The 2nd of February, commemorates World Wetlands Day – an annual event that is becoming more urgent on the environmental agenda where wetlands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems. They are currently disappearing three times faster than forests, but their plight is receiving relatively little attention.
Research shows that, since 1970, climate change and human actions, including drainage and infilling for agriculture and construction, have resulted in the loss of some 35% of the world's wetlands. South Africa is naturally rich in wetland ecosystems, but 48% of these are classed as critically endangered, with 12% considered to be endangered, 5% classed as vulnerable, and only 35% in the least threatened category, according to The 2018 National Biodiversity Assessment.
Only 11% of South Africa’s wetlands have formal protection, while over 70% have no protection.
The two major factors causing wetland degradation are ignorance about the benefits of wetlands, and weak implementation of current frameworks and policies. It is therefore imperative that people are made more aware of the importance of wetland habitats, and that existing laws and policies are strengthened to prevent wetland damage and destruction.
These include protecting and improving water quality – a vital function in a water-scarce country like South Africa. They provide fish and wildlife habitats, mitigate flooding impacts by storing excess water, and help to maintain surface water flow during dry periods.
Wetlands also attract many different animal species as they provide secure food supplies and habitats for all or part of their life cycle. Plant matter breaks down in the water to form small organic particles that feed aquatic insects, shellfish and small fish that are in turn food for larger predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Unfortunately, the destruction of wetlands has led to increased water pollution, surface erosion and flood damage.
Due to water scarcity challenges worldwide, it is essential to consider non-conventional water resources such as wetlands to address the increased demand for fresh water. Wastewater treatment and recycling methods are vital to providing sufficient freshwater in the coming decades since water resources are limited, and more than 70% of water is consumed for irrigation purposes, according to Environmental Science and Pollution Research.
The preservation of wetlands calls for cooperative planning among communities, non-profit organisations, governments, and industry. World Wetlands Day is the ideal time to increase people’s understanding of these critically important ecosystems. There is an urgent need to raise national and global awareness about wetlands to reverse the rapid loss of these essential ecosystems and motivate action to conserve and restore them.