Wetlands

South Africa's wetlands are among its most valuable and most threatened natural assets. Covering an estimated 5.5 million hectares across a remarkable diversity of types – from highland peat bogs and seasonal floodplain wetlands to coastal mangroves and estuarine marshes – wetlands deliver a disproportionately high level of ecosystem services relative to their area. These include water purification, flood attenuation, groundwater recharge, carbon storage, and the provision of habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or threatened. Despite their importance, it is estimated that South Africa has lost more than half of its wetlands to drainage, cultivation, urban development, and degradation over the past century, with the majority of remaining wetlands in a poor or critically endangered condition.

Wetlands are explicitly recognised in South Africa's National Water Act as a water resource requiring protection, and their ecological integrity is directly linked to the health of broader catchment systems. The resources below provide access to data, mapping tools, assessment frameworks, and management guidance for wetlands in South Africa and globally.

Data & Mapping

South African Wetland Inventory (SAWI) – SANBI The national spatial inventory of wetlands in South Africa, providing distribution maps and classification data for wetland types across the country, hosted through the SANBI Biodiversity GIS platform.

National Wetlands Map (DWS / CSIR) Spatial data on wetland extent and distribution produced through national mapping initiatives, used for planning, reserve determination, and impact assessments.

Global Wetlands Map (Global Wetlands Observatory) An interactive global mapping platform showing the distribution of wetland types worldwide, including across Africa, at high resolution.

Ramsar Sites Information Service The official database of Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, including South Africa's designated Ramsar sites such as iSimangaliso, Verlorenvlei, and the Nylsvley Nature Reserve.

Global Surface Water Explorer (JRC / Google) A satellite-based tool mapping the location and long-term changes in surface water — including seasonal and permanent wetlands — globally since 1984.

Assessment & Condition

National Biodiversity Assessment – Wetlands (SANBI) Condition and threat status assessments for South African wetland ecosystem types, published as part of the national NBA reporting cycle.

WET-Health Assessment Method (WRC) A widely used South African rapid assessment method for evaluating the ecological condition of wetlands, developed with WRC support and used extensively in environmental impact assessments and management planning.

WET-EcoServices (WRC) A framework and tool for assessing and valuing the ecosystem services provided by South African wetlands, enabling quantification of the economic and social benefits wetlands deliver.

Policy & Management

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands The international treaty providing the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands worldwide, to which South Africa is a signatory.

DFFE – Wetland Management and Conservation National policy, legislation, and guidance on wetland protection and management from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Working for Wetlands Programme A government-funded programme that rehabilitates degraded wetlands across South Africa as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme, generating employment while restoring critical water-related ecosystem services.

Global Resources

Wetlands International An international organisation providing research, data, and advocacy on wetland conservation globally, with programmes relevant to Africa.

GlobalWetlandsProject (NASA) A NASA initiative using satellite remote sensing to map and monitor global wetland dynamics, including inundation extent and vegetation condition.