- Dr. Mumba pointed out that healthy wetlands are essential for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and human health. However, unsustainable development, pollution, and climate change continue to threaten these delicate ecosystems.
Ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2025, Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, has urged individuals to participate in initiatives aimed at conserving wetlands from extinction.
“I invite you to take action in three ways; make conscious choices to stop polluting wetlands, join the global efforts to conserve and sustainably manage wetlands and take part in wetland restoration efforts locally wherever you live. Be a part of the solution by making a proactive effort and sharing your story of wetland conservation with the secretariat and others,” she said in a statement.
This year's theme, “Protecting the Wetlands for Our Common Future, “aligns with the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), scheduled to take place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 23 to July 31, 2025. The commemoration of Wetlands Day aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the critical importance of wetlands.
“In every corner of the world, human beings have depended on wetlands for centuries drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these important environments,” Dr. Mumba emphasized.
She highlighted the significance of safeguarding wetlands, noting that doing so benefits the myriad species that rely on them for survival.
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“Life thrives in wetlands and human life depends on them. They provide the home and breeding ground for many endangered and threatened species that can only survive in certain locations. Beyond the clean water and food, that wetlands provide, they help protect against natural disasters by mitigating the impacts of storms surges and floods and droughts as well,” she added.
Dr. Mumba pointed out that healthy wetlands are essential for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and human health. However, unsustainable development, pollution, and climate change continue to threaten these delicate ecosystems.
“Protecting wetlands for our common future requires collaborations, policies, regulations and community initiatives that spur effective conservation and sustainable wise use,” she noted.
Beyond their role in safeguarding endangered species, wetlands also play a crucial part in climate change mitigation. “, They help protect against natural disasters by mitigating the impact of storm surges, floods and droughts,” she reiterated.
In Kenya, the national celebrations for World Wetlands Day will take place at Ondiri Wetland in Kiambu County on February 2, 2025.
