- World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 every year to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands.
- TUKO.co.ke has set the theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 as “Wetlands and Human Welfare”.
- Importantly, the 2024 theme emphasizes how all aspects of human well-being are linked to the health of the world's wetlands.
- On World Wetlands Day, activities at the event include distribution of native tree saplings and tree planting.
Dennis Lubanga, a Kenyan journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has over 10 years of experience covering politics, news and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.
nadi – World Wetlands Day 2024, scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 2 February, will see a special tree planting event held in Nadi County.
Source: original
World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 every year to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands.
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This day marks the anniversary of the Wetlands Convention, an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for the protection and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
This international agreement was signed in 1971 with Iran's Ramsar Convention and entered into force in 1975.
What is the theme of World Wetlands Day 2024?
TUKO.co.ke understands that the theme of World Wetlands Day 2024 is “Wetlands and Human Well-Being”.
This theme aims to highlight how people derive nourishment, inspiration and resilience from these productive ecosystems, and how wetlands and human life are interconnected. That's what I mean.
Importantly, the 2024 theme emphasizes how all aspects of human well-being are linked to the health of the world's wetlands.
Against this backdrop, in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2024, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in collaboration with the Nadi District Government and other partners, will hold a tree-planting ceremony around the Mtwat Wetland.
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Speaking ahead of the event, Resilience Reservoir Manager for Eldoret Iten Water Fund and Yarra River Water Fund Stephen Kibet said: TUKO.co.ke They settled in the Mutwot wetland because it is currently facing serious encroachment problems.
“Known for its rich biodiversity and ecosystem services, this wetland has been degraded as local communities engage in cultivation and pastoral activities, resulting in an estimated 95% of this important ecological resource and wildlife habitat being degraded. Therefore, it is under threat,” Kibet said.
Why is Mtwot wetland threatened?
He also pointed out that heavy use of pesticides threatens a wide range of animal and bird species.
“For example, the Mtwot wetland is home to birds such as cranes and guinea fowl, as well as the endangered sitatunga antelope. However, human activities in the wetland have contributed to the decline in the area's vital resources. It is also disrupting the flow of the Mtwot River,” Kibet explained.
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Mtwat Wetland is within TNC's Yarra River Water Fund project area, which aims to restore the catchment area of the Yarra River Basin, which spans five counties: Nadi, Vihiga, Kakamega, Siaya and Bungoma.
On World Wetlands Day, activities at the event include distribution of native tree saplings and tree planting.
Participants will also install fencing on 5,500 hectares of wetland area to enable natural regeneration.
Alternative livelihoods will also be provided to communities adjacent to forests through activities such as developing 2,000 agricultural schemes, constructing 400 water receptacles, and distributing 2,000 energy-efficient cookstoves. I am planning to do so.
What is Yarra River Water Fund?
Ms Kibet also said the Yarra River Water Fund is an innovative, women-led community approach to ensuring sustainable livelihoods and water security through nature-based solutions.
“Smallholder farmers can contribute to watershed restoration by adopting agricultural best management practices such as agroforestry, cover crops, fanya jew, terraces, riparian buffers and woodlands,” he said. Ta.
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Wetlands are essential to human survival as important sources of water for consumption, agriculture, and livestock watering.
They recharge wells and springs that are the only source of water for some rural areas, livestock water supplies, and wildlife support systems.
Wetlands are also one of the world's most productive environments, providing economic benefits through fishing and the production of products such as firewood, building materials, medicines, honey, and many types of natural foods.
These areas of biodiversity are also important as grazing areas in Kenya.
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These are the only source of water and pasture/fodder for pastoral communities during droughts in ASAL.
However, according to the World Wild Foundation (WWF) Living Planet report, 64% of the world's wetlands have been lost since 1900, and 76% of freshwater plant and animal populations have disappeared in the past 40 years alone. This is more serious than any wetland. other ecosystems.
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Why is the list of endangered species growing?
TUKO.co.ke Experts have previously attributed the growing list of endangered species around the world to loss of wildlife habitat and environmental disturbance caused by human activities. reported.
According to experts, healthy biodiversity is essential for human health and survival.
Biodiversity includes all kinds of animals, birds, plants, fish, insects, and microorganisms.
However, many species are at risk of extinction due to human activities over the years.
According to WWF's 2018 report, in just 40 years, populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians have declined by 60%.
Now, Saiwa Wetland, Kenya's smallest national park in Trans-Nzoia County, faces threats from climate change and human activity.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
