Hawane Dam, one of Eswatini’s internationally recognised wetlands, has been identified as a protected Ramsar Site as the country joined the rest of the world in observing World Wetlands Day on Monday, 2 February 2026.
The Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project shared the information to raise awareness about the ecological value of Hawane Dam, which is protected under the Ramsar Convention due to its importance to biodiversity, water regulation and community livelihoods.
Located within the Mbuluzi River system, Hawane Dam plays a key role in sustaining ecosystems and human activity downstream. Water from the dam feeds into the Mbuluzi River Basin, connecting protected wetlands with farms, surrounding communities and natural habitats that depend on reliable water flow.
According to the project, Hawane Dam is recognised globally for its role in conserving wetlands and biodiversity. As a functioning wetland, it acts as a natural sponge by storing water during periods of heavy rainfall and releasing it gradually during dry seasons. This process reduces the risk of flooding while supporting water security across the basin.
The wetland is also a biodiversity hotspot, providing habitat for bird species, aquatic life and plant species that rely on healthy water systems to survive. Beyond environmental benefits, healthy wetlands contribute directly to people’s livelihoods by improving water quality, supporting agriculture and strengthening resilience to climate change.
The Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project noted that the protection of wetlands such as Hawane Dam is central to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. The project is implemented by the Eswatini National Trust Commission with funding from the Global Environment Facility and technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme.
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