The Global Wetland Watch (GWW) recently completed a 10-day mission to South Africa focused on advancing global initiatives for wetland management and restoration.

The mission included workshops and field trips designed to address national wetland challenges, explore innovative solutions and advance the creation of a comprehensive global wetland data platform. As wetlands continue to play a crucial role in carbon capture, biodiversity conservation and water purification, the urgency to protect these ecosystems has never been greater. This mission marked a significant step toward providing critical data that will empower countries worldwide to safeguard their wetland habitats.

‘This visit reinforced the power of community-driven conservation, proving that sustainable land management can safeguard both nature and livelihoods. It also confirmed our knowledge that protecting wetlands is not just letting nature be alone but can in some cases require significant resources to avoid invasive species damaging the wetlands,’ states Torsten Bondo, Business Development Manager at DHI's Earth Observation Centre of Excellence and collaborator on Global Wetland Watch.

The team visited several key wetland sites across South Africa, engaging with over 80 stakeholders from national and local authorities, including environmental and agricultural officials, wetland managers and field specialists. These discussions highlighted the pressing issues wetlands face in the country, including urbanisation, invasive species and climate change, while also emphasising the vital role of data in effective wetland management.

Over the next year, GWW will continue collaborating with pilot countries like South Africa to refine the platform’s capabilities, with the official global portal set to launch in 2026. This initiative will provide countries with essential data on wetland types, habitat conditions and surface water dynamics, helping them to make informed decisions on wetland protection and restoration.

‘Seeing firsthand the delicate balance between human impact, ecological function and conservation efforts in South Africa, everyone in our team left with a deeper appreciation for the urgent need to protect and restore these invaluable ecosystems. GWW work is even more urgent for us now!’, adds Torsten Bondo.

As GWW moves forward, the team remains committed to delivering actionable insights and solutions for the global conservation of wetlands, ensuring these ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.