Today marks World Wetlands Day, a date intended to highlight the vital contribution of these ecosystems and promote their preservation.
The choice of this date has its origins in the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971.
Wetland Characteristics:
Wetlands are areas of land that are characterized by being permanently flooded.. This category covers a wide variety of habitats, such as swamps, peat bogs, salt marshes, coral reefs, mangroves, lakes and rivers. In addition, wetlands can be fresh or salt water, also including those considered artificial, such as reservoirs, salt marshes and ponds.
Importance of Wetlands:
Biological Diversity: Wetlands are recognized for being ecosystems with great biological diversity. They host a wide variety of plant, animal and microorganism species, contributing significantly to global biodiversity.
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Water Regulation: Acting as natural filters, wetlands play a crucial role in purifying water, removing contaminants and unwanted nutrients. This feature improves the quality of the water flowing through these ecosystems.
Flood Control: Wetlands are essential in regulating water levels. During periods of heavy rain, they absorb and store water, gradually releasing it to prevent flooding and protect surrounding areas.
Carbon Sinks: They contribute to mitigating climate change by acting as significant carbon sinks. By storing large amounts of organic carbon, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
On this World Wetlands Day, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the critical importance of these ecosystems. Wetland conservation not only ensures the survival of various species, but also benefits human communities by providing essential water resources and areas for activities such as tourism and fishing.
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