SALI landscapers are experts in wetland-scaping – the creation of ecologically-friendly wetlands landscaped by professionals.
World Wetlands Day (2 February) is a good time to think about the importance of creating wetlands around your home or business.
The theme for the 2019 World Wetlands Day on February 2 is ‘Wetlands: The key to coping with climate change’.
In 1971 the environmental value of wetlands was finally recognised by governments throughout the world. On February 2 of that year the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed. The convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
It is so named as it took place in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The date of the signing, February 2, was designated as World Wetlands Day. South Africa is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention.
What are the benefits of wetlands? Wetlands are like stepping stones and form vital links in the chain of water supply across semi-arid South Africa.
Natural sponges
Wetlands act as natural sponges that hold water during rainy seasons and reduce the danger of floods and soil erosion.
They release water slowly during drought periods.
They purify the water that passes through them.
They provide food, housing materials and traditional medicines for local communities.
Wetlands are also extremely rich in biodiversity and many species of plants, animals, birds and insects cannot survive without wetlands.
Wetlands are under siege, as a result It is estimated that 50% of South Africa’s wetlands have been destroyed through development, water pollution and general human growth. As a result, species dependent on wetlands are declining faster than those reliant on other ecosystems.
Develop a wetland
South African landscapers are at the forefront of wetland-scaping. When large tracts of land have been approved for development as housing estates, golf estates and business parks, landscapers identify mini wetland areas and incorporate them into their plans.
Some landscapers identify low lying areas and develop them into attractive wetland areas with appropriate plants which in turn provide an ecosystem for endangered wildlife.
Award winning wetlands created by SALI professionals
There are a host of award winning – and outstanding – landscaped wetlands to be found in South Africa. Here a just a few examples:
