The South African National Wetlands Indaba – from humble beginnings to a well-established platform

Abstract

The National Wetland Indaba grew from a small group of people meeting informally to discuss wetland-related issues. The group formed into the South African Wetland Action Group (SAWAG), which held its first meeting in Nottingham Road, in KwaZulu-Natal, in 1998. The annual meetings later grew into the National Wetland Indaba, which was first held in 2005. Over the years, participation in the Indaba has increased from a handful of wetland specialists to an annual event which attracts hundreds of people from varying disciplines with a common interest in wetlands. The Indaba allows for a range of people with varying experience and interests, keeping the balance between science and practice, across the country to come together and share knowledge. The sharing of knowledge has allowed the wetland field of practice to develop and strengthen. Beyond the Indaba, regional/provincial wetland forums have been active from 2000. The forums serve as platforms where cooperative governance issues relating to wetlands can be coordinated.

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