In recognition of World Wetlands Day 2016, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability celebrates the cities and local governments making great strides in managing and conserving wetlands. The theme for 2016 is ‘Wetlands for our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods’, which recognises wetlands as sources of water, food and raw materials. Given that wetlands also provide natural solution to disaster risk reduction and improved water quality, let’s celebrate wetlands and those local governments working with nature for the benefit of their citizens, now and looking into the future.

Did you know?

ICLEI Africa is implementing a wetlands-focused Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) project, working with 11 municipalities across South Africa. The LAB: Wetlands South Africa project – supported by USAID – is helping to build awareness of wetlands at the local level and working towards integrating wetlands into local government policy and decision-making. With 2016 set to be a busy year for the project, we are proud to acknowledge the work of all 11 municipalities: Amathole, Bojanala Platinum, Buffalo City, Eden, Ehlanzeni, Ekurhuleni, Frances Baard, Overberg, iLembe, West Rand