Against the backdrop of the devastating floods that ushered in the new millennium, as well as the cholera, which took root at the end of 2000, the Rennies Wetland Project has received major recognition from both government and the private sector. Small wonder government wants to spend millions on fighting the scourge. Wetlands hold water during floods and release it during dry periods. This lessens flood and drought devastation.
Wetlands also help prevent soil erosion and are treasure troves of biodiversity.
For all these reasons the RWP has dedicated itself to rehabilitating damaged wetlands and conserving those that are still intact. Using rehabilitation as the vehicle to promote wetland conservation, RWP has made improvements in 21 core wetland areas nationwide. Now government is taking a leaf out of RWP's book. The new project came about because of RWP's key and tireless role in networking wetlands stakeholders. Government has been keen to get involved in wetland rehabilitation for the benefits wetlands provide in terms of water management, biodiversity and the jobs created from wetland rehabilitation, comments Lindley.