A team of researchers from 49 countries, found there were 3,500 harmful invasive alien species globally. A report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Science Science – Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), concluded economic costs of exotic species, is around $423 billion.
Various efforts around South Africa to restore the ecological integrity of wetlands, include the removal of invasive hyacinth, which is rampant.
Magalies Water Board’s David Magae, said about this initiative, in a statement, that upstream sources of pollution continue, which include dumping of rubbish, non-compliance by industries.
He also said there is also poor management of waste water treatment plants, causing untreated water to flow back to the environment.
“The nanobubble technology will be used to put back lost oxygen, once the plants are removed, thereby restoring the water quality to its natural state.”
Another Wetland of concern, also choked by hyacinth, is the Blesbokspruit Wetland, in Ekurhuleni.
Last year, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, signed a deal with the Government of the Netherlands, using this project, as a flagship to exchange knowledge about governance and experience.
Just when hyacinth seem like a grave threat to wetlands and dams, researchers from the University of Fort Hare (Israel Ropo Orimoloye, Ahmed Mukalazi Kalumba, Sonwabo Perez Mazinyo and Werner Nel), found, back in 2018, that one of South Africa’s iconic wetlands is shrinking.
A protected area shrinking?
Yes, satellite images over the past 30 years, found Isimangaliso, also a World Heritage Site, has shrunk in size by 5%, between 1987 and 2017.
In this report, the four researchers also say the wetlands, must be restored at all costs, because they are part of a flood management system. “Expanded Public Works Programme needs to be enhanced to restore many compromised and over harvested wetlands within the Park to manage the risk of flooding.”
Other researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand, Emmah Mandishona and Jasper Knight, make the point that inland wetlands in Africa, are significant for storing carbon, recharging groundwater and also for removing pollutants.
There are ongoing reports of sewage spills into wetlands, such as the Marigane and Lanseria street, in Bonaero Park, in Kempton Park.
Which one is the biggest threat, then?
Picture: SA Ramsar