{"id":294951,"date":"2026-04-16T13:06:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T11:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/mkambati-nature-reserve-gains-ramsar-status-highlighting-global-wetland-significance\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:06:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T11:06:54","slug":"mkambati-nature-reserve-gains-ramsar-status-highlighting-global-wetland-significance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/mkambati-nature-reserve-gains-ramsar-status-highlighting-global-wetland-significance\/","title":{"rendered":"Mkambati Nature Reserve gains Ramsar status, highlighting global wetland significance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

EASTERN CAPE <\/strong>– Mkambati Nature Reserve<\/a> in the Eastern Cape has been designated as South Africa\u2019s newest Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention<\/a>, making it the country\u2019s thirty-first Ramsar Site and marking a major milestone for conservation efforts in the region.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed by 172 countries, identifies and protects wetlands of global significance. With Mkambati\u2019s addition, there are now over 2 500 Ramsar Sites worldwide, covering nearly 2,5 million square kilometres.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said on Wednesday, \u201cThe designation acknowledges that the many wetlands found at Mkambati have unique ecological, cultural and socio-economic value, placing the reserve firmly on the global map of internationally recognised wetlands\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located about 71km from Flagstaff along the Wild Coast, Mkambati spans more than 7 000 hectares and is renowned for its rare biodiversity. The reserve is home to plant and animal species found nowhere else, including the Pondo White Pear and the Copelatus mkambati beetle, which was recently discovered in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mkambati<\/a>
Mkambati Nature Reserve is among the few places in the world where waterfalls cascade directly into the ocean. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mkambati is also recognised as an important bird area, supporting a variety of rare and threatened bird species.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reserve features rare wetland types such as swamp forests and multiple estuaries, notably the Msikaba and Mtentu Rivers. The Mtentu estuary is globally unique, providing a thermal refuge for adult giant kingfish and serving as a vital nursery for fish species.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mkambati is among the few places in the world where waterfalls cascade directly into the ocean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wetlands in Mkambati play a crucial role in supporting life and livelihoods. They provide clean water, grazing areas during dry periods, and habitats for biodiversity. The area also offers opportunities for sustainable tourism, nature-based enterprises, and job creation through restoration and conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Singh noted that the Department of Water and Sanitation assisted with water quality monitoring during the Ramsar application process. \u201cThe findings confirmed that the rivers in the area are exceptionally clean,\u201d he said. He added that the wetlands within the reserve are also in good condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A recent national biodiversity assessment shows that wetlands and estuaries are among the most threatened and least protected ecosystems in South Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt a time when wetlands face growing pressures from pollution, poor agricultural practices and infrastructure development, finding ecosystems in such good condition is rare and they must be protected,\u201d Singh said.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its new Ramsar status, Mkambati joins a global network of protected wetlands, reinforcing South Africa\u2019s commitment to conserving its unique natural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Pniel learners to mark World Wetlands Day at Assegaaibosch<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Nature Reserve Gains Ramsar Status for Wetlands | Komani Karoo Express<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Mkambati Nature Reserve gains Ramsar status as South Africa's newest Wetland of International Importance. 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