World wetlands day was celebrated on February 2nd, and the theme for this year was ‘Wetlands Action for People and Nature’. The annual appreciation day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of wetlands. Wetlands are important ecosystems which cover almost 6% of the Earth’s land surface.
Natural wetlands are in decline; approximately 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since 1970. Key drivers of wetland loss and degradation are drainage, over-extraction of water resources, pollution, overfishing and climate change.
Wetlands must be recognised for the benefit they provide to the environment, people, and biodiversity. They provide public goods and services through natural water filtrations, carbon storage, biodiverse habitats and amenity opportunities.
Further information: Irish Wetlands
