Wetlands in the Overberg – and specifically in the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area – will receive renewed support and protection.

The Overberg District Municipality (ODM) has joined up with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), together highlighting the importance of the area’s wetlands and biodiversity.

 

Celebrating at the Black Oystercatcher

To celebrate their work together to date, the ODM and ICLEI will host a wetlands awareness session for councilors and other partners at the Black Oystercatcher Wines. The event takes place on Tuesday 9 May.

The ODM will then sign the Durban Commitment at the event. This commits the Overberg District to protect and enhance our region’s biodiversity. The ODM will join the City of Johannesburg, and other local governments around the world in this commitment.

ICLEI has over the past year undertaken an extensive assessment of the wetlands and surrounding biodiversity in the Overberg. Their findings will be released at the event.

 

Why our area is so special

The Overberg District is home to many wetlands, including two RAMSAR sites known for their high ecological value and beauty.

But the ICLEI team has found that wetlands here face many threats, including agriculture, encroachment of invasive plants and inappropriate development in the past.

The report highlights the importance of wetlands in providing fresh water, food and natural medicines to those living throughout the district.

The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area, of which the Black Oystercatcher Wines is a member, is a local initiative working to protect the wetlands and threatened biodiversity here.