World Wetlands Day

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According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) wetlands are ecosystems saturated with water, either seasonally or permanently. They store water and ensure its quality, providing resilience against drought. Wetlands play a central role in sustainable development by supplying all our fresh water. According to the RAMSAR Convention, wetlands include: “all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peat lands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs, and all human made sites such as fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and salt pans. The Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran, 1971. One of the most common types of wetland in Jamaica is the mangrove wetland, which is found along coasts, coastal rivers, tidal creeks, around ponds, lagoons and on small islands (cays). In Jamaica, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is the agency responsible for safeguarding matters concerning the environment. Among the wetlands in Jamaica are The Great Morass in St. Thomas, Black River Morass in St. Elizabeth, Pear Tree Bottom in St. Ann, Palisadoes in Port Royal in Kingston, Great Salt Pond in St. Catherine, Canoe Valley and Salt River Swamp in Clarendon, Carbarita Swamp in Westmoreland and Hauge Swamp in Trelawny. Wetlands are a habitat (or home) to many diverse, unusual and unique species of plants, animals, birds and fish. They are also a nursery for many types of marine organisms. Wetlands protect coastal areas from storms and hurricanes and reduce the risk of flood damage to houses, businesses and roads. Without wetlands, our coral reefs will be harmed by runoff from the land, there would be less fish, fewer beaches to visit and our underground drinking water would become more polluted. The world has lost 70% of its natural wetlands over the last 100 years. That has also lead to a significant loss of freshwater species. Why Wetlands Matters The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that 40% of all species live and breed in wetlands. Wetlands are the kidneys of the earth in that they filter pollutants from water. Wetlands are also important for climate change in that they store 30% of land-based carbon, they minimize disaster risks, by absorbing storm surges and storing flood waters and finally wetlands provide employment for 1 billion people. We all have a role to play in the protection of our wetlands. A few suggestions include utilizing pesticides and fertilizers sparingly; avoid throwing garbage into gullies and drains as well as avoid introducing non-native and invasive species to fauna and flora. This year’s theme Wetlands and Water highlight a spotlight on wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages actions to restore them and stop their loss. We are facing a growing freshwater crisis that threatens people and our planet. We use more freshwater than nature can replenish, and we are destroying the ecosystem that water and all life depend on most – Wetlands. Water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable coexistence that is vital to life, our wellbeing and the overall health of our planet. The 2021 campaign highlights the contribution of wetlands to the quantity and quality of freshwater on our planet. Water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence that is vital to life, our wellbeing and the health of our planet. In most instances there is a lack of awareness regarding wetlands and matters relating to the environment. The link between environmental protection and the protection of our wetlands is critical for the long term survival of humanity. Happy #WorldWetlandsDay. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©

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