| Conserve our rivers and wetlands | Conserve our rivers and wetlands | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Conserve%20our%20rivers%20and%20wetlands%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClass76BB2E9C1A434E7CA3C43BA26C5E03D6"><p>Healthy rivers and wetlands are home to an incredible variety of plants and animals. Our rivers and wetlands also play a vital role in providing us with water. Unfortunately rivers and wetlands – and their creatures – are often the first to be affected as cities grow. Together we can learn about and look after these highly sensitive natural systems.</p></div> | <h2 class="sectHeading">The importance of rivers and wetlands</h2><p>Water equals life. With only a small percentage of the water on the planet being drinkable and accessible, it is vital to protect what we have.</p><p>Cape Town’s rivers and wetlands:</p><ul><li>are a home for
<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">many plants and animals</span><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">;</span></li><li>supply and carry water for drinking, washing, crops, livestock and industry;</li><li>improve the quality of water through natural plant filters;</li><li>create green jobs;</li><li>help to rebalance and rejuvenate surrounding ecosystems;</li><li>help to control floods;</li><li>make our urban environment beautiful; and</li><li>offer recreational spaces and a connection to nature.</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p>Our economy depends on a continual supply of good, clean water. Wetlands are like giant sponges – they retain water during floods and release it during dry periods. This is crucial in a dry country like South Africa.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">The importance of estuaries</h2><p>An estuary is where a river meets the ocean. Estuaries are home to unique plants and creatures that have adapted to the mixed waters. Young marine fish enter estuaries so they can grow and mature in relative safety before returning to the sea. Many bird species also depend on estuaries at different stages in their lives. It is important to manage water flow and silt build-up so that our estuaries keep working. <span class="ms-rteForeColor-2"></span></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Threats to rivers and wetlands</h2><p> Urban development is one of the biggest threats to our rivers and wetlands. It leads to the following:</p><ul><li>Pollution – this is toxic to humans, plants and animals</li><li>Thinning of rivers – this changes the natural habitats of river creatures and can affect river flow</li><li>Invasion by alien vegetation and alien fish – this leads to loss of indigenous plants and animals</li><li>Stress on water supply</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info remember"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Remember</h4><p>
<strong>Don't pollute! </strong>Polluted water damages ecosystems, causes the death of animals and plant life, stops our economy from growing, carries water-borne diseases and contaminates our drinking water. </p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Saving the Western Leopard Toad </h2><p>The Western Leopard Toad, which can only be found in our coastal region from the Cape Flats to the Agulhas Plain, is in danger of extinction. Many toads die crossing busy roads on their annual migration to wetlands, vleis and rivers to breed.</p><p>You can play an important part in protecting these toads: </p><ul><li>If you are driving or a passenger, be on the lookout for toads during breeding season (usually in spring).</li><li>If you have a garden, make sure it is ‘toad friendly’ by growing indigenous plants, avoiding pesticides, and creating ‘escape routes’ from your pool or garden wall. </li><li>You can volunteer t<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">o </span>
<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">help the toads </span><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">by m</span>onitoring roads during breeding season and making sure they move safely to breeding sites.</li></ul><p>
<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">To learn more about the Western Leopard Toad – and how you can help to protect it – see our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Western_Leopard_Toad_leaflet_2015-02.pdf" target="_blank">Western Leopard Toad Pamphlet</a>.</span></p><p>For more information, visit
<a href="https://www.leopardtoad.co.za/" target="_blank">The Endangered Western Leopard Toad website<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> <em></em>or email
<em>
<a href="mailto:leopard.toad@capetown.gov.za">leopard.toad@capetown.gov.za</a></em>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">How the City protects rivers and wetlands</h2><p>Along with our conservation partners, we try to meet the needs of our people and economy and the needs of our water sources and water areas. We do this through
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Floodplain%20and%20River%20Corridor%20Management%20Policy%20-%20approved%20on%2027%20May%202009.pdf" target="_blank">policy management </a>and education. We work hard to make sure people don’t build in high flood-risk areas or that buildings don’t destroy natural life in these precious ecosystems. </p><div class="image-gallery-slider img-gal-1" id="img-gal-1" data-slides="5" data-slide="1" style="height:493.5px;"><div class="image-gallery-content" style="height:414px;">
<figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-1"><img class="responsive" alt="Litterboom initiative helps keep our rivers cleaner" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Litterboom1-800.jpg" style="display:none;" /><figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>The City supports the
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20supports%20Litterboom%20initiative%20to%20keep%20our%20rivers%20cleaner">Litterboom initiative</a> that helps to keep our rivers cleaner.</p></figcaption></figure><figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-2"><img class="responsive" alt="Litter booms were installed along the Black River." src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Litterboom2-800.jpg" style="display:none;" /><figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>Three litter booms were
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20supports%20Litterboom%20initiative%20to%20keep%20our%20rivers%20cleaner">installed along the Black River</a>.</p> </figcaption> </figure>
<figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-3">
<img class="responsive" alt="The booms trap solid waste" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Litterboom3-800.jpg" style="display:none;" />
<figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>The
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20supports%20Litterboom%20initiative%20to%20keep%20our%20rivers%20cleaner">booms trap solid waste</a> and prevent it from reaching the ocean.</p> </figcaption> </figure>
<figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-4">
<img class="responsive" alt="The booms are cleared every week" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Litterboom4-800.jpg" style="display:none;" />
<figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>The booms are
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20supports%20Litterboom%20initiative%20to%20keep%20our%20rivers%20cleaner">cleared of litter and other light waste every week</a> and the waste is recycled.</p> </figcaption> </figure>
<figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-5">
<img class="responsive" alt="The booms are located downstream of Vygekraal, Blomvlei, Bokmakierrie, Jakkalsvlei and Elsieskraal Rivers" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Litterboom5-800.jpg" style="display:none;" />
<figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>The
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/City%20supports%20Litterboom%20initiative%20to%20keep%20our%20rivers%20cleaner">booms are located downstream</a> of the Vygekraal, Blomvlei, Bokmakierrie, Jakkalsvlei and Elsieskraal rivers.</p></figcaption></figure> </div><div class="image-gallery-control"><div class="image-gallery-caption"><p>The Litterboom Project</p></div><div class="image-gallery-nav"><div class="nav-info">1 of 5</div><div class="slide-next">
<i class="icon arrow-white-next"></i> </div><div class="slide-prev">
<i class="icon arrow-white-prev"></i> </div></div></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Rehabilitating our waterways</h2><p>We are actively rehabilitating waterways across Cape Town as part of our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/residential-utility-services/residential-water-and-sanitation-services/liveable-urban-waterways">Liveable Urban Waterway</a> and <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/departments-city-initiatives/environmental-resource-management/green-infrastructure-programme">Green Infrastructure programmes</a>. </p><p>Read more about our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Bioregional_Plan_CCT_FINAL_2015-08-19_policy_number_44854.pdf" target="_blank">Cape Town Bioregional Plan</a> and how we work on conserving our natural heritage and biodiversity. The City also creates ecological buffers to protect our rivers and wetlands. Ecological buffers are strips of natural land with plants that act as a barrier between urban development and our rivers and wetlands. </p><p>For more information on how ecological buffers protect our rivers and wetlands – and some creative ways they are being adapted for recreation – please see our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Buffers_Rivers_Wetlands_E-Leaflet.pdf" target="_blank">Rivers and Wetlands Pamphlet</a>. </p><p>For tips on how to look after a river or wetland on or near your property, please see <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Rivers_Wetlands_in_our_Backyards.pdf" target="_blank">Rivers and Wetlands in our Backyard</a>, <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Landowner_guide_managing_wetlands.pdf" target="_blank">A Landowner’s Guide to Managing Wetlands</a> and the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_Urban_Watercourses_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Green Infrastructure Guide for Urban Watercourses</a>.</p>
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<i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Legislation<br></h4><p>
Our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Stormwater%20Management%20By-law.pdf">Stormwater By-law</a>, <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Management%20of%20Urban%20Stormwater%20Impacts%20Policy%20-%20approved%20on%2027%20May%202009.pdf" target="_blank">Management of Urban Impacts Policy</a>, and the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Floodplain%20and%20River%20Corridor%20Management%20Policy%20-%20approved%20on%2027%20May%202009.pdf" target="_blank">Floodplain and River Corridor Management Policy</a> provide the framework to protect our stormwater system and waterways. </p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Help protect our rivers and wetlands</h2><p>Here are some more ways you can get involved and reduce your impact on our rivers and wetlands:</p><ul><li>Participat<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">e in environmental </span><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">programmes that help protect rivers and restore wetlands, such as the
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Get-involved/Volunteer/the-source-to-sea-project">Source to Sea Project </a>which works to restore river corridors. </span></li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Get-involved/Volunteer/%e2%80%98friends%e2%80%99-groups-and-community-organisations">Get involved with a ‘Friends’ group</a> – these volunteers work together with conservation authorities to preserve an area they care about.</li><li>Take part in our
<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">regular</span><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0"> river cleaning projects.</span></li><li>Manage your waste properly so that pollutants don’t end up in your nearest river or wetland. Sources of pollution from your home or business could include fertilisers, paddocks, pools, car-washing soaps, pet waste, car oils and paint products.</li><li>Pick up all litter and dispose in appropriate trash containers. Keep surface areas that wash into storm drains clean of pet faeces, toxic chemicals, fertilisers, and motor oil – these eventually reach and damage our water sources</li><li>Use non-toxic products for household cleaning, lawn and garden care. </li><li>Reduce, reuse and recycle household items and waste.</li><li>Plant only indigenous species of trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p>Stormwater – high volumes of surface water, usually from heavy rains – is one of the main transporters of contaminants to rivers, wetlands and coastal areas. See how we
<span class="ms-rteForeColor-2">
<span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Work%20and%20business/Commercial-utility-services/Commercial-water-and-sanitation-services/Our-stormwater-system">manage our stormwater system</a>.</span></span></p></div></div><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info remember"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Remember</h4><p>To report illegal activity like dumping or clearing of rivers or wetlands call
<a>
<em>0860 103 089</em></a>.</p></div></div> | | GP0|#f89572de-df1a-4696-87e3-46536391dbc7;L0|#0f89572de-df1a-4696-87e3-46536391dbc7|Conserve our rivers and wetlands;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#36458668-722c-4b2b-9451-069fee2f7463;GPP|#553ce1f7-0fea-434b-bbc1-744edbd62039;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Learn why rivers and wetlands are so important, how the City is protecting them, and how you can get involved too. | 0 |
