Thursday, February 13, 2025
International Wetlands Day is Today

Let’s protect our wetlands

by damith
February 2, 2025 1:09 am 0 comment 638 views

By Isuru Thambawita

Throughout this Samsaric journey from the womb to the tomb, we are a part of nature. Never forget that we have no future without nature.

International Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2 to remind us of wetlands and its importance. This date marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

The sole aim is to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and promote their conservation and sustainable use. Even though much has been written about the importance of wetlands, many of us are oblivious to the services it renders to the poeple.

Ecological balance

Not only do Wetlands maintain the ecological balance but also contribute to the climate resilience and wellbeing of living-beings.

As a result of the public’s ignorance about the important services and advantages of wetlands, more than half of the 221 million acres of wetlands that existed in the lower 48 states in the late 1700s have been destroyed by people. Wetlands provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, photography and wildlife observation. Significantly, wetlands are increasingly seen as productive and valuable resources worthy of protection and restoration.Before speaking of its importance, let’s take a closer look at its advantages.

Water Quality- Wetlands act as natural water purifiers. It filters sediment and absorbs many pollutants in surface waters. In some wetland systems, this cleansing function also enhances the quality of groundwater supplies.

Reduction of Coastal Storm Damage – Coastal wetlands help to blunt the force of major storms. For example, mangrove forests in south Florida and salt marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts reduce flooding, coastal erosion and property damage during major storms

Flood Control and Streamflow Maintenance- Wetlands along rivers and streams absorb energy and store water during storms, which reduces downstream flood damage and lessens the risk of flash floods. The slow release of this stored water over time can help keep streams flowing during periods of drought.

Streambank Stabilisation and Erosion Control:Wetland vegetation binds the soil on streambanks and riparian wetlands, preventing excessive erosion and sedimentation downstream.

Wildlife Habitat: Wetlands provide habitat for many species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that are uniquely adapted to aquatic environments. Upland wildlife like deer, elk and bears commonly use wetlands for food and shelter.

Wetlands are particularly vital to many migratory bird species. For example, wood ducks, mallards, and sandhill cranes winter in flooded bottomland forests and marshes in the southern U.S., and prairie potholes provide breeding grounds for over 50% of North American waterfowl.

valuable ecosystems

Regrettably, we have forgotten its significance. Wetlands, often referred to as the “kidneys of the Earth,” play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by filtering water, controlling floods, and providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. However, human activity is on the rise and increasingly threatening these valuable ecosystems.

Urbanisation and industrial development have led to the draining and filling of wetlands to make way for infrastructure, housing, and agriculture.

This destroys habitats and disrupts the balance of wetland ecosystems.

Pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage contaminates wetlands, affecting the water quality and harming aquatic life. Over-extraction of groundwater and diversion of water for irrigation and urban needs further deplete wetlands, leading to their degradation.

Climate change exacerbates these issues as rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns impact the hydrology of wetlands. Despite their ecological importance, wetlands are undervalued and often sacrificed for short-term economic gains.

To protect wetlands, it is essential to implement stricter policies, promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about their importance. Preserving wetlands is not just an environmental necessity but also a step towards ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

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