How important are Wetlands to our Environment?
By: Department of Environment
Photo: Greatheeds Pond St. Kitts and Nevis
Wetlands, also referred to as the kidneys of the environment, are one of the earth’s most important resources of fresh water. Sadly, however, they are also one of the most threatened ecosystems, needing urgent protection and in many cases restoration. It is believed almost 90% of the world’s Wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s and wetlands are being lost at a rate three times that of forests. This has compelled the world to commit special attention and awareness towards the status of these wetlands and the conservation of these ecosystems.
Enter World Wetland Day, an awareness campaign held every February 2nd, organized by the Secretariat of the Convention of Wetlands and was initiated in 1997. The Convention of Wetlands was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into for in 1975. The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conversation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
The convention seeks not only to establish a progressive public awareness campaign, it also facilitates a celebration of our Wetlands and the call for the protection, conservation and restoration of wetlands all over the world. This task is undertaken by the partners of the Convention each subsequent year under different themes. This year, 2024, the theme is “Wetlands and the Wellbeing of Humans”, aims to highlight the need and importance of Wetlands to our livelihood.
We here in the beautiful Islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are home to several wetland ecosystem and thus are stakeholders in the preservation of these resources. These ecosystems are of critical importance to our biodiversity, Climate mitigation and adoption and freshwater availability to name a few. This means we are tasked with the duty of saving our wetlands here on our islands. To this effect the Department of Environment invites you to join us in the celebration of “Worlds Wetland Day” under the theme “Wetlands and Human wellbeing”, and become active in the protection, conservation and restoration of our Wetlands.
Here are some additional information on Wetlands.
What are Wetlands?
Wetlands are ecosystems which are temporarily or permanently covered by water. This includes both fresh and saltwater deposits such as oceans, lakes, rivers, marshes and swamps.
Why are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands are essential for the survival of human beings.
Wetlands are among the world’s most productive ecosystems and are indispensable due to the plethora of benefits they afford us. They are a cradle of biodiversity that provides water and a habitat for endless species of plants and animals.
How do Wetlands Benefit us?
There are many benefits of having healthy and striving Wetlands to the environment. These may include:
Water Supply
Wetlands are a major source of fresh water supply.
Water supply is essential for all living things. Wetlands act as a water supply by capturing water in undergrounds sources and reservoirs from rainfall. This water is naturally filtered, pollutants are removed, then slowly released into the environment increasing the local water supply.
Food
Wetlands are a major source of food to humans.
Wetlands are a major source of food production. They support the growing of grains and are a fount for the harvesting of fish. Almost all (90%) of our commercially harvested fish comes from wetlands, like Snappers, Salmon and Shellfish.
Flood Management
Wetlands helps to mitigate the possibility of flooding.
During heavy rainfall, Wetlands acts as a catchment for excess water. The Wetlands give rainwater a place to settle which in turn helps to prevent flooding. An acre of wetland can store 1 to 1.5 million gallons of floodwater.
Habitat
Wetlands are habitats for a plethora of biodiversity.
There are many plants and animals which depend on the Wetland conditions for their survival. Without this natural resource the biodiversity found in Wetlands would not exist. Canaree, Frigate Bay and Southeast Peninsular of our island St. Kitts are biodiversity hotspots because of the Wetlands found there. These sources are homes to plants, birds, insects, amphibians and fish found on our beautiful island.
Rest Areas
Wetlands act as a resting place for migratory birds.
As birds migrate from a cold to a warmer climate every year, Wetlands are the location they use as temporary resting spots. They also serve as an important shelter for pollinating insects, which are needed for the pollination of our fruits and vegetables.
Recreation
Wetlands are a great place for having fun.
Many persons visit the wetland for a variety of recreational reasons. These activities include fishing, taking photographs, bird watching and relaxing
Conclusion
It is with no reservation that we can say the Wetlands are extremely important for our biodiversity and in turn necessary, not only to our planet, but also towards our Sustainable Island State Agenda here in St. Kitts and Nevis. We must then not only strive to educate ourselves and the public on their importance and the need to protect these beautiful natural assets. But also, seek to restore those that are currently being destroyed. This should be a pledge going forward. A call to action! Wetlands deserve our attention for 2024 and beyond.