Small wonder government wants to spend millions on fighting the scourge. I am delighted that Minister Kasrils recognises the value of wetlands in managing our water for free, says national co-ordinator of the RWP, David Lindley. 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.