This past week, the City of Joburg hosted hundreds of Grade 6 pupils during the Flufftail Festival, which took place on February 8 and 9 at the Johannesburg Zoo.
The White-winged Flufftail bird is one of the rarest and most threatened wetland birds on the continent, with a fast dwindling population that is facing a significant risk of extinction.
The trip came after World Wetlands Day, which is an important global environmental day that is celebrated on February 2 annually, and is heralded as an educational awareness vehicle in the conservation and restoration efforts of wetlands.
With temperatures soaring unbearably over the years, wetlands are being sucked dry, resulting in the unnatural evaporation of moisture and diminishing water levels which adversely affects birdlife, plants and the overall biodiversity found in wetlands. This has direct implications on the health, economy and social wellbeing of communities and residents.
The City said learners explored and gained much-needed information about the importance of wetlands, and partook in including hands-on water testing activities, interactive games and quizzes.
Residents were also encouraged to think of ways they can play their part, including collecting rain water for gardens and avoiding contaminating or polluting grey water with chemicals, oil or litter.
Johannesburg boasts a number of wetlands around the City, attracting tourists and natural activities associated with wetlands.
Wetlands play a significant role in urban areas as they reduce flooding by absorbing excessive water during stormy rainfall. They reduce the severity of droughts by regulating stream flows and provides shelter for many aquatic animals and birds.
The abundant vegetation found in wetlands, acts as a filter for domestic and industrial waste and this contributes to improving water quality.
MMC for Community Development in the City of Joburg, Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba said: “As we continue with efforts to combat the negative effects of climate change, we are mindful that it will only take a collective effort to preserve these precious water bodies.
“Residents are urged to refrain from dumping illegally, limit the use of plastic, repair equipment instead of disposing items and become part of the A Re Sebetseng campaign to keep our water bodies pollution-free.”
