What are Wetlands?

Wetlands are defined as land that is permanently or seasonally flooded. These wetlands act as barriers and buffers against flooding and other natural disasters. Along our coasts, wetlands are natural buffers that help safeguard homes and livelihoods. Inland wetlands also exist and they act as reservoirs that soak in excess rainfall and prevent droughts.

Wetlands like every other natural resource has been sinking rather drastically the past few decades and they need to protected. Beyond being natural reservoirs, sponges, shock absorbers and sinks, wetlands are also home to numerous plants and animals. We need these plants and animals to balance out the ecosystem. Their survival depends on the healthy wetlands.  A lot of people around the world also depend on  wetlands for their livelihood.

You can learn more about wetlands in this video

World Wetlands Day

Did you know that World Wetlands Day has been celebrated on February 2nd? I bet you did not. We live in a world that we generally forget things that are out of sight and after all most of us don’t have daily sightings of wetlands. I live in an urban jungle and am not lucky enough to have wetland sightings everyday.

The 2017 World Wetlands Day theme is very appropriate – “Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction”. The frequency of disasters increased many fold and the effects of climate change have been irrefutable (to many) and given all this, it is time we spent a few minutes thinking and talking about our wetlands.

Easy Ways to Celebrate World Wetlands Day

While the concept of World Wetlands Day is difficult for many urban dwellers to comprehend, the easiest way to celebrate Wetlands day is to educate ourselves and others about the importance of wetlands.

Find and Visit your nearest Wetland:

I bet you don’t know where to find wetlands near to your home. A simple search online for “Wetlands near me” will point you in the right direction. Seek out Wetlands near you. Living near the coast means I have multiple wetland regions near me. Once you locate your nearest wetland, make a trip. You will come back with a better appreciation of the power of nature. Great instagrammable photos are an added bonus.

Seek Out Volunteering Opportunities

Most wetlands need volunteers to help sustain them. Wetland clean-ups, removal of non-native plants, outreach, monitoring and more. Make time to help. It is a fun way to involve kids, learn and be outdoors.

Documentary Watch

There are wonderful documentaries available on Youtube about the importance of wetlands and they are mesmerising. I love have a marathon binge watching session. It is a lovely way to spend a day at home.

Watch what you Consume

I am all for science and modern advances. But the use of toxic chemicals which get back to our wetlands and affect the balance is a complete no-no. Choose wisely. Sustainable and green is the way to go.

 

So tell me something about the wetlands closest to you? I would love to read about it.

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