It’s World Wetlands Day today (Wednesday) and the Sea World penguins at uShaka are planning a picket in Durban.
The plucky penguins are apparently going to be marking the day by lining up with placards and banners and marching through the park to the director’s office, where they will hand over their list of demands for a healthier world environment. This I’ve got to see.
Judy Mann, director of Sea World at uShaka, says the penguins are trying to raise awareness because they believe not enough is being done to protect South Africa’s wetlands.
Mann says there a number of easy things you can do to look after wetland areas, including being very careful that the detergents you thrown down your drain are not dangerous to marine and freshwater life.
“Often people want to build in wetland areas and we need to be careful of that. It might have a lovely view, but in actual fact by draining those wetlands we are decreasing the services that the wetlands can provide for us, so we need to be careful of where we build our houses” she said.
Mann has added that looking after the forests which grow in wetlands is also vital.
Article on the East Coast Radio website
World Wetlands Day: February 2
Each year in February we celebrate our wetlands.
What is a wetland?
This is an area where the surface soil is temporarily, seasonally or permanently wet. Examples include springs, marshes, swamp forests all the way to estuaries and beaches.
Why should we care about wetlands?
Wetlands help in:
- Flood control – by slowing water down
- Groundwater replenishment – which helps to give us water in dryer times
- Shoreline storm protection – by providing a buffer zone
- Water purification – to keep our water clean
- Recreation and tourism – wetlands are great for bird watching and relaxing
- Reducing the effects of climate change
What can we do?
Each one of us is a consumer and we can make wise choices to look after our unique marine biodiversity. When you make a choice about purchasing fish either from a restaurant, fishmonger or supermarket – text the name of the fish to 079 499 8795 and you will receive an SMS telling you the status of the fish stock and whether you should tuck in, think twice or avoid completely.
**Info courtesy East Coast Radio and Sea World at uShaka Marine World
Note: We’ve got some awesome wetlands and estuaries right here on the Umhlanga coast. Why not take a quick trip down to the Umgeni mouth and enjoy the Umgeni River Estuary, or take a walk through the Mangrove forests. For more info contact Coastal Adventures (Durban Green Corridor). 031 811 5183. E-mail info@durbangreencorridor.co.za