The United Nations (UN) reported that protecting and restoring wetlands plays a key role in preserving biodiversity and combating the climate crisis.
In the statement made by the UN, it was stated that although wetlands constitute only 6% of fresh water resources, they host 40% of all plant and animal species in the world. It was emphasized that wetlands also play an important role in buffering extreme weather events such as floods and droughts and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The statement includes the following statements:
- “Wetlands are critical for biodiversity and climate stability. However, wetlands around the world are rapidly disappearing due to human activities.”
- “Conserving and restoring wetlands is an urgent need to help preserve biodiversity and fight the climate crisis.”
- “Governments, the private sector and civil society must work together to protect and restore wetlands.”
The UN recommends the following steps be taken to protect and restore wetlands:
- Developing legal and policy frameworks for wetland conservation
- Ensuring sustainable use of wetlands
- Increasing investments for the restoration and rehabilitation of wetlands
- Raising public awareness about the importance of wetlands
Wetlands are critically important ecosystems for our planet. It is the responsibility of all of us to protect and restore these precious natural resources, helping to preserve biodiversity and fight against the climate crisis.