DEPUTY Minister for Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoyce Mabudafhasi yesterday praised the community of Makuleke, bordering the Kruger National Park, for conserving biodiversity by preserving wetlands.

More than 88 jobs have been created in the area of hospitality.

Speaking at the 15th anniversary of World Wetland Day at Makuleke yesterday, Mabudafhasi said wetlands continued to offer great value to biodiversity, which people depend on for their livelihood.

Mabudafhasi said the place still attracts many tourists from various parts of the world.

She said the Makuleke wetlands were the only communit- driven wetlands in the world and were generating revenue.

"It is a feather in your cap that because of your hard work you have been able to achieve the international Ramsar recognition," she said.

"Wetland ecosystems are like the ecosystems in our bodies - it plays a role in sustaining human lives," she said.

She said wetlands were vital for purifying water and regulating water flows, thus acting as sponges that stored water and released it slowly, filtering pollutants and easing the impact of drought and floods in the process.

Chief Joes Makuleke praised government for supporting his community and said people should learn from them.

Makuleke Joint Wetland Board chairwoman Mavis Hatlani said the area had 31 wetlands .

"Some get water from the river, while some get water from underground, and they serve different purposes," she said.

MEC for agriculture in Limpopo Dipuo Letsatsi Duba said the community had shown that communities can stand for themselves.

"The province and the country is benefiting from your hard work," Letsatsi Duba said.