Wetlands are not just patches of wet land; they are amazing ecosystems that help support biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and provide jobs and resources. Whether it’s a marsh, swamp, peatland, estuary, or even coral reef, each wetland area is unique and invaluable.
They all are living, breathing examples of how to reach a common goal: ensuring wetlands benefit both people and the planet.
As the Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, I have seen first-hand how preserving these areas can lead to healthier environments, stronger economies, and better lives for hundreds of millions of people.
Understanding Wetlands of International Importance
The Convention on Wetlands is the first intergovernmental treaty focused on protecting our environment. Established in 1971 for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, our Wetlands of International Importance (“Ramsar sites”), are recognized for their significant ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic value.
Wetlands contribute directly to achieving many UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making them integral to global sustainability strategies. Wetlands act as natural water purifiers, filtering pollutants and improving water quality, helping ensure clean water for all (SDG 6). They also store carbon, helping to tackle climate change by capturing greenhouse gases (SDG 13).
Coastal and marine wetlands, such as mangroves and coral reefs, support marine biodiversity and fisheries, proving food and livelihoods for many (SDG 14). Wetland ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and are home to numerous endemic or endangered plant and animal species (SDG 15).
Additionally, urban wetlands enhance urban resilience, manage stormwater, and provide green spaces that improve the quality of life in cities and reduce the risk of disasters in vulnerable areas (SDG 11).
Wetlands as an economic driver
The benefits of wetlands extend well beyond the environment—they are also economic powerhouses. They play a role in mitigating climate change, which is creating havoc for communities that rely on wetlands for their livelihoods.
Imagine a Senegalese woman harvesting water lilies to make a tasty local delicacy or a boatman in the Sundarbans delivering goods through marshy waters, serving as the only method of transportation for local communities. If wetlands disappear, so do these jobs—and many others.
On the environmental side, wetlands act as carbon sinks, reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This helps combat global warming and prevents climate-related health risks for plants, animals, and people, which can range from heatwaves to the spread of diseases, ultimately affecting human livelihoods.
Urbanization and wetlands
Urbanization is dramatically altering human settlement patterns, with half of the world's population currently residing in urban areas—a figure expected to rise significantly by 2050. This trend poses a grave threat to wetland conservation. As cities expand and demand for land increases, wetlands are often viewed as prime space for development.
But when preserved and managed sustainably, urban wetlands offer many environmental, economic, and social benefits. They act as natural sponges during storms, reducing city flooding and preventing disaster-related costs. Dense vegetation in these wetlands filters domestic and industrial waste, improving water quality.
Recognizing these benefits is crucial for integrating wetlands into urban planning and development. Cities like Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Kampala, Uganda, have taken the plunge, restoring and integrating urban wetlands to mitigate flooding and enhance water security.
Urban wetlands also provide recreational and educational opportunities for city dwellers. Green spaces and water bodies in urban areas offer residents a chance to connect with nature to promote mental and physical well-being.
Wetlands' effect on the global economy
The economic impact of mental health and wellness issues like absenteeism, burnout, and depression costs the global economy billions of dollars each year. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that the economic loss due to mental health problems, including absenteeism and decreased productivity, is around 4% of global GDP, or $2.5 trillion annually.
Addressing mental health through nature-based solutions like preserving and promoting access to wetlands can have economic benefits. Imagine that a walk in a wetland area can lead to saving literally trillions of dollars. Pushing this idea forward, many cities have transformed urban wetlands into parks and nature reserves, with the added benefit of attracting tourists and boosting local economies.
Lima, Peru, has done just that with Los Pantanos de Villa. This tiny urban wetland only 263ha large is a popular site for recreation, tourism, education, and scientific research, and represents an oasis in the sprawl of the capital.
Strategies for saving urban wetlands
Conserving urban wetlands requires a comprehensive approach involving policy interventions, community engagement, and innovation.
One effective strategy is wetland-friendly urban planning and design. This includes incorporating wetlands into urban development plans, protecting existing wetlands from encroachment, and restoring those that are degraded. Cities like New York and Singapore have successfully integrated wetlands into their urban landscapes, demonstrating that development and conservation can indeed co-exist.
Community involvement is also crucial as local communities often have valuable knowledge and a vested interest in protecting their natural surroundings. Engaging residents in wetland restoration, offering educational programs, and promoting citizen science can foster a sense of ownership and stewardship. Near Mumbai, India, for example, the restoration of the Thane Creek Wetland has involved local communities in monitoring and managing the wetland, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Constructed wetlands, which mimic the functions of natural wetlands, can be used to treat wastewater, manage stormwater, and create new green spaces in urban areas. The city of Hamburg, Germany, for example, has implemented constructed wetlands as part of its sustainable urban drainage system, improving water quality and enhancing biodiversity.
The Wetland City Accreditation scheme
To recognize and promote the conservation of urban wetlands, the Convention on Wetlands administers the Wetland City Accreditation scheme. This initiative aims to highlight cities that have made significant steps toward the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Accredited cities can serve as models of best practices, showcasing how urban development and wetland conservation can indeed coexist.
The Wetland City Accreditation scheme has already recognized many cities for their exemplary efforts. In 2018, the inaugural list of 18 accredited cities included Changde in China, Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Dakar in Senegal, among others. Today, there are 43 accredited Wetland Cities with others continuing to apply for this prestigious status.
These cities have demonstrated strong commitment to wetland conservation through policies, projects, and community engagement. They have integrated wetlands into their urban planning, protected and restored wetland ecosystems, and raised awareness about the importance of wetlands.
The Wetland City Accreditation scheme shows the potential of urban wetlands to transform cities into more sustainable and liveable spaces. It is my hope that more cities will join the Wetland City Accreditation scheme, embracing the conservation of urban wetlands as a key component of their development agenda. Together, we can create a future where wetlands are valued and protected.
The benefits of wetland conservation
Conserving wetlands, both in urban and rural areas, offers numerous benefits that extend beyond environmental sustainability. Wetlands support livelihoods by providing resources such as fish, plants, and clean water. They offer opportunities for sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, supporting food security and income generation. Wetlands also play a crucial role in disaster risk reduction, protecting communities from floods, storms, and droughts.
In addition to these tangible benefits, wetlands hold cultural and spiritual significance for many communities. They are often considered sacred places, associated with traditional practices and beliefs. Conserving wetlands helps preserve cultural heritage and promotes a sense of identity and belonging.
As we face the dual challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization, the conservation of wetlands has never been more critical. The solution lies in conserving and restoring wetlands as nature-based solutions that support livelihoods, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development.
In my role as Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, I am committed to advocating for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. I invite all stakeholders—governments, communities, businesses, and individuals—to join us in this mission. By working together, we can ensure that wetlands continue to provide their invaluable services—supporting livelihoods and sustaining life on our wondrous planet.
