Grade 7 learners from Pniël Primary School will get a hands-on lesson in conservation when they take part in World Wetlands Day activities at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve this week.
The event, hosted by CapeNature in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, will take place on Friday 6 February as part of World Wetlands Day, which is commemorated globally on 2 February each year.
This year’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge… Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, highlights the important role wetlands play in both environmental sustainability and cultural identity.
Learners will participate in an educational programme aimed at strengthening their understanding of wetlands, encouraging positive environmental behaviour and promoting overall wellbeing. The initiative also focuses on sharing knowledge across generations, allowing young people to learn how cultural practices and traditions have contributed to the protection of wetlands over time.
“For generations, wetlands in the Western Cape have been central to the cultural identity, livelihoods and knowledge systems of indigenous and local communities,” said Thabiso Mokoena, SMME Development Specialist at CapeNature. “Long before formal conservation frameworks existed, traditional knowledge guided the sustainable use, protection and management of these vital ecosystems.”
Wetlands have historically provided communities with food, medicinal plants, grazing areas, building materials and spiritual spaces. They also play a critical ecological role by filtering water between mountain catchments, rivers and estuaries, while providing habitat for insects, fish, birds and animals.
CapeNature says this traditional ecological knowledge is especially important today, as the province faces challenges such as climate change, water shortages and biodiversity loss.
Across the Western Cape, the conservation authority works with local communities to integrate traditional knowledge into wetland conservation efforts. This includes documenting indigenous plant use, promoting storytelling at protected areas and supporting community-led restoration projects based on historical land-use practices.
“Wetlands are also living cultural landscapes and not only ecological assets,” CapeNature said in a statement. “Many wetlands in the Western Cape are closely linked to heritage sites, traditional harvesting areas and cultural routes. By incorporating cultural heritage considerations into conservation planning and management, CapeNature aims to ensure that wetland protection supports both biodiversity and community wellbeing.”
As part of World Wetlands Day 2026, residents are encouraged to value wetlands as places where nature and culture meet, and to support efforts that combine scientific research with traditional knowledge.
Throughout February, CapeNature will also offer curriculum-aligned wetland education programmes. Teachers and parents interested in participating can email learning@capenature.co.za.
Educational resources are available on the CapeNature website. Visit www.capenature.co.za for more information.
