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Author: Marlene Nqumse

2 February 2026 Media Release: World Wetlands Day 2026

Media Release: World Wetlands Day 2026

2 February 2026

Today, we collectively join the global community in celebrating World Wetlands Day, a day that is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of wetlands and the need to conserve and protect these vital ecosystems. World Wetlands Day is held annually on the 2nd of February, and is an opportunity to highlight the crucial role wetlands play in supporting diversity, regulating the climate, and providing essential ecosystems. Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. They can be found in a variety of forms, including marshes, swamps, bogs and mangroves. Wetlands are some of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, providing vast array of services.

The purpose of World Wetlands Day is to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need to preserve and protect these ecosystems. The day is also an opportunity to promote action and advocacy for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and to highlight the importance of wetlands in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interesting facts about wetlands:

  • Wetlands cover only 6% of the Earth’s surface but are home to a disproportionate amount of biodiversity.
  • Wetlands play a pivotal role in regulating the climate, storing carbon dioxide (CO2), and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
  • Wetlands help to filter water, reducing the number of contaminants and sediments that enter rivers and oceans.

The Garden Route District Municipality is committed to protecting the valuable wetland systems within the district, and is currently in the process of reviewing its Garden Route District Wetland Strategy and Action Plan (previously titled the Eden District Wetland Strategy and Action Plan), which will guide the local Municipalities in the district with the implementation of the most essential wetland projects and initiatives that can improve the functioning and ecosystem services of some of the district’s key wetland systems.

As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, we urge all residents to take action to protect these vital ecosystems. By reducing pollution and waste, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading awareness about the importance of wetlands, we can work towards a future where wetlands continue to thrive and support the health and well-being of our communities. Let us work together to protect our wetlands and many benefits they provide.

Image Source: Available at: Online: https://www.freepik.com/photos/world-wetlands-day-theme

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1 December 2025 Media Release: GRDM and Mossel Bay Municipality Join Forces for Successful Clean-Up Campaign

Media Release: GRDM and Mossel Bay Municipality Join Forces for Successful Clean-Up Campaign

1 December 2025

On 19 November, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Mossel Bay Municipality, conducted a clean-up campaign in Ward 15, KwaNonqaba. The initiative, led by the Mossel Bay Municipality, aimed to promote a clean environment, raise awareness about proper waste disposal, and encourage responsible management of natural resources and pollution.

Objectives of the campaign included

  • Litter picking in targeted areas.
  • Educate the public on the importance of proper waste management.
  • Raising awareness about recyclable waste.
  • Encouraging community involvement through a petition to keep the neighbourhood clean.

The campaign was well attended by the Ward Councillor, officials and staff from the Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, VLT Cleaning Services, volunteers, and Ward Committee members. In addition, strong collaboration with Polyco, Aquelle, and the Department of Correctional Services contributed significantly to the success of the initiative.

Key Outcomes

  • Noticeable improvement in cleanliness across the targeted areas
  • Increased public awareness about maintaining a clean and healthy environment
  • Strengthened cooperation and community engagement between GRDM and the Mossel Bay Municipality

The clean-up campaign achieved its intended goals and had a positive impact on the KwaNonqaba community. The combined efforts of GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality, community members, and key partners helped restore cleanliness, promote environmental education, and strengthen community partnerships. Continued collaboration and active participation from all stakeholders will remain essential in sustaining a clean, healthy, and environmentally responsible Mossel Bay.

Featured Image and above pictures: Participants and key moments from the clean-up campaign in action.

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20 November 2025 Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

20 November 2025

The 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 November 2025, bringing together local, national, and international investors with high-impact projects poised to accelerate economic growth in the province. Representing the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Richard Dyantyi and Natalie Raubenheimer from the Integrated Planning and Development Section attended the three-day summit, engaging with investors and highlighting the region’s investment potential.

Anchored by the theme “Catalysing Growth, Connecting Opportunities,” the summit serves as a meticulously crafted deal-making platform designed to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).

In a pre-summit statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde emphasised the significance of the event: “The summit is vital to accelerating economic growth in our province and creating the jobs our communities need. It is an opportunity to showcase the Western Cape’s investment-ready projects and attract the capital that will drive transformation.”

Eight Transformative Sectors for Investment

The summit highlighted projects across eight key sectors:

  1. Green Economy & Sustainability: Renewable energy projects (solar, wind, hybrid) and innovations in water resilience.
  2. Technology & Digital Innovation: Opportunities in FinTech, digital infrastructure, and e-commerce, leveraging Africa’s thriving tech      ecosystem.
  3. Manufacturing & Industry: Advanced production, marine engineering (blue economy), and aerospace innovation.
  4. Agribusiness & Food Systems: Export-driven horticulture and agri-tech advancements.
  5. Logistics & Warehousing: Smart warehousing, multimodal transport, and cold chain logistics solutions.
  6. Tourism & Experiential Economy: Reinforcing the Western Cape as a premier global travel destination.
  7. Property & Retail: Nearly half of South Africa’s commercial property investment in retail has been directed to the Western Cape in        recent years.
  8. Creative Industries: Cape Town’s film and media sector contributes an estimated R5 billion annually to the local economy, creating over 35,000 jobs.

Streamlined Investment Processes

The summit provided mechanisms to simplify regulatory frameworks and fast-track approvals, with a dedicated regulatory forum allowing direct engagement between investors and government facilitators.

Representatives from the Garden Route District, including officials from GRDM and the municipalities of George, Hessequa, and Mossel Bay, actively engaged with investors to showcase the district’s growing potential. On the final day, the GRDM team attended presentations by the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Infrastructure and logistics by Transnet Ports and Freight Rail amongst other sessions. The Garden Route district stand drew investors already planning projects in water management and industrial park development. Premier Winde visited the GRDM team during the summit, praising the Garden Route for its strong representation and commitment to drawing investment to the region.

Garden Route Investment Highlights

A key feature with direct impact on the Garden Route was Investment Overview #3, focusing on Target Projects by RW Architects & Condorgreen Holdings. The investment pledge includes six estate developments covering 213 hectares across the Southern Cape, Garden Route, and Overberg regions, with an estimated CAPEX of R5.1 billion over the next six years.

The projects will result in the creation of 3,669 new residential units designed with a regenerative ethos through RootedEARTH, an innovative approach integrating digital technology, ethical AI, biophilic and regenerative design, and real estate economics into a cohesive development ecosystem.

According to Richard Dyantyi, the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit highlighted the province’s readiness for investment while positioning the Garden Route as a strategic hub for sustainable, transformative economic growth.

Featured image, from left to right (FLTR): Natalie Raubenheimer – GRDM Senior District Economic Development Officer; Alan Winde – Western Cape Premier; Mahlatse Phosa – Director: Town and Spatial Planning, LED & Tourism, George Municipality; and Richard Dyantyi – Manager: Tourism, District Economic Development, Job Creation & EPWP.

GRDM official engaging with delegates during the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit, hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

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