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Biodiversity Hotspots Under Threat
Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, home to a wide range of species that rely on these habitats for breeding, feeding, and shelter. Migratory birds depend on wetland stopovers to rest and refuel during long journeys, and many fish species use wetland areas as nurseries. However, these ecosystems are under growing threat from human activities. Urban expansion, industrial development, agriculture, and pollution have led to the loss of over half the world’s wetlands in the last century. In some regions, wetlands are drained to make way for farmland or filled in for construction projects, often with devastating consequences for local wildlife and water systems.

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Climate Change and Carbon Storage
Wetlands also play a surprisingly important role in the fight against climate change. Peatlands, a type of wetland, store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined, thanks to their dense, organic-rich soils that accumulate plant material over thousands of years. When wetlands are destroyed or drained, this stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting and restoring wetlands is therefore a highly effective climate strategy—one that not only preserves biodiversity and water quality but also helps mitigate global warming by keeping carbon locked in the ground.

Conservation and Restoration Efforts
Around the world, efforts are underway to conserve and restore wetlands. Governments, nonprofits, and local communities are working together to re-flood drained wetlands, remove invasive species, and restore native vegetation. International agreements like the Ramsar Convention help protect wetlands of global significance, promoting sustainable management and awareness. Public education is also key, as many people are unaware of the value wetlands provide until they are lost. By investing in wetland conservation, we are investing in the health of our planet—protecting water, wildlife, and the resilience of ecosystems in the face of environmental change.