Why We Celebrate World Wetlands Day
By Peter Ramollo, Aquatic Scientist
Wetland Day Celebration is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the important role that wetlands play in our environment. The theme for this year is wetlands and human wellbeing. Wetlands are unique ecosystems that are characterized by the presence of water in the short term or long term, making them distinct from other terrestrial or aquatic habitats.
These wetlands act as a natural sponge for our environment by absorbing extra water during heavy rainfall or floods. This prevents flooding in nearby areas and helps maintain the balance of water in ecosystems. Moreover, wetlands maintain water quality by filtering, purifying and trapping of pollutants, sediments, and excessive nutrients from entering other waterbodies. By celebrating Wetland Day, we acknowledge their essential role in providing clean and healthy water for both the environment and human. Furthermore, wetlands serve as habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species. These unique ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots, supporting countless species that depend on wetlands for their survival. Celebrating Wetland Day enables us to recognize and appreciate this rich diversity of life, fostering a sense of responsibility towards their conservation.
Additionally, wetlands are crucial for carbon sequestration. They store huge amounts of carbon, playing a significant role in decreasing greenhouse gases and fighting climate change. By celebrating Wetland Day, we highlight their role as natural ‘defenders’ against climate change and stress the importance of protecting and restoring these ecosystems. In many cultures, wetlands hold great cultural and spiritual values. They are a source of inspiration, artistic expression, and community identity for centuries. Wetland Day Celebration provides an opportunity to delve into cultural heritage, traditions, and stories that have been linked to wetlands, fostering a sense of appreciation and admiration for these landscapes. Moreover, wetlands contribute to recreational activities and tourism. These areas offer opportunities for fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, and experiencing the beauty of nature first-hand. By celebrating Wetland Day, we encourage future generations to engage in responsible outdoor activities that foster a deeper connection with nature and promote sustainable eco-tourism.
Furthermore, wetlands improve the overall health of ecosystems by providing crucial habitats for migratory water birds. These areas serve as important stop-over points during long distance migrations. By hosting Wetland Day Celebration, we raise awareness about the significance of wetlands as vital resting places for migratory birds and the importance of conserving their habitats. In addition, through Wetland Day Celebration, we promote the importance of wetlands in safeguarding our water resources and ecosystems. Wetlands play a vital role in agriculture and food production. They support the growth of diverse plant species, including rice, which serves as a staple crop for millions of people worldwide. By acknowledging Wetland Day, we acknowledge the crucial contribution of wetlands to global food security.
Lastly, wetland conservation is a part of sustainable development efforts. Wetlands nourish a variety of ecosystems, providing ecological services such as flood control, water supply, and soil conservation. Celebrating Wetland Day allows us to understand the importance of integrating wetland conservation into our sustainable development goals for 2030.
Threats/Pressures of Wetlands
Northern Cape's wetlands face various threats that jeopardize their ecological integrity and biological diversity. Human activities such as mall development, expansion of formal and informal settlements, unsustainable mining and agriculture and its land use activities destroy wetlands. Additionally, agriculture and livestock grazing activities near wetlands contribute to the pressure by introducing pollutants and excessive nutrient loads, thus impacting water quality and degrading the wetland environment. As the areas for agriculture, mining and settlement expands, encroaching on wetland areas, they are often drained or filled to enable developments. This not only leads to the loss of valuable habitats for different plant and animal species but also worsens issues such as flooding and water pollution. Another pressure wetlands face is the encroachment or spread of alien invasive species mostly facilitated by human activities and sometimes by wind, or movements of birds and livestock. Once the alien invasive species establish themselves in wetland areas, they outcompete indigenous species and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Often alien species could cause the wetland to completely loose its structure and ecological function.
In conclusion, Wetland Day Celebration holds huge significance towards understanding and appreciating the unique value of wetland ecosystems. As citizens of this country, it is important to recognize the essential role of wetlands in our environment, and take action to protect and restore these habitats. By celebrating Wetland Day, we contribute to the preservation of these unique ecosystems for future generations and ensuring a sustainable future for all.