Abstract
Wetlands provide valuable ecosystem services such as underground and surface water supply, hydrological stability, flood, and drought control. These ecosystems ensure the survival of different aquatic biota. Regardless of their role in the environment, wetland ecosystems have been degraded or are at risk of being destructed because of many unregulated activities happening in and around them. The degradation or loss of wetlands results in a real cost to the environment and society due to their inability to provide these ecosystem services. Due to their unique nature, most wetlands, even though degraded, have an ability to perform some of their functions. Restoring and protecting wetland ecosystem services will secure the key benefits provided by wetlands and deliver a return on investment for the benefit of the environment and society. The Colbyn Valley Wetland in the Hartbeesspruit and located within the Colbyn Valley Nature Reserve has been rehabilitated by the City of Tshwane and the Working for Wetlands Programme of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. However, the ecological monitoring of restoration efficacy has been neglected. This study therefore, assessed the efficacy of restoration measures implemented by the City of Tshwane and Working for Wetlands Programme in terms of ecosystem services through the assessment of hydrological, geomorphological and vegetation responses...
M.Sc. (Aquatic Health)