World Wetlands Day 2024: Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.

The 2024 campaign emphasizes the urgency to take action to preserve and restore this rich ecosystem with significant biodiversity. This system supports human welfare and inspires unique cultures. 

The international treaty "The Convention of Wetlands" has been adopted since February 2, 1971, as the first global multilateral environmental agreement and is the only agreement dedicated to a specific ecosystem. In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing February 2 as World Wetlands Day. 

In Papiamento, wetlands are similar to salt pans and mangrove forests and include coral reefs. We use "wetlands" as a collective term for these areas. Wetlands cover approximately 6% of the world's surface. It is an area where saltwater and freshwater are present, known as brackish water. 

Freshwater wetlands include rivers, lakes, ponds, and floodplains. Wetlands are an essential ecosystem that provides services vital to our health, well-being, and economy. These services include water purification,  biodiversity promotion,  food provision, and protection against climate change effects. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining the planet in a healthy state. People find relaxation and promote mental peace in wetland areas. 

Despite providing so many services, wetlands are at risk of disappearing. Since 1970, one-third of global wetlands have disappeared, and those that remain are disappearing three times faster than forests. 

World Wetlands Day provides an opportunity to voice our support for wetlands and commit ourselves to efforts for their protection. The Department of Nature and Environment invites everyone to participate in efforts for wetlands restoration in our country, ensuring their health for future generations. 

Here are some actions we can take to protect wetlands:
-    Share photos of wetlands;
-    Protect existing wetlands;
-    Restore lost wetlands;
-    Reduce the use of chemicals and pesticides that run off in wetland areas;
-    Conserve water;
-    Promote a sustainable lifestyle;
-    Conduct clean-up activities in wetland areas. Do not remove plants or destroy natural elements. 

History has shown a significant connection between people and wetlands. We depend on each other for our well-being. Let's collaborate to protect and restore wetlands in Aruba, including Spaans Lagoen, so that future generations can enjoy them. DNM encourages everyone to share stories on their preferred social media platforms using hashtags #WWD2024 #WetlandsandHumanWellbeing #WetlandsandPeople #ActforWetlands #DNMAruba.