The CENTRE FOR WETLAND TRAINING (WETREST) is a Not-For-Profit established in 2011. Originally founded by Dr Piet-Louis Grundling, the NPO is dedicated to wetland training, mentorship and community engagement.
Our NPO generates funds by doing consulting work, training and facilitating field-based learning events. These funds are then ploughed back into the wetland community by supporting students, communities, and engagement platforms through either direct funding, mentorship, in-field supervision or training.
We rely heavily on volunteerism: scientists, practitioners, academics and civil society who wish to contribute in some way to our activities for the management and protection of our wetland ecosystems in Africa, are welcome to reach out to us.
WETREST strives to offer exceptional training and mentorship opportunities to advance scientific knowledge, advocate for sustainable practices, and cultivate collaborations; with the overarching goal of conserving and restoring wetland ecosystems on the African continent. Guided by Christian values, we are committed to promoting sustainable practices and building capacity to ensure resilient wetland ecosystems for generations to come.
Our vision is a world where African wetlands are valued and protected as vital ecosystems - supporting biodiversity, human well-being, and climate resilience. We envision a future where wetlands are recognised for their ecological, social, and cultural significance, inspiring collective action to conserve and restore their health and integrity.
To serve in capacity-building needs of the wetland community as a way of fulfilling the calling of the Lord Jesus in our daily lives.
The overall objective is to establish a world-class wetland scientific centre to build the capacity of the wetland community in order to secure sustainable management of Africa’s wetland resources.
S. Daniel
S. Khosa
S. Mthembu