementing sound environmental management and protection,â said Mr
Albert Mfenyana, the General Manager, Environmental Management at DEDEA. The
theme for this year's celebrations is: âUpstream - Downstream: Wetlands connect
us all.â
Among the obligations of the Ramsar Convention is the demarcation of wetland
sites and their classification according to their status. Msikaba Godge and
Umlambomkhulu are two potential sites that have been identified for
demarcation. Umlambomkhulu is significant as it is the only river with natural
waterfalls that fall directly to the sea. This site has international status as
it is second in the world. The area is a home for a vulture population which is
under threat and deserves special conservation attention. âSuch biodiversity
features deserve special classification within conservation status, protection
and value costing,â said Mfenyana.
These sites have a high potential not only for conservation but are also a
draw card for tourism. The aim of hosting of the event at Lambasi location is a
way of creating awareness to the community about the significance of these
sites. This will also assist in making interventions for capacity building and
mobilisation towards research, mapping and designation of areas as Ramsar
sites.
The ultimate goal will be to lift the biodiversity status of the area and to
unleash the tourism potential for the benefit of the community.
The details for the celebration are as follows:
Venue: Lambasi location, Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in OR Tambo Region
(Lusikisiki)
Date : Thursday, 5 February 2009
Time: 10h00 - 14h00
Issued: Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs,
Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 January 2009
Source: Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, Eastern
Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecpov.gov.za)
