World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 every year to raise global awareness about the importance of wetlands, not only for people but the planet Earth as well. The day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971
What are wetlands?
The UN defines wetlands as ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life.
It can be both freshwater and marine and coastal ecosystems such as all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs, and all human-made sites such as fishponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and saltpans.
Though they cover only around 6 % of the Earth’s land surface, 40 % of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands.
Does UMBC have wetlands?
YES! UMBC is home to many wetlands with some of the most easily identifiable ones located in proximity to the Herbert Run Green and CERA Trails. Explore UMBC's interactive Natural Environment App to learn more!
Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification.
Dangers faced by wetlands
These wetlands, despite being critical for human survival, are disappearing three times faster than forests and are Earth’s most threatened ecosystem.
According to the UN, 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost in the last 50 years.
Human activities such as drainage, pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of resources pose a major danger to wetlands. They also face extinction by invasive species and climate change.
Posted: February 2, 2022, 8:56 AM
