Investigation of the impacts of land use activities on wetlands along Dzindi River

Abstract

The threat posed by anthropogenic activities on wetlands remains a major concern throughout the world. A series of wetlands along the Dzindi River are subjected to extensive cultivation of maize crops, sand and clay mining as well as afforestation. This has negatively impacted on ecological processes within the wetlands. The maize crops are planted on a continuous basis during summer seasons on both seasonal and temporary wet zones of all the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) units assessed along the Dzindi River. The Dzindi River wetlands Present Ecological Status (PES) is considered to be poor, however some very basic ecological functioning still exist. The ecosystem services provided by these HGM units have diminished because the wetlands are cleared of all the natural wetlands vegetation at both temporary and seasonal zones. The high level wetlands assessment study called National Fresh Water Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) which covered the whole of South Africa identified Dzindi River as a fresh water ecosystem priority area (SANBI) (2011). A series of smaller wetlands responsible for maintenance of this river system were not assessed as part of this program. Valuable information to guide the rehabilitation and protection of these important ecosystems can be obtained through intensive assessments, recording, storing and continuous evaluation of relevant data. Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to protect Dzindi River wetlands from further degradation. These interventions can include education and awareness, alien plants control, rehabilitation activities and a detailed assessment of available wetlands.