World Wetlands Day
Ana María Pujante Mora
World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention. The Convention on Wetlands is a treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and entered into force in 1975. Since then, almost 90% of UN member states from all geographic regions of the world have joined the treaty.
In the Valencian Community we are fortunate to have 6 wetlands that are part of the Ramsar Convention:
- La Albufera de Valencia, Europe’s largest lake, covering an area of 21,200 hectares.
- Marjal de Pego-Oliva (1,250 hectares).
- Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca (800 hectares).
- El Fondo (2,495 hectares).
- Salinas de Santa Pola (2,570 hectares).
- Lagunas de la Mata-Torrevieja (3,743 hectares).
The direct benefits provided by wetlands are:
- Revive biodiversity
- Replenish and filter water supply
- Store carbon
- Blunt the impact of floods and storms
- Improve livehoods
- Boost eco-tourism
- Enhance well-being
It’s time for wetland restoration is the slogan chosen this year to celebrate Wetlands Day, as these ecosystems are disappearing at three times the rate of forests. Therefore, the use of good wetland practices is essential for their restoration:
- Restore multiple benefits
- Develop a restoration plan
- Involve the community
- Address the causes of degradation
- Restore native flora and fauna
- Clean up the degraded area
- Structure access to the wetland
This year the Ramsar Convention has launched a campaign inviting individuals, organisations and companies to submit their project proposals aimed at contributing to healthier wetlands by promoting their conservation, restoration or improved management. Proposals can be submitted until 2 March and the winning initiative will receive €10,000.