eNews

#01 2025

Protecting wetlands for our common future: Voices of women, youth advancing climate action in Maputaland

by Londiwe Gule and Nozipho Mahlanze, Grasslands Node, NRF-SAEON

In celebration of World Wetlands Day 2025, NRF-SAEON’s Grasslands Node spearheaded a series of dynamic activities in the uMhlabuyalingana area of Maputaland to delve into the rich history of wetland farming and raise awareness about the critical importance of wetland ecosystems. 

This initiative was designed to engage local communities and schools in thoughtful discussions on wetland preservation and sustainable management under this year’s unifying theme: “Protecting wetlands for our common future”.

The theme for 2025 highlights the indispensable role that wetlands play in sustaining life, supporting biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change.  

Boosting SAEON’s impact over the airwaves 

On February 2, the Grasslands Node team visited the Maputaland Community Radio Station, where they shared valuable insights into the significance of World Wetlands Day. During the radio interview, the Node’s science engagement officer, Nozipho Mahlanze, highlighted how wetlands regulate water resources, support a diverse range of species and serve as natural buffers against climate change.

Siphiwe Mfeka, the Node’s technical assistant, showcased SAEON’s impactful work in the Maputaland Coastal Plain region (on the eastern seaboard of southern Africa in KwaZulu-Natal), with the intention of sparking community interest and dialogue on environmental stewardship and building resilience in the face of climate change. Team members hoped that this might spark an interest in science for learners who might also have been listening.

The Grassland Node’s Siphiwe Mfeka (left) and Nozipho Mahlanze on air at the Maputaland community radio station.

Engaging in the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) game with wetland farmers.

Interaction with farmers inside a cleared plot.

Voices from the field: Women leading the way  

The SAEON Grasslands Node values indigenous knowledge and has first-hand experience of how listening to and incorporating this knowledge enhances the node’s science and its relevance to society. After sharing some of our information on the radio, it was time to listen.

On the following day, February 3, a knowledge exchange session was held with women from the Mabasa Tribal Council – seasoned farmers who have long relied on wetland agriculture. During the session, the women recounted their personal stories, emphasising that wetland farming has been a vital source of income that has enabled them to educate their children from primary school through university. They detailed the traditional farming techniques passed down through generations, including natural water management, organic soil enrichment and strategic crop rotation, all of which have helped preserve the wetlands’ rich biodiversity.

However, the conversation also revealed a shift in practices: while traditional methods have long promoted sustainable farming, some community members have begun to adopt modern, time-saving techniques – such as the use of herbicides and insecticides which, although convenient, may compromise long-term sustainability. In response, some of the women stressed the importance of reverting to and preserving sustainable practices. They encouraged a balanced approach that integrates the strengths of traditional knowledge with innovative strategies to ensure that the wetlands continue to support both livelihoods and the environment.

Facilitating intergenerational knowledge transfer: Engaging youth in sustainable farming  

SAEON’s work is focused on understanding long-term changes to ecosystems. We like to look back in time to see what is changing and what this may mean for the future. We noticed while working in the Maputaland Coastal Plain that there is little opportunity for intergenerational knowledge transfer focused on how the environment has changed over time. Learners who are in grade 8 now have never known the system to be more open, with fewer gum trees and more water.  

The intergenerational dialogue held at Justice Nxumalo High School was a notable highlight of the celebration. Here, experienced women farmers engaged with Grade 8 learners, sharing the cultural heritage of wetland farming and the critical role it plays in environmental stewardship.

The elders recounted their experiences cultivating indigenous crops like amadumbe (taro) and sweet potatoes and emphasised the importance of seasonal changes in ensuring a successful harvest. Learners and elders collaborated to create a series of wisdom posters, where ideas and experiences merged into actionable strategies for safeguarding the wetlands for the future. Working side by side, they brainstormed, designed and discussed sustainable practices, blending traditional knowledge with innovative solutions.

This intergenerational exchange not only resulted in visually compelling posters but also fostered a shared commitment to protecting the wetlands for generations to come. The engagement underscored a heartfelt plea from the community – the youth must be reintroduced to wetland farming to reconnect with their heritage and develop a deep respect for these vital ecosystems.

Mrs Mdletshe sharing her experience as a wetland farmer.

Ms Nomvelo highlighting the importance of wetlands and the threats they face.

Taking action: Enhancing climate monitoring  

Grassland Node team members are committed to democratising science to ensure a more informed and empowered society. Easy access to scientific information is an enabler in enhancing understanding and building awareness.  

The World Wetlands Day events concluded on a high note on February 4 with the installation of an automated weather station at the Mbila Tribal Authority office. This station is set to provide real-time data on rainfall, temperature and other crucial environmental parameters. The Mbila Tribal Council warmly welcomed the installation, recognising its potential to enhance climate monitoring and inform more effective environmental management decisions.

Siphiwe Mfeka, the Grassland Node’s technical assistant (centre), intern technician Niveet Bandu (left) and field assistant Awande Ntuli installing a weather station at the offices of the Mbila Tribal authority.

Niveet (right) handing over the weather station console to the secretary of the Mbila tribal office, Ms Zikhali.

Looking ahead: Research and sustainable practices 

Moving forward, in response to what the team learnt from the wetland farms, SAEON plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the herbicides, fertilisers and insecticides currently employed in the local farming community. Detailed field studies will assess the impacts of these chemicals on the nearby wetland ecosystems.

The objective is to develop strategies, working with the wetland farmers, that discourage the use of harmful substances and promote the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. By minimising chemical runoff and preserving biodiversity, these efforts aim to secure the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices, human health and the natural environment.  

A unified vision for the future 

Participants agreed that this World Wetlands Day celebration was more than a mere event – it was a powerful movement towards a sustainable future. By elevating the voices of women, engaging the youth and integrating scientific innovation, the initiative reaffirmed that protecting wetlands is a shared responsibility.

As one elder poignantly stated, reconnecting younger generations with traditional wetlands farming is essential, not only for preserving invaluable agricultural practices but also for nurturing a lasting respect for the environment.

Together, these collective efforts signal a promising step forward in safeguarding our wetlands for our common future, ensuring that these precious ecosystems continue to nourish life and inspire generations to come.