Good morning everyone, and welcome back to my site. Thanks to those who have the patience to follow my posts. A warm welcome to those who are here for the first time.
Focus today it’s related World Wetlands Day.
Swamps, marshes, peat bogs. These unique ecosystems that establish the indissoluble link between water and life are disappearing three times faster than forests. World Wetlands Day is an opportunity to learn about and protect them.
World Wetlands Day, was established in 1997 with the aim of increasing awareness of the value of these environments. Which play a fundamental role in the conservation of biodiversity on the planet. Whose integrity is strongly threatened by human activities. The date commemorates the signing of the international Rasmar Convention. Which took place on February 02, 1971 in the Iranian city of the same name. The first true global treaty concerning the conservation and management of natural ecosystems.
Wetlands, as defined in the Ramsar Convention, mean swamps and marshes, peat bogs or reservoirs. Natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with stagnant or flowing water, fresh, brackish or salt. Including the expanses of sea water whose depth, during low tide, does not exceed six metres. These are areas characterized by ecosystems with a very high degree of biodiversity and habitats of particular importance for aquatic birds. They provide essential ecosystem services. Such as the regulation of hydrological flows, water purification, soil erosion control, climate change mitigation, and guarantee water and food resources for millions of people. They are also places of great beauty, which can be visited in every season, for nature excursions and birdwatching.
Despite playing a fundamental role in the survival of many species, including ours. Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests and since 1970 more than 35% have been degraded or lost. The main threats to these fragile and complex ecosystems come from human activities. Pollution, indiscriminate exploitation of resources, land consumption and the introduction of alien species.
It is essential to reverse this trend. It is also very important for us in Italy, where there are many humid areas. We must understand the UNIQUE value of these areas, and actively protect and conserve them.
