By Nelisiwe Khusi
On 2 February, we celebrate World Wetlands Day to highlight the importance of wetlands and their role in supporting life. These unique ecosystems provide clean water, store carbon, protect us from floods, and serve as vital habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
The State of Wetlands in South Africa
South Africa is home to 135 inland wetland types, classified based on vegetation and hydrogeomorphic features such as depressions, floodplains, valley bottoms, and seeps (SANBI, 2019). Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the country. According to the 2018 National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA), nearly 80% of inland wetland ecosystems are threatened: 61% are Critically Endangered, 9% Endangered, and 9% Vulnerable. Approximately 75% of these ecosystems are both threatened and under-protected, with only 6% considered well-protected, while 61% receive no protection at all (SANBI, 2019).
The Western Cape alone hosts 73 different wetland types, accounting for over 50% of the country’s wetland diversity, despite covering only 10.6% of South Africa’s land area (Statistics South Africa, 2016). In this province, 80% of wetlands are threatened. Of the 73 inland wetland ecosystem types, 50 are classified as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), or Vulnerable (VU) due to pressures such as development, urban expansion, agriculture, and invasive species (CapeNature, 2023). Wetlands in higher-lying areas tend to be in better condition, whereas 44 of the 50 Critically Endangered wetland types are found in lower-lying regions. The most threatened wetlands include floodplain and valley-bottom wetlands, while seep wetlands remain the least threatened (CapeNature, 2023).
The Importance of Peatlands
Peatlands are a rare but highly valuable wetland type. Globally, they cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface yet hold 30% of the world’s soil carbon (Joosten et al., 2012; Grundling et al., 2017). Despite their small extent, peatlands play a critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and water regulation. They also store 10% of global freshwater while providing essential water filtration services (Grundling et al., 2017).
In South Africa, peatlands are scarce freshwater ecosystems, comprising only 1% of the country’s total wetland area (Grundling et al., 2017). Once degraded, they are difficult to restore and highly vulnerable to fires and erosion. At least 17 peat wetlands have collapsed in South Africa (SANBI, 2019). Despite their ecological significance, peatlands remain under-researched and poorly understood. The lack of baseline data makes it difficult to develop effective policies and management strategies, increasing the risk of further degradation. The first step in effective peatland conservation is gathering accurate information (Grundling et al., 2017).


Exposed peat in a degraded section of the wetland
GCBR and Wetland Conservation
The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) is actively working to rehabilitate wetlands in its region. One of its key focus areas is the Broomvlei Wetland, the largest wetland in the Riversdale area, located in the upper Goukou Catchment.
Through the Gouritz Resilient Rivers Project, initiated in 2018, the GCBR has:
- Cleared invasive plants and used chipped biomass as mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
- Reintroduced indigenous plants in priority areas to support wetland rehabilitation.
- Conducted baseline assessments since March 2024 to study vegetation composition, soil organic matter, and wetland health in priority areas, guiding effective conservation strategies.

A section of the Broomvlei Wetland. The area in front and to the left of the wetland has been cleared by the GCBR contracting teams
Protecting Wetlands for the Future
Wetlands are crucial for clean water, healthy ecosystems, and climate resilience. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, let’s reflect on how we can support their protection and restoration for nature, communities, and future generations.
To learn more about wetlands, check out our previous blogs:
🔗 Discovering Wetlands: What Are They?
🔗 Improving Wetland Health: Measure, Know, Manage
Last year, to celebrate World Wetlands Day, we interviewed renowned wetland specialist and trusted GCBR advisor, Dr. Donovan Kotze. Read the interview here:
🔗 Exploring the Vital Role of Wetlands: A Conversation with Dr. Donovan Kotze
References
CapeNature. 2023. 2023 Western Cape State of Biodiversity Report. CapeNature.
Grundling, P., Grundling, A.T., Pretorius, L., Mulders, J., Mitchell, S. 2017. South African peatlands: Ecohydrological characteristics and socio-economic value. WRC Report No. 2346/1/17. Water Research Commission, Pretoria.
Joosten, H., Tapio-Bistr’m, M.-L., & Tol, S. (eds). 2012. Peatlands – Guidance for climate change mitigation through conservation, rehabilitation, and sustainable use (Second edition). Published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Wetlands International Mitigation of Climate Change in Agriculture (MICCA) Programme.
South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 2019. National Biodiversity Assessment 2018: The status of South Africa’s ecosystems and biodiversity. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute, an entity of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Pretoria. pp. 1–214.