Management of wetlands whithin coal mining towns: A case study Victor Khanye Local Municipality Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

Mining is one of the most destructive practices on earth around the world mining is threatening peoples' homes and destroying ecosystems. Wetlands management in coal mining environment is major challenge, especially when it contributes to destruction of the environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of coal mining on wetlands. The recent calls around the world for protecting the environment have ignited the calls for sustainable management of wetlands especially in coal mining areas. A mixed methods approach which entails both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data from human and physical environments of two mining areas around Victor Khanye Local Municipality. The population of this study were the municipal officials, farmers and residents residing within Victor Khanye Local Municipality. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to select participants for questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. The research adopted mixed research methods to assess the management of wetlands within coal mining towns case study of victor Khanye local municipality. Data gathered through questionnaires and interviews, was thematically analysed. Majority of respondents showed that they were aware of lack of monitoring and management of wetland within Victor Khanye Local Municipality and detrimental environmental impact of coal mining on wetlands within Victor Khanye Local Municipality. Some respondents were skeptical about some of the environmental benefits of wetlands. Respondents were also aware of negative changes of wetland properties (soil, water, vegetation, birds and animals) due to different land uses on wetlands. Low percentages of organic carbon content in sediments from utilized parts of both wetlands reflected deterioration in soil fertility. There is uncoordinated dissemination of information about wetlands to the general public, and existing wetland legislation is not effectively implemented. The study recommends that the Mpumalanga department of environmental affairs and other stakeholders should implement wetland management strategies. All stakeholders should be involved in developing programs of wetland conservations. The Mpumalanga Department of Environmental Affairs should monitor institutions that facilitate wetland laws implementation, and change strategies used and people involved in educating and disseminating information about wetlands within coal mining areas.