Friday, 10 October 2025
Celebrating World Wetlands Day and Their Role in Climate Resilience Every year on 2nd of February, individuals, organisations, and governments across the globe come together to celebrate World Wetlands Day. This important observance raises awareness about the vital role wetlands play in maintaining ecological balance and highlights the urgent need to conserve these unique ecosystems. […]
Every year on 2nd of February, individuals, organisations, and governments across the globe come together to celebrate World Wetlands Day. This important observance raises awareness about the vital role wetlands play in maintaining ecological balance and highlights the urgent need to conserve these unique ecosystems. But what exactly are wetlands, and why are they so crucial to climate resilience? In this article, we will delve into the significance of wetlands, their contribution to combating climate change, and how we, as individuals and communities, can play a part in their conservation.
Wetlands are unique ecosystems characterised by the presence of water, either permanently or temporarily, at or near the surface. They encompass various areas, including marshes, swamps, fens, and bogs. According to the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty aimed at conserving wetlands, these areas are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.”
Wetlands serve numerous roles: they act as natural water filters, provide habitat for diverse plant and animal species, and play a crucial role in flood control. Moreover, wetlands are essential for carbon storage and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
| Wetland Name | Type | Location | Conservation Status | Ecological Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clara Bog | Raised Bog | County Offaly | SAC, NHA, Ramsar Site | One of the best examples of a relatively intact raised bog in Western Europe. |
| Pollardstown Fen | Fen | County Kildare | SAC, NHA, Ramsar Site | Ireland’s largest remaining calcareous spring-fed fen, rich in rare plant species. |
| Shannon Callows | Floodplain Wetland | Counties Offaly & Roscommon | SPA, SAC | Seasonally flooded grassland; important breeding ground for wading birds like the curlew. |
| Cork Harbour | Estuarine Wetland | County Cork | SPA, Ramsar Site | A key site for overwintering waterfowl and migratory birds. |
| Lough Beg | Lake & Floodplain | County Londonderry | ASSI, Ramsar Site | Supports large numbers of wetland birds and rare plant species. |
| Ballynahone Bog | Raised Bog | County Londonderry | SAC, Ramsar Site | Important for peatland biodiversity and carbon storage. |
| North Bull Island | Coastal Saltmarsh & Mudflats | County Dublin | SPA, SAC, Ramsar Site | Supports internationally important bird populations and rare saltmarsh habitats. |
| Lough Neagh | Freshwater Lake System | Northern Ireland | SPA, ASSI, Ramsar Site | Largest lake system in the UK/Ireland; critical for waterfowl and fish spawning. |
| Mongan Bog | Raised Bog | County Offaly | SAC, Ramsar Site | An intact raised bog, essential for climate regulation and biodiversity. |
| Tullaher Lough and Bog | Lake & Bog Complex | County Clare | NHA | Supports a range of wetland habitats and species. |
One of the most significant benefits of wetlands is their ability to sequester carbon. According to recent studies, wetlands store approximately 30% of the world’s carbon, despite covering only about 6% of the Earth’s land surface. This carbon storage occurs primarily through the accumulation of organic matter in the waterlogged soils of wetlands. When healthy, wetlands can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping combat climate change.
Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and releasing it slowly over time. This ability to regulate water flow reduces the risk of flooding in surrounding areas, making wetlands invaluable in climate resilience strategies. During periods of heavy rainfall, wetlands can mitigate runoff, decreasing the likelihood of erosion and the destruction of habitats.
Additionally, wetland ecosystems improve water quality by filtering pollutants, which is increasingly vital as urban areas grow and face water quality challenges. The presence of wetlands can lead to cleaner waterways, benefiting both ecosystems and communities.
Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. They provide critical habitat for countless species, including birds, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. This diversity is not just vital for maintaining ecological balance; it also contributes to the resilience of these ecosystems in the face of climate change. Diverse ecosystems can better withstand environmental changes and are more adaptable to shifting conditions.
Beyond their ecological significance, wetlands offer numerous socioeconomic benefits. They provide resources such as fish and other aquatic foods, support agriculture through irrigation, and offer recreational opportunities for communities. Wetlands also have cultural importance, featuring in the traditions and lifestyles of many local communities. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems can thus enhance both community wellbeing and local economies.
Despite their importance, wetlands face numerous threats. Urban development, agriculture, industrial activities, and climate change are leading to their degradation and loss. According to the Ramsar Convention, nearly 35% of global wetlands were lost since 1970, primarily due to human activities. As wetlands diminish, so too do their vital contributions to climate resilience, biodiversity, and the services they provide to society.
Climate change poses a particular threat to wetlands. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and changing sea levels can significantly impact these ecosystems. For instance, saltwater intrusion into freshwater wetlands due to rising sea levels can compromise the natural balance, leading to species loss and habitat degradation. In turn, this can reduce the wetland’s capacity to sequester carbon, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates climate change.
Celebrating World Wetlands Day provides an excellent platform for raising awareness about the importance of wetlands. Individuals and communities can participate in local events, educational programmes, and campaigns to advocate for wetland conservation. Sharing information on social media and encouraging others to appreciate the beauty and benefits of these ecosystems can help foster a culture of conservation.
Many organisations focus on restoring and rehabilitating degraded wetlands. Supporting these initiatives, whether through donations, volunteering, or providing expertise, can significantly make a difference. Participation in local restoration projects not only benefits the wetlands but also provides community engagement and enhances the understanding of the importance of these ecosystems.
As individuals, we can adopt responsible practices that contribute to wetland conservation. Reducing water pollution through responsible waste disposal, using eco-friendly products, and implementing sustainable landscaping practices can help protect these vital ecosystems. Additionally, being mindful of our water usage can alleviate the strain on wetlands and their surrounding environments.
World Wetlands Day 2026 serves as a timely reminder of the invaluable role that wetlands play in our planet’s ecological health and climate resilience. By celebrating and safeguarding these ecosystems, we are taking crucial steps towards a sustainable and resilient future. As we honour this day every February 2nd, let us reflect on our relationship with wetlands and commit to protecting them for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference, celebrate, educate, and advocate for our precious wetlands today!
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2nd February to raise global awareness about the critical importance of wetlands for people and the planet. The date marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971, an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. This observance highlights the role of wetlands in climate resilience, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable development.
Wetlands play a significant role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and controlling water flow. Despite covering only about 6% of the Earth’s surface, wetlands store approximately 30% of the world’s soil carbon, making them vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They also act as natural sponges that absorb excess rainwater, reducing flood risks and protecting surrounding communities.
Wetlands include a diverse range of ecosystems such as marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens, and may be natural or artificial, freshwater or saltwater, and permanent or seasonal. According to the Ramsar Convention, any area where water is present at or near the surface, supporting aquatic plant life, is considered a wetland. These ecosystems support rich biodiversity and are essential for environmental health.
Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, providing essential habitat for species like birds, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. They also serve as natural water filters, removing pollutants and improving water quality. This dual role helps ensure both ecosystem stability and public health, particularly in urban and agricultural areas.
Individuals can contribute to wetland conservation by participating in local clean-up or restoration projects, supporting environmental organisations, and adopting eco-friendly habits like reducing water pollution and minimising plastic use. On World Wetlands Day, 2nd of February, people are encouraged to attend educational events, share awareness on social media, and promote policies that protect these vital ecosystems.