For the first time, the United Nations on Wednesday celebrates World Wetlands Day, recognizing that these fragile ecosystems make a crucial contribution to biodiversity, climate mitigation, freshwater availability, and economic resilience.
A broad definition of wetlands includes ecosystems such as lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps, coral reefs, and many others; but also, human-made artificial sites such as fishponds or reservoirs.
Though they cover only around 6 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, 40 per cent of all plant and animal species live or breed in them.
Wetlands are also vital for human wellbeing and security. More than a billion people across the world depend on them for their livelihoods, about one in eight people on Earth.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), these ecosystems are also the unsung heroes of the climate crisis.
In fact, they store more carbon than any other ecosystem, with peatlands alone storing twice as much as all the world’s forests.
And inland wetland ecosystems absorb excess water and help prevent floods and drought, something critical to help communities adapt to a changing climate.
Read more:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111052?utm_source=UN+News+-+Newsletter&utm_campaign=5e33d7945c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_02_02_01_40&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fdbf1af606-5e33d7945c-107475426