WETLAND

Wetlands are habitats characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands can be freshwater, saltwater, or brackish, and they are found in various parts of the world. Wetlands are considered among the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems and play a key role in flood management other than being a valuable source of fresh water and oxygen for all life.
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Wetland habitat
Wetlands
WETLAND

Why is it so important to protect and restore our wetlands?

One of the key functions of wetlands is their role as natural filters. Wetlands act as sponges, trapping sediments and pollutants from water runoff helping purify and maintain the health of freshwater systems. Wetlands also play a crucial role in flood regulation. They function as natural buffers against floods by absorbing and storing excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or storms. This capacity to retain and slowly release water helps prevent downstream flooding, protects nearby communities, and reduces the severity of flood events. These habitats also provide valuable resources supporting fishing and agriculture, and offer opportunities for recreational activities such as birdwatching, boating, and nature tourism, attracting visitors from around the world and contributing to local economies.

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Marshes are types of wetland habitats

6%

of the world is covered by wetlands

20-30%

of the world's terrestrial carbon stocks are held by wetlands

40%

of the world's species live and breed in wetlands

1,500

bird species depend on wetlands for their survival

35%

of wetland areas have been lost between 1970 and 2015

How can we best support our wetlands?

Land acquisition and protection

By acquiring and preserving key land areas, we can create protected areas, wildlife corridors, and nature reserves that provide essential habitats for endangered species and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems.

Coastal habitat

Protecting/planting mangroves

Mangroves are nature’s guardians of the coastal habitat. They provide essential habitat for marine life, protect shorelines from erosion, and sequester significant amounts of carbon.

 

Protecting/restoring keystone species

The protection and restoration of keystone species are vital for the well-being of habitats. By ensuring their survival, we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, promote ecological stability, and support the interconnected web of life.

Keystone species

Keystone species have a key role in the functioning of a habitat, as they have a cascading effect on other species in an ecosystem. It is crucial to protect keystone species to ensure habitats’ health. For habitat restoration purposes, it can also be beneficial to reintroduce keystone species in certain areas. Here are some of the keystone species crucial for wetlands:

Coastal habitat

Mangroves

  • vulnerable
  • Globally, the area of mangroves decreased by 1.04 million ha between 1990 and 2020
Mangrove trees have adapted to grow in the salty, muddy soils of tropical and subtropical coastal areas. Mangroves are a keystone species as they provide habitat and food for a wide range of species. Occasionally referred to as the “kidneys of the coast,” mangroves store large amounts of carbon in their biomass and sediments, making them important carbon sinks. They also act as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and storm surges, reducing the risk of flooding and protecting coastal habitats from the impacts of climate change.

Beavers

  • least-concern
  • Stable (American beaver) or increasing (Eurasian beaver)
Sometimes referred to as “ecosystem engineers”, beavers are a keystone species. They continuously work to create new wetlands by building well-maintained dams and lodges. Beavers' dams turn small streams into ponds and lakes, which provide excellent areas for other animals to use and thrive.
Elephants - Habitats

Elephants

  • endangered
  • Strongly decreasing
Elephants live in diverse habitats including wetlands, forests and grasslands (African savanna). They are a key example of keystone species and ecosystem engineers. They play a vital role in shaping their environments by creating gaps in the forest canopy, dispersing seeds through their dung, and modifying vegetation structure. Making grasses thrive, elephants contribute to sustaining grazing species such as antelopes, wildebeests, and zebras. Savanna's predators such as lions and hyenas depend on them for prey. 

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