SA Marks World Wetlands Day at False Bay, Honouring Indigenous Knowledge and Youth Stewards

The wardens are showcasing their on-the-ground conservation work and sharing insights into how community participation strengthens ecosystem protection.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, is marking World Wetlands Day today at the Rondevlei section of the False Bay Nature Reserve, one of South Africa’s internationally recognised RAMSAR sites.

The commemoration takes place under the global theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, drawing attention to the critical role that indigenous knowledge systems, local communities and cultural heritage play in protecting wetlands and ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Spotlight on Community-Led Conservation

A central feature of the programme is engagement with the City of Cape Town’s River Wardens, a group of young environmental stewards participating in a city-led skills development initiative focused on wetland conservation and biodiversity management. The wardens are showcasing their on-the-ground conservation work and sharing insights into how community participation strengthens ecosystem protection.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition that effective wetland conservation depends not only on policy and regulation, but also on local stewardship, traditional practices and community ownership of natural resources.

False Bay’s International Ecological Significance

The False Bay Nature Reserve was designated a RAMSAR site on World Wetlands Day in 2015 after meeting nine international ecological criteria. These include its outstanding biodiversity value, the presence of rare and threatened species, and its importance as a critical habitat for migratory birds.

As one of South Africa’s most ecologically diverse wetland systems, False Bay plays a vital role in maintaining regional biodiversity, supporting water regulation and providing ecosystem services essential to both wildlife and surrounding communities.

Empowering Youth and Women Through Conservation Skills

The River Warden Skills Development Programme was launched on 1 July 2024 through a partnership between the City of Cape Town and Nature Connect, with support from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The programme specifically targets youth and women from communities surrounding the False Bay, Zandvlei, Edith Stephens and Table Bay Nature Reserves.

Participants are enrolled in a three-year conservation stewardship programme that includes a Further Education and Training (FET) Certificate in Nature Conservation (NQF Level 4), temporary employment and hands-on conservation experience. To date, 57 participants have benefited from structured training, mentorship and practical exposure to biodiversity management.

Global Significance of World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is observed annually on 2 February, commemorating the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971. The day aims to raise global awareness of the importance of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity, securing clean water, supporting livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change.

As South Africa marks the occasion at the False Bay Nature Reserve, the focus on traditional knowledge and youth-led conservation highlights a broader shift toward inclusive, community-driven environmental stewardship as a cornerstone of sustainable wetland management.