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iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive and interconnected wetland system, partnered with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to host Transnet employees in celebration of World Wetlands Day under the global theme: “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”

World Wetlands Day is observed annually on 2 February, World Wetlands Day commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971. The day serves to raise global awareness about the critical role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, regulating climate, purifying water, and mitigating floods.

As a conservation authority, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority uses this platform to highlight the ecological, cultural, and socio-economic importance of wetlands, particularly within South Africa’s largest marine protected area

iSimangaliso is home to four Ramsar-designated wetlands of international importance:

These ecosystems are among the most productive in the world and serve as vital hubs for local community livelihoods and coastal economic activity.

However, the Park’s wetlands face several conservation challenges, including overexploitation of natural resources such as fish and plant species, invasive alien species, climate change, water abstraction, pollution, and alterations to natural water flow systems.

iSimangaliso Ecologist, Dr Riaan Cedras, emphasised the importance of the day and spoke on the ways in which wetlands enrich the lives of communities living in and adjacent to the Park. “Wetlands are living systems that sustain both biodiversity and human communities. Through ongoing monitoring of interconnected ecosystems, including the St Lucia mouth, we can track environmental changes and respond proactively to emerging threats.”

The programme included a visit to the Eastern Shores section of the Park, where participants received an overview of key ecological features and engaged in discussions about South Africa’s water scarcity challenges and the importance of protecting remaining healthy wetland systems.

Ezemvelo Community Conservation Officer, Mr Sipho Mbuyisa, highlighted the socio-economic value of wetlands ways wetlands have improved the livelihoods of so many people, touching on how wetlands support agricultural practices that have sustained communities for decades. “Wetlands have provided livelihoods for mothers, sisters and grandmothers who are now respected entrepreneurs selling crafts and mats made from incema harvested along the water’s edge. It is our responsibility to ensure harvesting is managed sustainably so that this cultural practice continues for generations.”

The World Wetlands Day celebration forms part of iSimangaliso’s broader environmental awareness programme. The Park regularly hosts schools, traditional authorities, and youth rhino ambassadors to promote environmental literacy. In partnership with Ezemvelo and Wild Oceans, the Authority also conducts outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening community stewardship and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Routine patrols conducted by Ezemvelo, Wild Oceans and St Lucia Honorary Officers continue to combat illegal activities such as gill netting and snaring, safeguarding the integrity of the Park’s wetlands.

iSimangaliso remains committed to conserving its globally significant ecosystems while ensuring that surrounding communities benefit from their sustainable use.

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Statement issued by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority

For media enquires contact:

MLO: Mr. Bheki Manzini 

Call/WhatsApp: 060 533 2082

Email: bhekimanzini@isimangaliso.com