The science of women in wetlands

Abstract

Women in water The science of women in wetlands In ancient times, some cultures brought ritual offerings to wetlands to show their appreciation and marvel. Today, a new generation of wetland believers bring their valuable knowledge to many forums to help protect and manage these water resources. Water is life and wetlands are an integral part of that cycle, they believe. While remarkably resilient in many ways, wetlands are vulnerable to a range of direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. Studies in several major catchments in South Africa reveal that between 35% and 60% of wetlands have been lost or severely degraded. People should, therefore, care about wetlands because of water, Dr Althea Grundling emphasises. Dr Grundling, a senior wetland researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-ISCW) Water Science Programme, is one of the researchers who are improving our understanding of wetlands and their management. She holds a doctoral degree in Geography from the University of Waterloo in Canada.

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