When you open your tap again, just pause for a moment and think about where your water comes from. Follow the route back to the river or dam where the water is pumped and then upwards with the streams and tributaries. At the source, around tiny streams and fountains lies the catchment, Mother Nature’s water factory! This area acts as a sponge that catches the rain and holds the water, releasing it over time.
Wetlands are defined as the area where terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems come together. Vleis, swamps, lakes, dams, rivers and catchments all make up this broad term. These are delicate ecosystems which need stability to thrive and are sensitive to burning, ploughing and clearing of land. A stable and mature wetland is very rich in plant and animal life, ask any birder or frogger! These are just the top end of food chain. Microscopic one- celled animals, worms, insects, crustaceans, snails and mussels help to purify and keep our rivers and swamps alive.
When we know where our water begins and how it flows to us, we can take pride and responsibility of our wetlands and catchments. Are they lush and green, or burnt, ploughed and planted with alien species? How about a National Wetland Day or a Water Festival? Imagine a whole community marching up a river to clean or just celebrate their wetlands!
