Cape Town has reaffirmed its status as a global leader in urban biodiversity protection at the RAMSAR Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Image: City of Cape Town
According to the City of Cape Town, Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment Alderman Eddie Andrews presented the City’s first-ever Wetlands Report, highlighting its achievements in preserving critical wetland ecosystems.
The conference, attended by over 170 governments, focused on strengthening commitments to wetland conservation, a key environmental priority as cities worldwide grapple with climate change and biodiversity loss.
Cape Town, one of only 43 accredited Wetland Cities globally, showcased False Bay Nature Reserve, a designated RAMSAR Site renowned for its vital wetland habitats.
In his address, Alderman Andrews emphasised Cape Town’s innovative approaches to balancing rapid urbanisation with ecological preservation. ‘The City was granted accreditation as an international Wetland City in 2022, which remains a great honour,’ he stated.
The report outlines milestones such as:
- Rehabilitation of Zandvlei Ecological Corridor
- Liveable Urban Waterways Programme (seven active projects)
- Paardevlei Wetland’s transformation into a premier birding destination
- River Wardens Programme, creating jobs while improving water quality
The City’s Deputy Mayor @AndrewsEddie represented the City at the RAMSAR Conference of the Contracting Parties in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on the 26 July 2025, where he introduced the City’s first Wetlands Report.
See: https://t.co/daMcILyIGK pic.twitter.com/r2QPkD0fuh
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) July 28, 2025
As per the City of Cape Town’s official announcement, wetlands play a crucial role in flood mitigation, water filtration and supporting biodiversity. The report also underscores their socioeconomic value, including:
- Recreation: Parks and nature reserves for residents
- Job creation: Initiatives like River Wardens
- Climate resilience: Natural buffers against extreme weather
While celebrating progress, the report acknowledges pressures from being ‘the fastest-growing urban city in South Africa.’ Alderman Andrews praised the Biodiversity Management team for their ‘innovative plans to resolve challenges,’ including invasive species and pollution.
Cape Town’s participation in RAMSAR COP15 underscores its dedication to sustainable urban development. City representatives confirm that the Wetlands Report not only documents achievements but also educates citizens on the irreplaceable value of these ecosystems.
With projects like Liveable Urban Waterways and River Wardens expanding, the City aims to set a global benchmark for wetland conservation in metropolitan areas.
As climate adaptation becomes increasingly urgent, Cape Town’s proactive measures offer a blueprint for other cities striving to protect natural resources amid growth.
Article shared by Cape Town ETC
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