February is the shortest month of the year, but, for the world’s wetlands, it’s also an important one. World Wetlands Day takes place 2 February 2023 and now is the time to learn more and join the movement for global—and local—wetlands conservation. World Wetlands Day is an opportunity for all of us to make conscious choices that minimise the loss of wetlands, encourage others to support restoration efforts, and take action to create change.
At Rocket Charities, we’ve been fortunate to work with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Limited (WWT), a charity that helps save wetlands for wildlife and people. WWT is supported by a community of people brought together by a shared love of wetlands and a drive to protect these important habitats—and you can join them. In honour of World Wetlands Day this February, we look at how we can protect our local UK wetlands and what you can do to make a difference.
Why are wetlands important?
The reason wetlands are so important is because they’re in such trouble. According to WWT, 35% of our wetlands have disappeared since 1970. Wetlands are home to immense biodiversity—40% of our plants and animals depend on them and every year, 200 new species are discovered in freshwater wetlands! They’re part of our natural infrastructure and protection against climate change. Wetlands absorb vast amounts of carbon; they protect us from extreme weather events and help us recover from disasters. They also provide livelihoods for one billion people, support millions of jobs, and produce food (like rice) that more than half of the world depends upon.
For too long, we’ve taken these critical habitats for granted. Globally, wetlands range from mudflats and floodplains to peat bogs and giant deltas. Notable wetlands in the UK include the Insh Marshes between Kingussie and Kincraig in Badenoch and Strathspey; the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire; and the Wallasea Wetlands, a reclaimed area in Essex.
Why are wetlands under threat?
Wetlands are critical to our world, so why are they one of the world’s most threatened habitats? Sadly, wetlands face a variety of human-caused threats, like unsustainable development resulting in habitat loss. According to WWT, 87% of the world’s wetlands have been lost over the last 300 years as hundreds of thousands of hectares are drained to make room for agriculture, industry, and housing. As we drain and develop these precious habitats, wildlife disappears, like the endangered curlew in the UK.
Another threat is pollution; 80% of the world’s wastewater is released untreated into fragile wetlands. This wastewater comes from factories, pesticides, and even major spills. This threat persists, even though wetlands act as one of the most important natural filters to remove pollutants from our water. Invasive species are also damaging to native wetlands species, which can introduce or spread disease or outcompete native species for food and space. Lastly, climate changes in rainfall and temperature are a threat, which can cause wetlands to dry out. Again, the terrible irony here is that wetlands, when protected, can also be a key solution to reduce the negative impacts of climate change.
What can I do?
The problem is real, and it is big—the loss of wetlands is forcing species to the brink of extinction. But there is something you can do about it. To begin, embrace World Wetlands Day on 2 February this year. You can look to the experts and a community of supporters and doers to get started. This article is just an introduction; continue to educate yourself and the others in your life about the importance of wetlands and the threats they face.
Research the various organisations that support wetlands protections, like the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, and support their work through donations and volunteering. Where you can, sign up to become a member, leave a gift in your will, raise funds through a sponsored birdwatch or species count, or even “adopt” a wetlands animal as a unique gift for someone in your life.
Are you looking for something you can do right now? WWT offers a stunning set of exclusive pin badges featuring a range of wetlands species, from an avocet to a white stork. Purchase a single pin for £1.50 or collect the whole set. It may seem small compared to such a big challenge, but your collective small purchases add up to critical funds to support the organisations working tirelessly to protect our wetlands.
Our world depends on wetlands. Small or large, you can act today to help create a world where healthy wetlands thrive, and our lives are enriched as a result. What other ways will you honour World Wetlands Day this 2 February? We’d love to know what other charities you support or hear your own special stories from a wetlands experience. Please get in touch with us today!