By The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP Europe Office
Wetlands in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (2014) by © GRID-Arendal/Rob Barnes under licence from AGEDIOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/8934
What is the issue?
Since 1700, the world has lost 87% of its wetlands and they are still disappearing at a worrying rate. Wetlands are intimately linked to the ecological health of the Earth and to the socio-economic well-being of all peoples around the world.
They serve and sustain us in many ways and are essential to our survival.
Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata sylvestris), Isla Santay, Ecuador (2020) by © Ángel Fabricio Bayona CalderónThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Wetlands provide food and water, often in areas of extreme poverty and serve as an important source of employment and income. They are critical to biodiversity, vital in the fight against climate change and provide flood control. In addition, wetlands enrich life quality, offering opportunities for leisure.
The Race to Save Zambia’s Wetlands (2022) by © UNEP/GEFOriginal Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea1ylwc9M1U
Land and Sky, Okavango Delta, Botswana (2016) by © GRID-Arendal/Yannick BeaudoinOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/9637
Main threats to wetlands and their biodiversity
- Deforestation
- Pollution
- Drainage
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Unsustainable development
- Climate change
Flamingos in the mangroves of Dubai (2014) by © GRID-Arendal/Rob Barnes under licence from AGEDIOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/9030
Consequences of wetlands degradation
When wetlands are degraded, the full ecosystem is affected and all the benefits they provide start to deteriorate.
In the end, they completely disappear.
Swamp Lilies (Crinum americanum), Isla Santay Wetland, Ecuador (2014) by © Wladimir Torres (WLADO)The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
What happens when wetlands disappear?
Without wetlands, cities must spend more money to treat water. Floods are more devastating to nearby populations, storms and hurricanes can penetrate farther inland. Animals are displaced or die out, and food supplies are disrupted, along with livelihoods.
Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa), National Park Tortuguero, Costa Rica (2012) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/1898
Biodiversity loss
Wetlands' fauna and flora are very specific to these ecosystems. When wetlands are degraded or disappear, all their biodiversity is dangerously affected. If animals and plants cannot adapt or move to another similar ecosystem, they die.
Human settlements in wetland; Isla Santay, Ecuador (2022) by © Wladimir Torres (WLADO)The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Impacts of damaged wetlands on human beings
All the threats to wetlands, as well as those to other ecosystems, have real impacts on us humans! For all of us, fewer or no more wetlands means:
- Less food and water
- Less protection against floods, storms, and hurricanes
- Less fresh and pleasant areas for recreation
Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus), Olympos, Lycian Coast, Turkey (2014) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/4297
How to restore wetlands?
The type of restoration required is different depending on whether the wetlands are in a saltwater coastal area, a freshwater area, or a mix.
If the wetland is only of one type, restoration will be easier than if it contains various types of wet areas (rivers, marshes, peat lands, mangroves, mudflats, ponds, swamps, lagoons, lakes, and floodplains).
American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), Isla Santay, Ecuador (2020) by © Ángel Fabricio Bayona CalderónThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Once the type of wetland and the main problems have been identified, the following activities may be necessary:
- Keep pollution away
- Make wetlands self-sustaining and resilient
- Integration into the wider landscape
- Stop draining to retain more water
- Increase native plants diversity
- Reintroduction of native fauna
Dunes, Scrublands and Wetlands, Coto Doñana National Park, Spain 2 (2014) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/1351
Benefits of wetlands restoration
Different types of wetlands provide a variety of valuable services according to their size and location. These include:
- environmental (e.g. water sanitation, biodiversity preservation)
- climate regulation
- socioeconomic (e.g. fisheries, agriculture, tourism)
- cultural
Gilgil restored wetland, Kenya (2019) by © UNEP/Joakim HarlinThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
How can you help wetlands preservation?
While visiting or living near wetlands:
- Remember that these ecosystems are not just recreational areas, but living ecosystems
- Respect and take care of them while enjoying the time there
- Do not disturb the fauna and flora
- Take your litter home with you
Mangrove, Isla Santay Wetland, Ecuador (2015) by © Wladimir Torres (WLADO)The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Wherever you live you can help preserve wetlands by:
- Reducing the amount of water you use at home
- Being careful about what you throw down the drain or flush away
- Avoiding plastic
- Recycling rather than littering
- Take steps to reduce your carbon footprint
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Coto Doñana National Park, Spain (2014) by © GRID-Arendal/Peter ProkoshOriginal Source: http://www.grida.no/resources/1343
The magnificent flora and fauna of the wetlands are unique as well as all their benefits.
It’s time to stop the global loss of wetlands!
This will benefit biodiversity, you and all of us!
Join us and learn more!
Additional learning resources:
- Ramsar Convention
- IUCN: Community Organizing- Toolkit on Ecosystems Restoration
- Society for Ecological Restoration:
International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Europe Office
