BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MALKERNS- The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) on Monday, February 2, 2026, joined the global in commemorating World Wetlands Day under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge – Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” reaffirming the country’s commitment to the protection and restoration of these vital ecosystems.
The national commemoration took place at Princess Pholile Hall in Malkerns, hosted by the Malkerns Board in partnership with local organisations and community stakeholders. The event brought together environmental practitioners, traditional leaders and community members to highlight the importance of wetlands to water security, public health and climate resilience.
Speaking during an interview with Eswatini Positive News, Zandisile Howe, an Environmental Information Officer at the Eswatini Environment Authority, said wetlands play a crucial role as natural water purifiers and climate regulators.
“Wetlands naturally filter both underground and surface water. When a wetland is polluted, all water within that area becomes polluted, posing serious risks to communities,” Howe said.
She explained that wetlands also act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and reducing the impact of floods and environmental degradation. However, this protective function is lost when wetlands are built on or disturbed.
“Once you construct on a wetland, the sponge process can no longer take place, leaving the environment and surrounding communities vulnerable,” she said.
Howe further noted that wetlands contribute significantly to climate change mitigation by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases driving global warming.
“The more wetlands we conserve, the cooler our environment can remain. When wetlands are disturbed or polluted, the negative effects are felt in our health, our climate and our ecosystems,” she added.
Through the Eswatini Environment Fund, the Authority continues to support wetland rehabilitation initiatives across the country. Among these is the Mbeka Wetland Rehabilitation Project, which has successfully restored a degraded wetland while strengthening community resilience. Another wetland rehabilitation project has also recently been funded in the Malkerns area.
Communities are encouraged to engage in wetland conservation efforts and to seek support from the Eswatini Environment Authority and the Eswatini Tourism Authority.
World Wetlands Day serves as a reminder that protecting wetlands is essential to preserving Eswatini’s cultural heritage, environmental health and sustainable future.
#WorldWetlandsDay#WetlandsAndTraditionalKnowledge#ProtectOurWetlands#EnvironmentalConservation#ClimateAction
#WaterSecurity
(Courtesy Pic)
