Taking back the 'lost' wetland

Abstract

Wetland management A long the West Coast, about 25 km north of Lambertsbaai lies arguably one of the most important wetlands in the country. Close to the fishing village of Elandsbaai, the 1 500 ha Verlorenvlei strikes an impressive sight. While it faces a number of challenges, the wetland is an interesting example of how governmental organisations, landowners and residents can work together towards sustainable existence around this special ecosystem. Forming the centre point of the Sandveld, Verlorenvlei is one of the country’s few coastal freshwater lakes and comprises a coastal lake and reedswamp connected to the sea by a small estuary. Its catchment area is bound by the Swartberg and Olifantsrivierberge in the east and by the Piketberg in the south, but even though it is fed by three rivers, it is mainly groundwater driven, making it a very slow-moving system.

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