Why is it so important to protect wetlands?

Protecting wetlands is so important because wetlands are the most threatened ecosystems at present.

Wetlands, forests and oceans are also called the three major ecosystems on the earth. They have important ecological service functions such as water conservation, water purification, climate regulation and biodiversity maintenance. Known as "kidney of the earth", "treasure house of species" and "carbon storage pool", they are important strategic resources and scarce resources to ensure national ecological security and sustainable economic and social development.

Wetland is the most threatened ecosystem at present. China is rich in wetland resources, but with the development of economy and the acceleration of urbanization, due to human predatory development and unreasonable utilization, siltation, pollution, excessive drainage and other factors, wetlands continue to degrade, their functions and benefits decline, and biodiversity is lost. According to statistics, in the second half of the 20th century, 50% of the beaches along the coast of China no longer existed. About 13% of the lakes in China have disappeared.

Ecological benefits of wetlands

Wetland is the habitat and breeding ground for many endangered birds, migratory birds and other wild animals. Wetlands play an important role in storing water, regulating river runoff, replenishing groundwater and maintaining regional water balance. It is a natural "sponge" for water storage and flood control, and plays a very significant role in controlling floods and regulating water flow. Biological and chemical processes in wetlands can degrade and transform pesticides, industrial pollutants and toxic substances brought by agricultural production, benefiting local and downstream areas.