The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, published a series of press briefs focusing on the value of wetlands, as well as the role of wetlands in relation to: ecosystem services; meeting the challenges of the future; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
2 February 2015: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, published a series of press briefs focusing on the value of wetlands, as well as the role of wetlands in relation to: ecosystem services; meeting the challenges of the future; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Regarding wetlands and ecosystem services, the briefs highlights that wetlands are: important providers of water-related ecosystem services; productive areas for plants, animals and wetland agriculture; a primary habitat for most of the world’s waterbirds and migratory species; and an important food source. In addition, the values of coastal and inland wetlands ecosystem services are usually higher than for other ecosystem types, and wetlands possess significant recreational, historical, scientific and cultural values.
For the role of wetlands in meeting future challenges, the briefs point out that wetlands are some of the most important bio-diverse areas in the world and, inter alia, provide fresh water, and purify and filter harmful waste from water. In addition: rice grown in wetland paddies feeds nearly three billion people; most commercial fish breed and raise their young in coastal marshes and estuaries; and wetlands act as “natural sponges” by absorbing rainfall and creating surface pools that lessen flooding in rivers. Furthermore, wetlands help combat climate change as peatlands alone store more than twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests.
According to the CBD, the proposed SDGs recognize the need to restore and manage water-related ecosystems, including wetlands, in order to address water scarcity and water risks, and wetlands are specifically mentioned in a number of SDG targets, including on: ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture (Goal 2); ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (Goal 6); taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (Goal 13); and conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (Goal 14).
Regarding the value of wetlands, the briefs describe how they deliver multiple co-benefits with social and economic value. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) assigns wetlands a total economic value of US$15 trillion in 1997, with the values of their benefits, per unit area, much higher than for other ecosystems. In addition, wetlands, inter alia, provide natural infrastructure and can help meet sustainable water management objectives in a cost-effective manner.
Finally, the briefs explain that in order to “safeguard the key role that wetlands play in our societies and economies,” all of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets must be achieved. [Wetlands Press Briefs] [World Wetlands Day Website]