Wetlands refer to areas of land that are covered by water or have regular standing water and support wetland biota. Wetland ecosystems are a unified whole consisting of wetland plants, animals, microorganisms, and their environment.
Wetlands have various functions, including protecting biodiversity, regulating runoff, improving water quality, regulating microclimates, providing food and industrial materials, and providing tourism resources.
According to a broad definition, wetlands cover only 6% of the Earth's surface but provide a habitat for 20% of known species. Wetlands have irreplaceable ecological functions and are therefore referred to as the "kidneys of the earth."
Biodiversity in wetlands is of great importance. A rich variety of wild animals and plants depend on wetlands for survival and reproduction, including many rare and unique species. Wetlands are important areas for biodiversity and habitats for endangered birds, migratory birds, and other wildlife.
Wetlands also have aesthetic functions such as nature sightseeing, tourism, and entertainment. Many important tourist attractions around the world are located in wetland areas. In addition to creating direct economic benefits, wetlands also have important cultural value. Especially in urban areas, wetlands have important social benefits in beautifying the environment, regulating the climate, and providing recreational space for residents.
Under the dual pressures of population explosion and economic development, a large number of wetlands were converted into farmland in the late 20th century. Combined with excessive resource development and pollution, the wetland area has been greatly reduced, and wetland species have been severely damaged.
The Ramsar Convention, established in 1997, designated February 2nd of each year as World Wetlands Day. World Wetlands Day aims to call attention to the contribution of wetlands to human survival in the ecosystem and promote the rational development and utilization, protection and restoration of wetlands.
Each year, World Wetlands Day has a different theme. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2023 is "Wetland Restoration".
Due to the degree of wetland degradation being beyond imagination, the speed of wetland disappearance has been approximately three times that of forest ecosystems since the 1970s. Over 35% of wetlands have completely lost their ecological functions, which has seriously affected the balance of the ecosystem.
Measures to protect wetlands include:
1. Adjusting lake water levels: Adopting reasonable lake water level regulation measures to restore lake water levels and the area of original wetlands.
2. Reducing pollution: By implementing industrial concentration zones, sewage treatment centers, rural sewage treatment facilities, etc., reducing pollution of wetlands to protect the ecological system.
3. Scientific development and utilization: Due to the uniqueness of wetland protection, it should be scientifically developed and utilized with minimal destructiveness and environmental impact to achieve the utilization benefits of wetlands.
4. Strengthen management: Strengthen the management of wetlands, formulate relevant laws and regulations, and establish effective monitoring systems and management mechanisms to protect the ecological environment of wetlands.
5. Strengthen social education: Strengthen social education through propaganda, education, training, and other methods to enable the public to better understand the important role of wetlands, thereby forming a sense of common participation in wetland protection.
