World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd every year. It marks the date of teh signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. It was celebrated for the first time in 1997.
This year's theme is "Caring for Wetlands - An Answer to Climate Change".
What are wetlands?
Wetlands includes bogs, marshes, peat swamps, freshwater swamps, lakes, mangroves and reiver systems. Wetlands are generally considered low-valued lands which makes them susceptible to reclamation for agriculture and other purposes.
Actually, wetlands are rich in species and provide man with numerous ecological services.
The benefits we obtain from wetlands include:
1. water supply
2. habitat for wildlife
3. fish breeding grounds
4. water purification and waste treatment
5. flood control
6. storm protechion
7. recreation
Currently many wetland species are under threat. Examples include waterbirds, freshwater fishes, amphibians, turtles, crocodiles and aquatic plants.
We can do our part by leaning more about our own country's wetlands and be supportive of the events organised by our local councils, NGOs and governnment.
Source or reference: Article titled "Wet Wonders" by TheStar dated 2nd Feb 2010, link here.
Thank you to Michelle of Rambling Woods for hosting Think(ing) Green Thursday # 35. To participate or to view contributions from other green thinkers around the globe, please visit here.
I missed wetlands day? Thank you for posting this. I should have known as we have wetland woods behind our house. It is a beautiful photo and a good link for more information too.. Michelle
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