Active citizenry, community - Based organisations and the protection of urban wetlands: The case of colbyn, Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

Green infrastructure, such as wetlands, provide significant benefits to urban populations. They are, however, vulnerable to destruction and degradation due to competing land uses, weak local government and poor management. This is especially true when local governments are appointed guardians but have competing mandates and a shortage of funds. Drawing upon a qualitative research approach, this study provides evidence of processes that the community undertook to protect the Colbyn Valley Wetland. The results indicate that local communities are on the receiving end of the decision-making, with little or no opportunity to be involved in the management. Important secondary stakeholders, namely the provincial and local government departments mandated to manage and protect ecosystems, only acted when pressured by the community and the media. It was also found that the community with other stakeholders have been unrelenting in their resistance to convert the wetland into housing estates, shopping centres and car parking to get it proclaimed a nature reserve.