Image Source: Social

World Wetlands Day, observed on February 2, highlights the crucial role wetlands play in sustaining life on Earth. Wetlands encompass a variety of ecosystems, including freshwater and coastal areas such as lakes, rivers, peatlands, swamps, marshes, mangroves, coral reefs, and even human-made systems like rice paddies and reservoirs. These ecosystems provide a wide array of environmental services essential for human wellbeing, from water regulation and flood control to water purification.

Wetlands cover about 6 percent of the Earth's land surface, but they are home to 40 percent of all plant and animal species. Despite their relatively small footprint, wetlands contribute significantly to biodiversity and support vital sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. Over a billion people—approximately one in eight individuals globally—rely on wetlands for their livelihoods.

The Decline of Wetlands

Despite their importance, wetlands are facing rapid degradation. Wetlands are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests, with a staggering 35 percent loss over the past 50 years. This decline is largely driven by human activities, including drainage and infilling for agriculture and construction, pollution, overfishing, resource exploitation, and the impacts of climate change.

The loss of wetlands can disrupt the livelihoods of those who depend on them, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. Wetlands' ability to regulate water, provide food, and act as buffers against extreme weather events makes their preservation essential for maintaining global ecological and economic stability.

Image Source: United Nations