The social value of small wetlands : lessons from Modderfonteinspruit in Ekurhuleni, South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa wetlands are classified as some of the most endangered ecosystems, mainly because they have not been properly managed. Wetlands provide numerous economic, ecological and social benefits, and the communities located within proximity of wetlands can enjoy these benefits. As a shared resource, wetlands are subjected to a number of anthropogenic pressures that have contributed towards their destruction and, in some cases, a complete loss. The Modderfonteinspruit wetland in Chloorkop, in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng is a typical degraded urban wetland. This study investigated community perceptions of the social values of the Modderfonteinspruit wetland and further explored the human activities degrading it so that the wetland can be conserved. The study involved interviewing forty (40) people from the local community, and four (4) municipality officials responsible for managing natural resources such as wetlands within Ekurhuleni. Interview data weresupplemented by field observations, questionnaires and informal discussions. The questionnaire and informal interviews were answered by 31 of the 40 individuals from the local community to determine their perception of the current status of the wetland, main activities taking place in and around the wetland, reasons for contributing towards their degradation and a collective effort to conserve this wetland. The collected data was then analysed quantitatively. The study revealed that numerous factors were influencing the degradation of the Modderfonteinspruit wetland, including brick making, sand mining, crop cultivation and solid waste dumping. The local community saw the wetland as a source of income and a poverty-alleviating tool. Their perception was that the need for survival outweighs the need to conserve the wetland unless alternative sources of employment are offered. Since perceptions can change over time, there is hope that over time community perceptions on wetlands could change for the better and can people start to appreciate the biological values of wetlands. A link between perceptions and education was established in the study - the more educated the respondents, the better their knowledge of managing natural resources and wetlands. Several recommendations were made, including the need for a collaborative effort between local communities and local government to ensure effective wetland management and conservation. Public awareness campaigns to educate the local community on the biological and social values and functions of wetlands are needed.