Mkambati Nature Reserve to be declared Ramsar site in Eastern Cape event

An official event to mark the designation of Mkambati Nature Reserve as a Ramsar Site is scheduled to take place on 15 April 2026 in the Eastern Cape, according to an announcement by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Deputy Minister Narend Singh is expected to lead the commemoration at the reserve, alongside several government and institutional partners. These include the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, Water Research Commission, the Mkambati Land Trust, O.R. Tambo District Municipality, and Ingquza Hill Local Municipality.

The designation means Mkambati’s wetlands — including rivers, estuaries and waterfalls — will be recognised under an international framework focused on protecting critical ecosystems.

A Ramsar site is a wetland designated as internationally important under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The convention promotes the conservation and “wise use” of ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, estuaries and coastal wetlands. More than 170 governments are part of the agreement, covering over 2,500 protected sites worldwide.

For Mkambati, this places the reserve among globally recognised biodiversity areas, with a formal commitment from South Africa to protect and manage the ecosystem sustainably over time.

However, key details remain unclear. It has not been confirmed how this designation will directly affect local residents, land use, access, or economic opportunities in surrounding communities.

For the Eastern Cape, the recognition could raise the profile of Mkambati, potentially attracting conservation funding and tourism interest. The area is already known for its natural beauty and unique coastal environment, and international status may increase attention from both government and environmental organisations.

At the same time, nearby communities — including those in Mbizana and surrounding villages — will be looking for clear answers on whether this brings real benefits such as jobs, infrastructure development, or improved land management, or whether new restrictions could be introduced.

The announcement comes at a time when conservation and land use remain closely linked to local livelihoods in the region, making transparency and community involvement critical.

No further details have been provided on public participation or specific plans linked to the Ramsar designation.

Residents planning to attend the event on 15 April should follow updates from local municipalities or government platforms for event access and programme information.

We will update this story as more details emerge, particularly on how the Ramsar status will impact local communities.