Rivers, lakes, marshes, peatlands, mangrove swamps, garden ponds… what do they all have in common? They are all wetlands. A vital ecosystem, wetlands cover just 6% of the Earth’s surface, but 40% of plants and animals live or breed in wetlands and over 10% of people rely on wetlands for their livelihoods. Wetlands are also one of the fastest disappearing habitats on Earth.

As we approach World Wetlands Day on 2 February, our sustainability expert Sarah Walkley looks at why it is vital that we appreciate, protect and restore wetlands.

According to the UN, wetlands are disappearing at a rate more than three times faster than forests. Over the past 50 years, more than one-third of the world’s wetlands have been lost due to pollution, infill for building and agriculture, invasive species and climate change. Wetlands are vital for our health and wellbeing – and that of our planet. Here’s why…

Tackle climate change

Healthy peatlands and mangrove swamps store massive amounts of carbon – about twice as much as a forest of the same size. While peat is wet, dead trees and plants cannot decompose. As soon as they begin to dry out, decomposition begins and the carbon is released into the atmosphere.

Provide clean water

Known as the ‘kidneys of the Earth’, wetlands filter water and remove contaminants and pollutants, creating a clean source of drinking water for plants and humans. In the UK, several water companies are looking at using reedbeds to filter water rather than chemicals.

Improve biodiversity

With so many of Earth’s plants and animals relying on wetlands to live and breed, restoring them is a real boost to biodiversity.

Reduce the impact of flooding

As temperatures rise, so do freak weather events such as rainstorms. If the land is dry, there is no where for the rain to go; it runs straight off resulting in flash flooding. Wetlands act as a sponge, soaking up all that extra rain.

Improve lives

More than 1 billion people (roughly equivalent to the population of India) rely on wetlands for their livelihoods. They fish, grow rice and harvest reeds to make products or build houses. With an abundance of wildlife, they are also an attractive place to visit and can provide a boost to ecotourism.

Enhance wellbeing

Wetlands are a relaxing place to visit and connect with nature, helping us to unwind and enhancing our mood.

With half term fast approaching why not explore of the UK’s wildlife-rich wetland centres? Dramatic and changeable, wild, watery and full of life, our wetlands are the perfect place to embrace winter wildlife. Here in the UK, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) look after our wetlands, take a look at their website and find one near you.

Sarah Walkley is a freelance writer and researcher on a mission to empower everyone to play their part in addressing climate change and nature loss.

She set up Purplefully to help organisations develop their sustainability strategy and communication.