2024 WORLD WETLANDS DAY.

With 35% loss of wetlands globally since 1970, wetlands are our most threatened ecosystem today, disappearing three times faster than forests. We need to secure both our forests and wetlands to secure our biodiversity and have a climate secure future for our rising global population.?

Today, marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an international treaty aimed at protecting our remaining wetlands worldwide.

Why should we care?

They have enormous ecological, cultural and economic values that need protection.??

Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining important biodiversity, they provide clean water to human life and support survival of countless other species. Wetlands, as we know, are incredibly diverse ecosystems that include marshes, swamps, and bogs. They are not merely stagnant bodies of water; they are dynamic, complex habitats that contribute to the health of our planet below and above the water? in ways we might not fully appreciate. This means that, as scientists? investigate the complex interactions between living things and their surroundings in response to the many challenges our planet faces today, wetlands become a haven for? both natural and social scientists!

The theme for 2024 World Wetlands Day as observed; “Wetlands and Human well-being,” is?so crucial as it gets us up close and personal with wetlands. These delicate ecosystems are not just patches of water, vegetation and marshy lands; they offer? a myriad of benefits that we often take for granted. First and foremost, wetlands are biodiversity hotspots. They provide a home to a staggering variety of important plants, insects, fish, and bird species . Many of these species are unique to wetlands ecosystems only. We know for example that our Kafue Lechwe- is only found in the Kafue Flats of Zambia. The Kafue flats are the? engine of Zambia’s economy. A decline in the health of the watershed implies a threat to the future prosperity of the Lechwe. A decline in the numbers of the lechwe, as a habitat health indicator also implies that the watershed upon which our livelihoods and economies depend is also at risk.

Wetlands ecosystems serve as essential stopover points during long journeys for migratory birds, offering food resources and resting places crucial for the survival of countless bird species. Preserving wetlands is, therefore, a commitment to the conservation of these magnificent creatures and their delicate habitat.

Beyond their environmental contributions, wetlands provide numerous direct benefits to our communities that include but are not limited to the supply of water for household use, fisheries, agriculture production, tourism, recreation and cultural expression.? If you visit the Barotse floodplain in Zambia in April, you will not only appreciate the rich biodiversity housed by the wetland but also understand the history and current impact of the floodplain in supporting economic and cultural activities of local and national interests.

THE VALUE OF OUR WETLANDS IN ZAMBIA.

Zambia is home to eight Ramsar sites making us an important stakeholder in the Ramsar convention. These include the Bangweulu, Busanga plains, Tanganyika,? Luangwa, Kafue flats, Zambezi Floodplains, Mweru Wantipa and Lukanga swamps.?

All these hold high intrinsic ecological, cultural and direct economic values. A close look at the Kafue flats, Bangweulu and the Zambezi highlights common values and unique features.

Located along the Kafue River, the Kafue Flats represent one of the largest wetland systems in Zambia. This expansive floodplain is vital for biodiversity, providing a habitat for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. The flats act as a natural buffer against floods, absorbing excess water during the rainy season and releasing it gradually, thus reducing the risk of downstream flooding in the Kafue River basin.

They are essential for the livelihoods of local communities that depend on fishing and agriculture, making sustainable management crucial for both people and the environment.

In the northeastern part of our country is the Bangweulu, it is a vast? Wetland that? includes a series of swamps , lagoons and floodplains.? Bangweulu in the local Bemba language? , means "where the water meets the sky"?

As a Ramsar site, the wetland is a critical habitat for the endangered Shoebill stork, as well as various waterfowl and antelope species . The livelihoods of local communities around Bangweulu are closely tied to the wetland, these include heavy reliance on fishing, agriculture and cultural activities.

The Bangweulu is a haven for a rich diversity of waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife. The survival of these? species depends on the uniqueness of the ecosystem. Their? survival requires a continuation of this vital ecosystem . The intricate balance of this biodiversity contributes to the resilience of the wetland and its ability to adapt to environmental changes. The Bangweulu Wetlands are not just a geographical wonder; they are indeed? a testament to the interconnectedness of nature and human life.?

Zambia is also endowed with the Zambezi or Barotse Floodplain which is part of the larger Zambezi River basin system. It experiences seasonal flooding, creating a dynamic and productive ecosystem. The floodplain is a crucial breeding ground for 120?fish species, thereby supporting fisheries industries that sustain local communities and contribute to the nation's food security. Additionally, the fertile soils of the floodplain support rice cultivation during the dry season, demonstrating the interconnectedness of wetland ecosystems and human activities. The Zambezi floodplain is known world over for its enduring and colorful Kuomboka ceremony,?when the King of the Lozi moves from his palace in Lealui, when the lower ground is flooded? to his palace in Limulunga. This landscape shows an intense and intimate interaction between nature and community over centuries.

IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS AND WHY THEY MUST BE PRESERVED.

Beyond their role as a haven for diverse life forms, wetlands?ensure that the water that flows through them is cleansed before it reaches the main waterways to industries or homesteads for use. In a world grappling with significant impacts of climate preservation, wetlands have become paramount for not only safeguarding biodiversity but also ensuring our water security, and our well-being. Wetlands provide the war chest or the?first line of defense for communities vulnerable to climate change impacts. They regulate and stabilize our climate in several ways.

As natural sponges, they absorb and store excess water thereby protecting communities and property from extreme disasters?in flood-prone areas.

In the face of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and typhoons, wetlands act as buffers, absorbing excess water and dissipating the energy of storm surges. By preserving wetlands, we strengthen our defenses against the impacts of climate-related disasters, this includes strengthening the resilience of vulnerable marine communities. By regulating the flow of water, wetlands also? play a crucial role in providing? water storage facilities for dryer years for community use.

In addition, wetlands?are substantial carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plants and soil. In an era of climate change, preserving wetlands becomes a?practical and cost-effective measure to stem the rising tide of greenhouse gas emissions and the direct negative impacts of climate change on communities.

The preservation of wetlands is therefore crucial for the continuation of these livelihoods, fostering resilience of?people and nature to environmental changes.?

Lastly, we know these magnificent landscapes hold beauty that transcends functionality, contributing also to the preservation of the cultural identity and heritage of many communities .?

In conclusion, the conservation and effective management of our wetlands is imperative for nations and communities as it is foundational to the attainment of several SDGs. By acknowledging the vital services that wetlands provide and taking decisive actions to protect them, we not only ensure the health of our planet but also secure a better, more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.