Posted On: 2024-02-02 10:33:22
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency: “Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.”
Wetlands are highly productive and biologically diverse systems that enhance water quality, control erosion, maintain stream flows, sequester carbon, and provide a home to at least one-third of all threatened and endangered species.
To raise awareness about wetlands, 2nd February is annually celebrated as World Wetlands Day. The theme of the year 2024 is ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’. Its goal is to highlight how all aspects of human well-being - physical, mental, and environmental - are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands.
Today, we are going to observe World Wetlands Day by stating five important facts about wetlands.
Due to the wetlands’ combination of soil and plants, they act as the natural water filter. They help to filter the water of pollutants giving us access to clean water in our lakes and rivers.
Wetlands are home to many species of plants and animals. Animals like Capybara, Jaguar, Domestic Water Buffalo and Flamingos call wetlands their home. So by conserving wetlands, you are also saving these species from extinction.
An acre of wetlands can store up to 1-1.5 million gallons of floodwater. These wetlands act as a natural barrier during floods and keep us safe and are an important frontline defense against hurricanes. That is why it is important to preserve them while we can.
By reducing pressure on soil, wetlands can control soil erosion during storms and rains. This in turn reduces the chances of landslides, saving many lives in the process.
Spanning across Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, Patanal has the distinction of being the largest wetland in the world. It spreads over 42 million acres and supports millions of people there, as well as communities downstream.
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) India works to preserve wetlands in India. By donating to them, you can contribute to conserving the wetlands of India and saving numerous animal species in the process.
Filaantro is also committed to the cause of protecting the environment. We regularly conduct beach cleanups, animal feeding and tree plantation drives. Through beach clean-ups, we have saved 20,886,120 marine lives with the help of volunteers. With our Life on Land initiative, we have saved up to 59,445 animals and trees.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Make sure to share it with all your friends and family members on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Your shares have the power to bring about an awareness in our society.
AUTHOR: Adil Sayyad
Ready to Start a Fundraiser ?