World Wetlands Day

On February 2, 1971, in a small town called Ramsar in Iran, a historic and momentous event took place. This was the signing of the modern day treaty between nations which focused on preserving the natural resources that our countries possessed. After the agreement was put into being, World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Since this day, government as well nongovernment agencies have made it a priority to bring awareness to our beautiful wetlands, through fundraisers and awareness programs. Through these modes of education the public helps preserve the wetlands and the vast ecosystem that inhabits it. Each year World Wetlands Day has a theme, and this year it is about “Wetlands and Biodiversity”.

WHAT IS A WETLAND?

A wetland is an environment that combines the properties of land and water. The combination of wet and dry areas means that many more different kinds of plants, animals and insects may live in a wetland when compared to other types of habitat. Because of this great biodiversity, several important wetlands have been listed for conservation to try to get people to protect them.

In Sri Lanka, we have various types of wetlands and they can be divided in three types:

■ Inland natural freshwater wetlands (e.g., rivers, streams, marshes, swamps, forests and shallow lakes)

■ Marine and saltwater wetlands (e.g., lagoons, estuaries, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs)

■ Man-made wetlands (e.g., tanks, reservoirs, rice fields and salterns)

Unfortunately it has been found that due to human intervention there has been a threat to the longevity of these wetlands. The disappearance or diminishing of these wetlands means that whole ecosystems of animals as well as specific flora and fauna will also disappear. In addition to providing a habitat for an important species of animals, they are also important in protecting our shores from wave action, reducing the impacts of floods, absorbing pollutants and improving water quality.

As citizens of this planet, we have to take an active stance in protecting our motherland. Here are some activities that you can get involved in, to protect the future of the wetlands and ensure their longevity.

1. Contact your local environmental organizations and get involved in programs that actively fight to preserve wetlands. This could be in the form of having an awareness meeting in your school or raising money through fundraisers.

2. If you are aware that illegal activities are happening to destroy the wetlands please report it immediately to the suitable authorities so that appropriate action can be taken.

3. Make sure that you dispose of your litter appropriately. Littering our nature is not allowed. Use non-toxic products in your gardens and in your homes, so that they will not wash into the waterways and eventually end up in the wetlands.

4. Try and plant local varieties of trees so as to maintain the ecological balance of our wetlands.

Wetlands Day is important to highlight these causes and to propel people into action. It is up to us to protect our wetlands.

Source: Internet