Window Onto Nature's A Turning point in time - where the elaws and the lore of nature must unite to protect all life on the planet

We are at a Turning Point in Time when awareness of International Organisations, and the Law are Key, not only to the survival of all here in South Africa, but for our Planet as a whole.

The 3 Key International Organizations are namely : -The International Union for the Conservation of Nature The United Nations Environmental Programme, and The World Wildlife Fund.

Within South Africa the Environmental Conservation Act (2nd Amendment Act 2004) applies. The core Environmental principle is the promotion of ecologically sustainable development. Thus where there are natural systems these should be protected to ensure continuity of their vital benefit for humans and nature..

"Wetlands" present a unique facet in Nature and vary to include Springs, Midland Marches, Flood plains and even Coastal Lakes, like Lake St. Lucia. This well know sanctuary is protected by the Ramsar International Wetland Conservation Treaty, which defines wetlands as "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6 M". The Wetland is able to mitigate climate change, afford protection against increasing storms, rising sea levels, and higher sea-surface temperatures. The Wetland can also help to purify water and assist drainage, or conversion of land for agriculture, where large quantities of carbon dioxide, as well as other greenhouse gases may be released.. assists the levels of sediment and nutrients, and may control flooding as they are known to SLOW DOWN the force of flowing water, particularly where there are well-formed reed beds. The Okavango Delta is an example. The linked wetland vegetation offers bio-diversity with large well-rooted trees, examples : Ficus trichopoda (Swamp Fig) (Protected), Barringtonia racemosa (Power-puff Tree) and Rauvolfia caffra (Quinine Tree the source of quinine for malaria).

A wide variety of hydromorphic plants include Typha capensis (Bullrush), Juncus krausii (Matting Rush), which the Zulu women used to reap to weave their rush baskets, then Cyperus dives (Giant Sedge) and other sedge species, depending on the coastal or inland locality. Significant flowering plants offer Zantedeschia aethiopica (Arum Lilies), Dissotis canescens (Pink Marsh Dissotis) with brilliant magenta petals, and the tall Kniphofia linearifolia (Common Marsh Poker ) with orange/yellow flower heads. The term "hydromorphic" relates to those species of our indigenous plants, which are able to flourish in a "wetland" environment with low levels of oxygen.

Conservation of the Wetland Habitat, in proximity to King Shaka Airport, may play a crucial role in the Storm water run-off, into the Tongaat River, at time of flooding. Where man has built dams and levees to improve flood control the reverse effect may result. Where Water levels rise unexpectedly to above Safety levels for a Dam wall, rapid "dumping" or release down stream may cause costly damage with many countries already restoring flood plains. With dwindling resources Flood Risk Assessment requires urgent and professional review and up-grading of all structures, including Industrial and residential areas, often with poor Storm water catchment and evacuation. New large gutters, with down pipes, and capture into JoJo tanks should be statutory building requirements for 2022. Professional "Wetland" Assessments should be VITAL for all projects, with a minimum 30M set-back line in terms of the Law.