South Africa’s landscapes have changed dramatically over the past few centuries, largely through human settlements and associated activities. Short-sighted development, inappropriate land use practices and poor land management have significantly impacted on the ecosystems that form the core of the nation’s natural capital. Yet South Africa relies on these very ecosystems to provide the life-support services that sustain its people and rich biodiversity. The manner in which we use wetlands and the scale on which we do so determines the extent of our impact. Wetlands are biologically diverse ecosystems that provide a habitat for many important species, act as buffers against coastal storms, and naturally filter water by breaking down harmful pollutants. They could not be more important as gatekeepers that help protect the natural world. menos ↑