Let’s celebrate the importance of wetlands

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These important ecosystems are responsible for regulating the water cycle. Here we tell you why they are important

Since 1997, World Wetlands Day is celebrated with the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran on February 2, 1971.

If you didn't know, wetlands are extremely important ecosystems for the environment because they are responsible for regulating the water cycle. In fact, they are vital for human survival.

Leer en español: Celebremos la importancia de los humedales

According to Ramsar, "wetlands are indispensable because of the innumerable benefits or 'ecosystem services' they provide to humanity, from fresh water supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and mitigation of climate change".

For this reason, protecting them is essential for human survival and the balance of the environment and the Ramsar Convention is one of the best ways to do so.

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What is Ramsar about?

This agreement was signed in order to protect them, especially as a habitat for waterfowl. Subsequently, it was established on February 2 as the world day of these places: in 1997, 50 countries celebrated this commemoration. Today, there are more than 2,200 Ramsar sites equivalent to 2.1 million square kilometers.

This agreement "is the oldest of the modern intergovernmental agreements on the environment. The treaty was negotiated in the 1960s between countries and non-governmental organizations concerned about the increasing loss and degradation of wetland habitats for migratory waterbirds. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. "

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What are the countries with the largest Ramsar sites?

• United Kingdom: 170 sites
• Mexico: 142 sites
• Bolivia has the largest area: 148,000 km2
• Canada, Chad, the Congo, and the Russian Federation have also designated more than 100,000 km2 each

What is the use of being a Ramsar site?

As we explained in a previous article, "they are basically recognized as important ecosystems, either because the species of plants or animals that inhabit these places are in danger of extinction or are necessary to 'maintain the biological diversity of a region particular biogeographical Another of the nine criteria to take into account is whether the place is a strange or unique example of a natural wetland, among other things. "

LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza

Translated from: 'Celebremos la importancia de los humedales'