None of these Acts focuses on wetlands, and they are open to interpretation, depending on the focus of the Act. Even when the relevant clauses are used together, the shield is weak. A wetlands issue that is becoming increasingly urgent is peat extraction. Peat is organic matter that remains as it was when it formed -which could be anything from last year to a few thousand years ago. It is a type of soil that has a high carbon content, and consists of semi-decomposed, partially preserved reeds, pollen, sedges, tree trunks and even animals.
Undisturbed peat is a record of geological and climatic changes in the environment.
More importantly, peat enhances the functions of wetlands. It absorbs and stores water exactly like a sponge. It is an excellent filter, known to remove a large percentage of pollutants from water. Where peatlands occur downstream of mines and industries on the Highveld, they have become important factors in natural water purification. Peat extraction is highly destructive.