World Wetlands Day 2019: Importance and Theme of the Day For Nature Conservation and Solution For Climate Change

World Wetlands Day (WWD) is observed on February 2nd every year to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands on the planet. February 2nd marks the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands at 1971 Ramsar Convention in Iran. Ever since, the day is annually celebrated on February 2nd based on a new theme on the importance of loss of wetlands and the need to conserve it. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2019 is 'Wetlands and climate change' highlighting the role of wetlands as a natural solution to reduce the impact of climate change.

A wetland is a water ecosystem either permanently or seasonally. What distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the vegetation of aquatic plants that are adapted to the unique hydric soil. The 2019 theme aims to highlight the impact of climate change that causes a rise in sea level, coral bleaching, hydrological effects, changes in water temperature, alterations in water availability and quality. Wetlands Disappearing Three Times Faster Than Forests: Study.

Wetlands are majorly affected by socio-economic pressures and climate change. It causes degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services and negatively impacts Mediterranean human communities, especially those on the coast. According to the report 'Mediterranean Wetlands Outlook 2: Solutions for sustainable Mediterranean Wetlands', published by the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (MWO), functioning under the umbrella of Tour du Valat and MedWet:

• Due to the rise in sea level, 95% of the wetland sites hosting more than 50,000 waterbirds are coastal and threatened with submersion
• Due to climate change, regions like the Iberian Peninsula, the Maghreb, the Balkans and the Near East are likely to lose the largest number of wetland species 4 Truths That Make Us Wonder Whether The Earth Will Survive 50 Years From Now.

Here are some of the important roles played by wetlands in coping with climate change:

• Absorbing and storing carbon
• Reducing floods
• Reducing storm surges and protecting coastlines
• Relieving droughts

Every year, different government and non-government organisations come together to raise public awareness of the importance of wetlands. Seminars, nature walks, community clean-up days, workshops, children's contests are held to educate people about the importance of wetlands. World Wetlands Day Youth Photo Contest, a month-long contest is held encouraging participation of the youth. Winner of the contest is let to travel to a wetland of their choice from over 2200 Ramsar Sites all around the world.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2019 01:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).