5 February 2009
On the 6 February 2009, 500 community members and learners from Memel
assembled at Memel primary school to celebrate world Wetlands day with the
Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic affairs and other
stakeholders. The central message emphasised by different speakers was the
importance of looking after our environment, for it to be able to provide for
us and take care of our needs. Memel was the suitable venue for this yearâs
celebration as Seekoeivlei nature reserve in Memel is the most cared wetlands
in the country.
The word wetland usually invoke images of areas with tall reeds, open water
and lush green vegetation. Although this image is true for the typical
floodplain type wetland, this is just one of a variety of wetland types. Many
wetlands therefore occur in areas where surface water collects and / or where
underground water (also referred to as groundwater or subsurface water)
discharges to the surface (commonly referred to as seeps, springs or
fountains), making the area wet for extended periods of time. Other wetlands
occur along our coasts, such as estuaries and sometimes even coral reefs.
Wetlands are important because of the functions and values that they provide
which benefit mankind. These benefits can be either direct or indirect. Until
very recently the benefits of wetlands to society were often not recognised,
and many wetlands have been destroyed, or poorly managed. Indirect benefits
include water purification, sustained stream flow, biodiversity and flood
reduction, while the direct benefits comprises of the following: Livestock
grazing, Fibre for construction and handcraft production, Valuable land for
cultivation and economically efficient wastewater treatment to mention but a
few.
Seekoeivlei nature reserve is the biggest wetland in the Highveld providing
Gauteng province through Vaal River with more than 18 million worth of water.
Because of this Rand Water was approached to fund rehabilitation of this
wetland and the project commenced in 1994 with 2 million from Rand Water. 240
people were employed between then and 1995. In 1996 Seekoeivlei won the best
national conservation award project. From 2000 rehabilitation of wetlands was
declared as a national project with between 600 and 650 people employed
annually for 5 years.
The celebration was a great success with community members and learners
being rewarded for taking part in projects developed to improve maintain and
sustain environmental management and wetlands. Memel primary school received
Eco green flag, as they managed to complete a three year program within a year,
where 91 schools took part. Eco green flag is an international program
operational in 48 countries throughout the world. The aim of this program is to
promote and improve environmental management and environmental learning.
Involving learners at an early age is to make sure that from an early stage in
their lives, understand the importance of these projects and it is instilled in
them that it is their responsibility to be proactive and do their part.
Learners and schools were not the only ones on the receiving end. About 30
community members received certificates for their participation in Wetlands
rehabilitation projects in 2007/08 where Seekoeivlei nature reserve won the
best wetland rehabilitation.
For more information contact:
Festy Nyamate
Tel: 051 400 9548
Issued by: Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic affairs, Free
State Provincial Government
5 February 2009
Source: Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic affairs, Free State
Provincial Government (http://www.dteea.fs.gov.za)
