Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
What (i) investments and (ii) maintenance programmes is his Department implementing to restore and protect wetlands across the province and (b) what are the main successes of the work thus far?
(a) (i) Restoration of ecological ecosystems are undertaken collectively and information is not disaggregated for wetlands in particular.
(ii) CapeNature implements restoration and maintenance of wetlands within reserves it manages as part of Protected Area Management Plans for each reserve and/or reserve complex. This includes regular clearing of invasive alien vegetation that threatens wetland ecosystems, hydrological management, maintaining natural water flow patterns and preventing artificial drainage or blockage, routine maintenance of rehabilitated sites, including erosion control and revegetation. Some activities include involving local communities protecting wetlands through awareness campaigns.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) undertakes monitoring and compliance enforcement, ensuring that illegal dumping, encroachment, and pollution are addressed.
(b) The main success has been the establishment of strategic partnerships with non-profit organisations (NPOs) to leverage alternative and blended finance mechanisms. A recent highlight is the launch of the Cape Water Bond where R150 million over five years was secured for ecological infrastructure including wetlands.
